Abstract: A grade liner which is used in cooperation with grade stakes to determine the grade within a ditch. Means are provided for establishing a horizontal line of sight a selected rise distance "A" above a grade stake. Plumb means are provided which intersect the established horizontal sight line a given offset distance from said stake. The plumb means is calibrated such that the zero calibration is located a selected distance related to said rise distance "A" from the lower end of said plumb means. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, optical means, such as a target sighting rifle scope, are utilized in establishing a desired horizontal sight line. For the plumb means, a surveyor's tape measure may be utilized when coupled to a plumb bob, the length of which bob is selectively determinable and related to the distance said sight line lies above the grade stake.