Abstract: The decimal scale for a linear or angular measuring instrument consists of a fine scale extending to the edge, and a simple scale parallel to the edge. The longest graduations span from the edge to the simple scale, and each midpoint between them is indicated by a mark on the simple scale line. The graduations of the fine scale have an alternating pattern, so that each graduation is adjacent to another of a different length. A series of numerals refer to the graduations at regular intervals. If these numerals increase to one thousand or above, and there is limited lateral space, the last three digits are placed in a different row from the first portion of the numeral.