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Jun 7, 2023 · Reviewed by Grace Imson, MA. Last Updated: June 7, 2023 Fact Checked. To someone who doesn't know how to use it, a slide rule looks like a ruler designed by Picasso. There are at least three different scales, and on most of them the numbers aren't even spaced evenly apart.
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Additionally, The slide rule does not tell you where the decimal point is located in the answer. To do a calculation with a slide rule you reduce all numbers to scientific notation with 2-4 digits then use the slide rule to perform the basic operations. In a separate calculation you find the order of magnitude by combining the powers of 10.
There are already a couple of tutorials posted at Instructables on using a slide rule. I aim to make this one more complete and easier to follow. It will cover all of the basic calculations, not just multiplication. Still, learning to use a slide rule is not a simple afternoon project.
Downloadable Version of this Web Page. This self-guided course gives numeric examples of the basic calculations that a slide rule can do. Just follow the step-by-step instructions and you will be amazed by the power and versatility of the venerable Slipstick.
The slide rule is actually made of three bars that are fixed together. The sliding center bar is sandwiched by the outer bars which are fixed with respect to each other. The metal "window" is inserted over the slide rule to act as a place holder. A cursor is fixed in the center of the "window" to allow for accurate readings.
If you want to skip the theory, and proceed directly to how to use a slide rule, see my How to Use a Slide Rule page for some downloadable manuals. You might also want to check out the various types of rules and the meanings of common scales listed on my Slide Rule Scales page.
The Mathematics Collection in the National Museum of American History contains over 200 slide rules, one manufacturer's display on how a slide rule is made, nearly 30 replacement and broken parts, and over 40 pieces of documentation for the collection, such as instruction manuals and warranties.
