meetlat

Meetlat is the Dutch term for a measuring stick, a rigid straight tool used to determine length. In Dutch-speaking regions such as the Netherlands and Flanders, a meetlat refers to a straight rod marked with metric units, typically centimeters and millimeters. Meetlats are commonly made from wood, metal, or durable plastic and are available in lengths such as 0.5, 1, and 2 meters. The standard version is a simple one-piece stick, though some models feature additional markings or color contrasts to enhance readability.

Construction and variants: A meetlat is designed to provide a quick, non-flexing method for measuring distances or for checking straightness and alignment. Common versions include wooden or metal sticks with etched or printed scales. Folding or telescoping variants exist in the broader category of measuring tools and are sometimes referred to as folding rules or folding meetlat, used for compact storage and extended reach. Some meetlats include reinforced edges, anti-slip surfaces, or magnetic interactives to aid certain tasks.

Usage: To measure, place one end of the meetlat at the starting point and read the graduation at the opposite end. For alignment checks, the meetlat can serve as a straightedge to verify squareness or levelness against other surfaces. While precise instruments like calipers or tape measures offer higher accuracy for certain tasks, the meetlat remains a basic, readily available tool in carpentry, construction, education, and DIY.

Etymology and regional use: The word meetlat combines meteren (to measure) and lat (slat). While especially common in the Netherlands and Belgium, the concept of a rigid measuring stick exists worldwide under related names such as ruler or yardstick. See also: ruler, steel ruler, measuring tape, folding rule.