Best Carpentry Squares for Carpenter of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Carpentry squares are essential tools for carpenters to ensure precise and accurate measurements and angles in their work. These squares, typically made of steel or aluminum, consist of a long blade and a shorter tongue that meet at a 90-degree angle. They are used for marking straight lines, checking squareness, and determining angles during layout and construction. With various sizes and types available, carpentry squares offer versatility to accommodate different project needs, making them indispensable tools for any skilled carpenter.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Thorvald 6-in-1 Master Square Cover #TOP 1
Thorvald 6-in-1 Master Square
ftb score rating icon 9.9
IRWIN Tools Carpenter Square, Steel, 8-Inch by 12-Inch (1794462) Cover #TOP 2
IRWIN Tools Carpenter Square, Steel, 8-Inch by 12-Inch (1794462)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
WORKPRO Rafter and Combination Square Tool Set Cover #TOP 3
WORKPRO Rafter and Combination Square Tool Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Carpentry Squares for Carpenter

Thorvald 6-in-1 Master Square

51gd5
Black
Thorvald 6-in-1 Master Square Cover
THORVALD 6-in-1 Carpenter Square 7 inch (1/16" Precision) T Square Multi-Purpose Carpenter Tools : Wrench, Square, Protractor, Ruler, Marking Gauge, Drill Gauge, Includes 2-in-1 Carpentry Pencil

Introducing the Thorvald Master Square - the ultimate 6-in-1 carpenter tool for woodworking enthusiasts. This versatile accessory combines a square, two protractors, three marking gauges, two rulers, a drill gauge, and a wrench, all in one convenient tool. With the Thorvald Master Square, you can save time and work smarter by easily measuring, tracing, and taking angles without the need for multiple tools. Made of 4mm-thick aluminum, this durable square features laser-engraved inscriptions that won't fade. The precise 1/16" graduations ensure accurate measurements for exceptional work. Plus, the included 2-in-1 carpenter pencil with a removable grip provides added comfort and versatility. Enjoy the convenience of having a whole toolbox in one square with the Thorvald Master Square.

What We Like
6-in-1 functionality
Durable and precise
Includes 2-in-1 carpenter pencil
#TOP 2

IRWIN Tools Carpenter Square, Steel, 8-Inch by 12-Inch (1794462)

1794462
Silver
8-inch X 12-inch
IRWIN Tools Carpenter Square, Steel, 8-Inch by 12-Inch (1794462) Cover
IRWIN Tools Carpenter Square, Steel, 8-Inch by 12-Inch (1794462), Silver

IRWIN Carpenter Square is a professional-grade tool that features permanent deep stampings, rust-proof and weather-resistant steel body, and multiple scales including 1/8-, 1/10-, 1/12-, and 1/16-inch. This versatile tool also includes rafter tables, brace and octagon scales, and Essex board measure. With IRWIN Carpenter Square, you can make precise measurements and cuts for your carpentry projects. The permanent deep stampings ensure the durability of the tool, while the rust-proof and weather-resistant steel body makes it a long-lasting tool to have in your toolbox. The multiple scales and additional features make IRWIN Carpenter Square a valuable tool for carpenters of all levels.

What We Like
Durable deep stampings
Multiple scales
Additional rafter tables and scales

WORKPRO Rafter and Combination Square Tool Set

NOVASAT-0409-1513-35
Blue
WORKPRO Rafter and Combination Square Tool Set Cover
WORKPRO Aluminum Alloy Carpenter Square and Zinc-Alloy Square Ruler Set - 7 in. Rafter Layout Tool and 12 in. Combination Square Combo

The WORKPRO Rafter and Combination Square Tool Set is a durable and user-friendly tool set for carpenters. The rafter square is made of heavy-gauge aluminum alloy and has permanent deep markings and white graduations for maximum readability. The combination square has a 12-inch stainless steel ruler with 3 types of minimum scale values. The lipped fence on the rafter square allows for easy bracing flush with wood and the spring screw on the combination ruler makes it easy to detach the ruler for measurement. The set is versatile and can be used for cross-cutting lumber with accuracy.

What We Like
Durable materials
User-friendly design
Wide versatility

Mr. Pen 8x12 L Square Ruler

FR01
Black
Mr. Pen 8x12 L Square Ruler Cover
Mr. Pen- Carpenter Square, Framing Square, 8 inch x 12 inch, Carpenters Square, Right Angle Ruler, Framing Tools, L Shape Ruler, Metal Square, Steel Square

The Mr. Pen 8x12 L Square Ruler is a great tool for carpenters, framers, and hobbyists alike. It features imperial units on one side with 1/16-inch graduations and metric units on the other side with mm graduations. The carbon steel material is sturdy and durable against rusting, and the bright white on black design makes it easy to read. Customers have praised its quality and accuracy, making it a great choice for any carpentry application.

What We Like
High-quality carbon steel material
Easy to read markings
Imperial and metric units
Sturdy and durable against rusting
Great for carpentry applications
#TOP 5

Mr. Pen- Combination and Rafter Square Tool Set

CCRR002M225
Mr. Pen- Combination and Rafter Square Tool Set Cover
Mr. Pen- Rafter Square and Combination Square Tool Set, Black, 7" Square, 12" Aluminum Carpenter Square, Framing Square, Square Tool, Woodworking Square, Combo Square, 7 Inch

The Mr. Pen Square Tool Set is a must-have for any carpentry project. This set includes a 12" combination square and a 7" rafter square. The 12" combination square serves as a level, depth gauge, and ruler, while the 7" rafter square acts as a straight edge for marking and sawing. With its spring-loaded brass bolt, the combination square ensures accuracy, and its stainless steel blade is precisely marked with inch and cm graduations for easy measurements. The rafter square, made of heavy-gauge die-cast billet aluminum alloy, is perfect for on-site use and comes with gradations for marking common, hip, valley, and jack rafters. Both tools are pocket-sized, making them convenient and easy to carry. The Mr. Pen Square Tool Set is a reliable and durable choice for all your woodworking needs.

What We Like
Accurate measurements
Convenient pocket-sized design
Heavy-gauge die-cast billet aluminum construction
#TOP 6

Swanson Tool Co S0101 7 Inch Speed Square

S0101
Blue
7 inch
Swanson Tool Co S0101 7 Inch Speed Square Cover
SWANSON Tool Co S0101 7 Inch Speed Square, Blue

The Swanson Tool Co S0101 7 Inch Speed Square is a pocket-sized tool that features multiple gradations for marking common, hip, valley, and jack rafters. It comes with a comprehensive guidebook and includes common features of 5 different tools, making it a versatile tool for every tradesman's tool bench. The 1/4-inch spaced scribing notches and the diamond cutout make it easy to use, and the black gradations against its non-glare, matte finish make for easy reading. It simplifies important tasks, and when used as a saw guide, it makes truing up a board easy.

What We Like
Pocket-sized and versatile
Easy to use with clear gradations and scribing notches
Comes with a comprehensive guidebook
#TOP 7

Swanson Tool Co., Inc SW1201K Value Pack 7" & Big 12" Speed Square

Swanson Tool
SW1201K
blue
Swanson Tool Co., Inc SW1201K Value Pack 7" & Big 12" Speed Square Cover
SWANSON Tool Co., Inc SW1201K Value Pack 7 inch Speed Square and Big 12 Speed Square (without layout bar) ships with Blue Book

The Swanson Tool Co., Inc SW1201K Value Pack 7 inch and Big 12 inch Speed Square is a great value pack for every carpenter, construction professional, roofer, and DIYer. With multiple gradations included, you can make the exact mark you need, and it's useful for determining angles and making square cuts on boards. The heavy-gauge billet aluminum alloy construction means you have a rugged tool, and its die-cast design provides increased and reliable accuracy. When used as a saw guide, the Speed Square makes truing up a board easy. Made in the USA since 1925, the Swanson Speed Square and the Big 12 Speed Square are the perfect squares for every project and job.

What We Like
Value pack includes 7 inch and Big 12 inch Speed Squares with multiple gradations
Heavy-gauge billet aluminum alloy construction provides increased and reliable accuracy
Easy to use as a saw guide to make truing up a board easy
#TOP 8

Mr. Pen- Rafter Square

CR01
Rafter Square 7"
Mr. Pen- Rafter Square Cover
Mr. Pen- Rafter Square, Metal Square, 7 Inch, Carpenters Square, Square Tool, Metal Square Ruler, Carpentry Squares, Woodworking Square, Square Angle Tool, Aluminum Rafter Square, Carpenter Square

The Mr. Pen Square Tool is a versatile carpentry square that is a must-have for any woodworking project. With its compact 7-inch size, this triangle square easily fits in your pocket, making it convenient to carry around. The square features gradations for marking common, hip, valley, and jack rafters, allowing you to accurately determine and mark angles. The heavy-gauge billet aluminum alloy construction ensures increased accuracy over laser-etched and extruded stamped rafter squares. The high-visibility white gradations with a non-glare, matte finish make it easy to read in any lighting conditions. This multi-purpose square tool can be used for marking square and 45-degree lines, serving as a protractor saw guide, and finding roof pitch. With the Mr. Pen Square Tool, you'll have the convenience and accuracy you need for all your carpentry projects.

What We Like
Compact and portable
Precise angle measurements
High-visibility gradations
#TOP 9

Milescraft 8409 MC-Square150

8409
Milescraft 8409 MC-Square150 Cover
Milescraft 8409 MC-Square150 Imperial Framing Square – 6” x 4” Aluminum Carpenter Square for Woodworking with Removeable Fence

The Milescraft 8409 MC-Square150 is an aluminum framing and woodworking square with inside and outside scales for measuring and marking the inside and outside of your work piece. It features 6” (150mm) square with 1/4″ notch spacing, two quick angle finders for 30° and 45°angles, elongated notches for accurate line scribing, and anodized aluminum material with 3mm thickness. Customers have found it to be accurate and handy, but some have noted that it has a rough finish and may not be perfectly square.

What We Like
Accurate measurements
Elongated notches for accurate line scribing
Two quick angle finders for 30° and 45°angles
#TOP 10

Taytools 776049 Removable Carpenter Framing Square Fence Anodized Aluminum 7-7/8 Inch long

776049
Taytools 776049 Removable Carpenter Framing Square Fence Anodized Aluminum 7-7/8 Inch long Cover
Taytools 776049 Removable Carpenter Framing Square Fence Anodized Aluminum 7-7/8 Inch long

Features
The Fence Is Easily Attached To Either Arm Of Any Framing Square Via Two Brass Thumb Screws.
This Removable Universal Carpenter's Square Fence Will Increase The Usefulness And Accuracy Of Any Carpenter's Framing Square By Providing A Much More Accurate Reference Surface.
The Fence Has A 1 Inch Tall Fence On One Side, And When Flipped Has A Narrower 1/4 Inch High Fence. Slot Will Accept Squares Up To 3/16 Inch Thick. Overall Length Is 7-7/8 Inches.
Once Attached, A Framing Square Can Be Placed On A Workpiece With One Leg Aligned With The Material Edge And It Will Stay In Place Without Any External Support. When Attached, The Fence Also Acts As A Handle To Give You A Better Grip In Your Square.
Made From Extruded And Anodized Aluminum.
Buying Guide Image

Decide Which Carpentry Squares for Carpenter Are Best for You

Choosing a Carpenter's Square: A Beginner's Guide

If you're a beginner in woodworking or just starting out with carpentry, one of the tools you'll need is a carpenter's square. These squares are essential for marking out straight lines and making sure your cuts and joints are precise. But with so many different squares on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we'll go over the different types of carpenter's squares and what to consider when making your selection.

Types of Carpenter's Squares

Carpenter's squares come in several different types, each with its own unique features and benefits. The most common type is the framing square, which is a large square with a long and short leg. This type of square is perfect for marking out lines on long boards and making sure they are straight. It's also great for marking out roof pitches and making sure they are at the correct angle.

Another type of square is the combination square, which has a sliding head that can be locked into place at different angles. This type of square is great for making precise measurements and marking out lines at specific angles. It's also useful for checking that surfaces are level or plumb.

Considerations When Choosing a Carpenter's Square

When choosing a carpenter's square, there are a few key things to consider. First, think about the type of projects you'll be working on. If you're just starting out and don't have a lot of experience, a framing square may be the best choice. It's a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks, and it's relatively inexpensive.

If you're planning on doing more advanced work, such as cabinetry or furniture making, a combination square may be a better choice. It's more precise than a framing square and can be used for more specialized tasks.

Another important consideration is the quality of the square. A good quality square will be made from durable materials and will have precise markings that are easy to read. It's also important to choose a square with a good grip, so it won't slip out of your hand while you're using it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a carpenter's square is an essential tool for any woodworker or carpenter. There are several different types to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. When making your selection, consider the type of projects you'll be working on and the quality of the square. With the right carpenter's square, you'll be able to mark out straight lines and make precise cuts and joints, ensuring that your projects turn out perfectly every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a carpenters square called?

Also known as a steel square, the Johnson framing square is a handy tool for carpentry. Its uses extend into framing and laying rafters and stairs. It can also be used as a straight-edge, finding and establishing right angles and marking cut-off work on widestock.

2. What are the different types of carpenter squares?

Four of the most common squares that I've used while building just about everything, from small crafts to residential structures, are the framing square, speed square, combination square and the try-square. The framing square and speed square are two of the carpentry squares that I use most often.

3. What do carpenter squares do?

The most common use for the framing square, as its name suggests, is for laying out and marking patterns in framing, roofing,and stairway work. The carpenter's square can also be used as a straightedge for determining the flatness of a surface. In the workshop, it's handy for marking cutoff work on wide stock.

Editor's Notes

During our carpentry square for carpenter research, we found 24 carpentry square for carpenter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 161,080 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carpentry squares for carpenter list. We found that most customers choose carpentry squares for carpenter with an average price of $19.25.

The carpentry squares for carpenter are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carpentry squares for carpenter, including THORVALD, IRWIN, WORKPRO, Mr. Pen, Swanson Tool Co., Inc. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 305 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.