Woodworking Squares | A guide to different types of squares

Woodworking Squares

At Axminster Tools, we stock a huge range of squares, bevels, and angle measuring tools to help you with all of your marking and measuring tasks. Read our blog to discover the various types of woodworking squares we sell; available online, in-store and over the telephone.

Try Squares / Carpenter's Squares

Otherwise known as a carpenter's square, try squares are simple, sturdy tools used to check and mark 90° angles. They’re a staple in traditional woodworking and ideal for checking squareness on edges, ends, and joints.

Best for:

• Verifying right angles
• Marking square lines on boards
• Checking squareness during assembly

Tip: A wooden-handled try square adds a touch of heritage to your bench — and works just as well as modern versions.

Combination Squares

A combination square features a sliding head on a steel rule, giving you multiple functions in one compact tool. It’s ideal for marking, measuring, and checking angles — especially when switching between 90° and 45°.

Best for:

• Measuring depths and heights
• Marking mitres and crosscuts
• Finding the centre of round stock
• Acting as a depth gauge or marking guide

Tip: Look for a square with etched markings and a solid locking mechanism for long-term accuracy.

Speed Squares

Speed squares - sometimes called rafter or triangle squares — are the go-to for quick, reliable marking. Their triangular shape and built-in lip let you butt the square against the edge of your timber, making it easy to draw perfect 90° or 45° lines.

Best for:

• Marking right angles and mitres
• Acting as a saw guide for crosscuts
• Laying out roof pitches and stair angles
• Checking squareness on framing jobs

Tip: Keep a 6" square in your apron for ladder work and a 12" version on the bench for larger layouts.

Engineer's Squares

An engineer's square is a fixed 90° measuring tool, typically made from hardened steel with a ground blade and stock. Unlike many woodworking squares, engineer's squares are designed for ultra-precise work, often with tolerances measured in microns.

Best for:

• Checking squareness on metalwork and precision assemblies
• Setting up machinery and tooling
• Verifying angles in fabrication and joinery
• Calibrating other measuring tools

Tip: Use an engineers square on a granite surface plate or flat cast iron table for the most accurate results.

Sliding Bevel Squares

Unlike fixed-angle squares, sliding bevels let you replicate and transfer any angle. The adjustable blade locks in place, making it perfect for bespoke joinery and trim work.

Best for:

• Transferring angles from one piece to another
• Marking custom mitres
• Working with irregular shapes or vintage furniture

Tip: Pair your bevel with a digital angle finder for ultra-precise setups.

Framing Squares

Framing squares (also known as roofing and rafters squares) are large L-shaped tools used for laying out and checking right angles on bigger builds. They’re essential for timber framing, stair stringers, and roof rafters.

Best for:

• Laying out large right angles
• Marking stair and rafter cuts
• Squaring up frames and panels

Tip: Choose a model with clear, corrosion-resistant markings for outdoor or site use.

T-Squares

T-squares are more common in drafting and sheet material work, but they’re also useful in woodworking when working with large panels or marking consistent lines across a surface.

Best for:

• Drawing parallel lines on sheet goods
• Marking out cabinetry and carcasses
• Ensuring consistent spacing and alignment

Tip: Use a T-square with a long blade for marking full-width panels or plywood sheets.

While we don't currently have T-Squares available to purchase, why not take a look at our range of T-Rules?

At Axminster Tools, we believe that great results start with great tools. Whether you're a seasoned joiner or just starting out, investing in the right square — or better yet, a few woodworking squares — will elevate your accuracy and confidence in every project. In addition to the wide range of squares discussed above, we also stock Mitre Squares and an array of Angle Finders and Protractors, too.

Discover more...

If you've enjoyed reading this guide, why not take a look at some of our other blogs?

Get in touch!

If you’ve used a woodworking square for one of your projects, or have recently bought one, we'd love to hear from you. Comment below or send us a photograph and tell us all about what you've been up to, or what you've bought.

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