A framing square is the one tool that decides whether your walls stand plumb and your rafters land on the right angle. If it is even slightly out of true, every stud, joist and rafter cut that follows it carries that error to the roof.
Best framing squares for carpentry come down to three things: whether the body stays square after a season of work, whether the printed scales stay readable, and whether the size covers the lumber you actually frame. We compared 12 of them, weighing the rafter square, speed square and full framing square formats against each other.
Below is every pick, what it is genuinely good at, and where it will let you down. We compared them side by side and updated the list for 2026.
Top 3 Framing Square Picks for Carpentry in 2026
Swanson S0101 7 Inch Speed Square
- Common
- hip
- valley and jack rafter scales
- 1/4 inch scribing notches
- 8 ounce body
- Blue Book roof pitch guide
WORKPRO Rafter and Combination Square Set
- 7 inch rafter square plus 12 inch combination square
- 1/32 inch and 1mm scales
- Level vial and scriber
- Powder coated white markings
THORVALD 6-in-1 Carpenter Square
- Square
- protractors
- marking gauges and rulers
- 4mm aluminum with laser engraving
- 1/16 inch precision graduations
- Pencil included
Best Framing Squares for Carpentry at a Glance in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Swanson S0101 7 Inch Speed Square |
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 IRWIN Steel Carpenter Square 8 x 12 Inch |
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 Mecurate 7 Inch Die-Cast Aluminum Triangle |
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 POWERTEC 16 x 24 Inch Steel Framing Square |
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 POWERTEC 7 Inch Aluminum Rafter Square |
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 Johnson Structo-Cast Rafter Square 12 Inch |
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 IRWIN Hi-Contrast Aluminum Framing Square 16 x 24 Inch |
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 Starrett Professional Framing Square FS-24 |
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| WORKPRO Rafter and Combination Square Set |
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 Mr. Pen Metal Carpenter Square 8 x 12 Inch |
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| THORVALD 6-in-1 Carpenter Square 7 Inch |
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 Swanson Framing Wizard Folding L Square |
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1. Swanson S0101 7 Inch Speed Square – Best Overall Speed Square
SWANSON Tool Co S0101 7 Inch Speed Square, Blue
7 inch speed square
1/8 inch graduations
Black on matte finish
8 oz
Pros
- Five tools in one compact body
- Black gradations read well in any light
- Scribing notches and stud width diamond cutout
- Blue Book roof pitch guide included
Cons
- Fixed common
- hip
- valley and jack pitches only
- No 1/16 inch or metric scale
This is the square most of us reach for first, and it earns that spot. It covers rafter layout, miter work, protractor angles, line scribing and saw guiding in a body light enough to sit in an overalls pocket all day.
Reviewers rate it 4.8 stars across 17315 ratings, and it holds the number one position in Amazon’s Carpentry Squares category. The black gradations on the matte face stay readable under glare and in low light.
The scribing notches run at 1/4 inch spacing, and the diamond cutout handles stud-width marking, which covers most of what a rough framer needs on a wall plate. The Blue Book in the box carries inch rise per foot run data.
Roughly 87% of its ratings are five-star and 10% are four-star. The only recurring limit is that a fixed triangle answers common, hip, valley and jack pitch questions and nothing finer.
Who it suits
A framer or remodeler who needs a fast angle and scribing tool without pulling a 16 by 24 inch square out of the truck. It also works as a saw guide for truing up a board.
Who should skip it
Anyone doing stair stringer layout or fine 1/16 inch plotting. There is no fine scale and no metric graduation on this body, so precision work belongs elsewhere.
2. IRWIN Steel Carpenter Square 8 x 12 Inch – Best Budget Steel Layout Square
IRWIN Tools Carpenter Square, Steel, 8-Inch by 12-Inch (1794462), Silver
8 x 12 inch tool steel
1/8, 1/10, 1/12, 1/16 inch scales
9.6 oz
Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Four graduation scales on one blade
- Deep stampings that resist wear
- Rafter
- brace
- octagon and Essex tables
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Plain stamping on bare steel needs good light
- 8 by 12 inch size limits layout range
Budget squares usually give you one scale and no roof tables. This IRWIN gives you four on one blade, which is the standout feature at this tier.
At 4.7 stars from 1321 ratings, reviewers single out the deep stampings and the complete table package. The 1/10 and 1/12 scales matter on roofs using that pitch, and the octagon and brace scales cover diagonal bracing work.
Tool steel at 9.6 ounces feels heavier in the hand than the aluminum triangles, and that weight is the point. It does not skate around while you mark a line.
Eight out of ten ratings are five-star, and the limited lifetime warranty is unusual in this tier. The recurring comment is that bare silver stamping on steel needs a decent light to read.
Who it suits
Carpenters who want a complete table set on one blade and do most layout on framing lumber, headers and sheathing rather than fine cabinetry.
Who should skip it
Anyone working in low light or glare, or anyone whose layout runs past 12 inches on the long leg. Buy a bigger body for foundation and stair work.
3. Mecurate 7 Inch Die-Cast Aluminum Triangle – Best Pocket Layout Square
Mecurate 7-Inch Die-Cast Aluminum Triangle Rafter Square
7 x 7 inch die-cast aluminum
Laser engraved scale
Frosted surface
Hang hole
Pros
- Laser engraving stays crisp with use
- Light enough for a pocket
- Frosted face cuts glare
- 90 and 45 degree edges
Cons
- 1/8 inch graduations only
- Die-cast body dents more easily than machined stock
For a triangle that handles marking, scribing and angle work without a second tool, this is the one to buy. The die-cast aluminum body stays light and the laser-engraved scale is permanent rather than printed.
With 1467 ratings at 4.7 stars, owners praise the legibility enough that several mention it doubled as their main square as their eyesight changed. The scribe bar lets you mark parallel lines without a second tool.
The frosted, wear-resistant surface handles sun glare better than polished aluminum, and polished edges and corners keep it comfortable in bare hands. It carries a 12-month warranty with lifetime support and a hang hole for storage.
A few reviewers treat it as a basic do-the-job triangle rather than a full layout square, and note the die-cast body marks more easily than a machined blade.
Who it suits
Finish carpenters, installers and DIYers who need a 90 and 45 degree guide, a protractor and a scribe in something that fits a pocket.
Who should skip it
Roofers working in tenths and twelfths, and anyone expecting millimetre or 1/16 inch resolution. The scale stops at 1/8 inch.
4. POWERTEC 16 x 24 Inch Steel Framing Square – Best for Stair Stringer Layout
POWERTEC Framing Square, 16 x 24 Inch Steel Carpenter Square with Rafter Tables, Framing Tools & Right Angle Ruler for Carpenter, Woodworking, Construction (80008)
16 x 24 inch carbon steel
1/16 inch thick
Scales on both faces
Rafter tables
Pros
- Full 16 by 24 inch coverage for stringers
- Graduated scales on front and back
- Thick steel resists flex over long lines
- Works as a straight edge on wide lumber
Cons
- Plain black stamping on steel needs good light
- Heavy and bulky for belt carry
Stair stringers and long rafter layout are where a 7 inch triangle stops helping you. This 16 by 24 inch steel body covers the full run in one pass.
At 4.7 stars from 1117 ratings, buyers notice the 1/16 inch thick carbon steel profile first. It holds a line across 24 inches without the flex you get from thin stock.
Scales are stamped on both the front and the back, so you can read them with the square flipped over on a wall plate or a foundation form. You get 1/8, 1/10, 1/12 and 1/16 inch graduations plus rafter conversion tables, and it doubles as a cutoff marker on wide lumber.
Around 81% of ratings are five-star. The most common complaint is contrast, since plain black stamping on steel is hard to read in flat light.
Who it suits
Carpenters laying out stair stringers, hip and valley rafters, and long diagonal braces where a 12-inch body stops short.
Who should skip it
Anyone who carries a square all day in a belt or pocket, and anyone working in dim conditions where low-contrast markings cost time.
5. POWERTEC 7 Inch Aluminum Rafter Square – Best for Roof Pitch Layout
POWERTEC 7″ Aluminum Rafter Square, Speed Framing Square (72322)
7 inch CNC machined aluminum
Laser marked scales
Matte finish
9.92 oz
Pros
- Anodized CNC body resists warping
- Built in common rafter conversion chart
- 7/8 inch lip guides a saw steadily
- Laser marks do not fade
Cons
- Too small for stair or full rafter layout
- Heavier at 9.92 oz than lighter die-cast triangles
This is the rafter square for crews who mark the same pitch all week. The conversion chart lives in the body, so you read pitch and length off one tool.
At 4.7 stars across 1117 ratings, buyers treat it as a jobsite square that holds accuracy through repeated layout rather than a shelf tool. The 7/8 inch wide lip makes it a stable saw guide for 90 and 45 degree cuts.
Scales are laser marked rather than etched, so contrast stays high and the numbers do not fade. A full 1/8 inch marking edge is backed by 1/4 inch and 5/8 inch scales on a matte non-glare finish.
The anodized alloy body resists warping, bending and corrosion, and the matte finish stays readable in bright sun or low light.
Most of the negative feedback comes down to size rather than quality. It is a 7-inch tool, and stair work simply outgrows it.
Who it suits
Roofers and framing crews who need repeatable pitch marks, a conversion table and a steady saw guide in one 7-inch body.
Who should skip it
Stair stringer builders who need a body they can hang over a long run without flex. The 7-inch format stops short of that job.
6. Johnson Structo-Cast Rafter Square 12 Inch – Best for Visibility on a Busy Site
Johnson Level & Tool RAS-170B-ORA Structo-Cast Rafter Square, 12″, Orange, 1 Square
12 inch molded Structo-Cast
1/4 inch graduations
4.8 oz
Orange body
Pros
- Hi-visibility orange is easy to find in a pile
- Very light at 4.8 ounces but rigid
- Scribe notches from 1-3/4 to 9 inch
- Engraved protractor scale for angled cuts
Cons
- Molded scales are less precise than stamped metal
- Graduations stop at 1/4 inch
- A layout tool and not a measuring reference
It is hard to miss in a messy truck bed. The orange Structo-Cast body at 4.8 ounces is a square you will pick up instead of hunting for.
Reviewers with heavy handyman use report owning one for a decade or more, and the limited lifetime warranty on the two IRWIN squares in this roundup backs that up. The molded graduations are permanent rather than printed, which is what keeps them readable.
Scribe notches run from 1-3/4 inch to 9 inch in 1/4 inch increments, and 2×4 board measurement markings cover stud layout without a tape. The thick edge works as a saw guide for cross-cuts, and an engraved protractor scale handles angled cuts.
85% of ratings are five-star. The consistent caveat is that this is a layout and saw-guiding tool, not something to measure fine cabinetry with.
Who it suits
Anyone who loses tools, works alone on scattered job sites, or wants a square that shrugs off being dropped on gravel. The molded frame and bright body make it the hardest tool in the list to misplace.
Who should skip it
Precision finish work and any job needing 1/8 inch or finer reading. The molded numbers are coarser and less crisp than stamped metal.
7. IRWIN Hi-Contrast Aluminum Framing Square 16 x 24 Inch – Best for Readable Markings
IRWIN Tools Framing Square, Hi-Contrast Aluminum, 16-Inch by 24-Inch (1794447), Blue
16 x 24 inch aluminum
Yellow on blue markings
Four scales
12.64 oz
Pros
- Hi-contrast yellow on blue scales
- Aluminum body lighter than steel at this size
- Full rafter
- brace
- octagon and Essex tables
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Aluminum will not re-square if knocked out
- No metric graduation on the blade
Readability is the whole argument for this one. Yellow markings on a blue background are easier to read than plain stamping on bare steel, which saves time on every mark you draw.
The 4.6 rating comes from 559 ratings, and reviewers name the contrast finish as the reason it beat the plain steel squares in their own kits. At 12.64 ounces it is noticeably lighter than a steel body of the same size.
The 16 by 24 inch footprint handles foundation squaring, sheathing, wall plates and stair work without repositioning mid-line, and the 1/8, 1/10, 1/12 and 1/16 inch scales cover nearly every pitch a residential roof throws at you.
Owners with 80% five-star ratings sometimes wish the body felt heavier for the tier. Aluminum is permanent, so a hard knock will not re-square it the way steel can, and the limited lifetime warranty covers the product rather than the impact.
Who it suits
Finish-sensitive framers who mark a lot of lines and want to read every number without shading the blade with your hand.
Who should skip it
Crews who drop tools constantly or work around wet lumber. Steel is the better body when impact and rust decide the outcome.
8. Starrett Professional Framing Square FS-24 – Best Rigid Steel Body
Starrett Professional Framing Square, 24″ x 2″ Body, 16″ x 1-1/2″ Tongue
24 inch body, 16 inch tongue
0.13 inch tempered steel
1/8 inch graduations
Clear coated
Pros
- Tempered steel is rigid and can be re-squared
- Clear coating resists rust and lays flat
- Strong verified squareness reports
- Face and back both stamped
Cons
- 1/8 inch graduations only
- Stampings can be faint in poor light
- Clear coating is too rough for fine scribing
Steel at 0.13 inch thick gives you a body that will not flex when you mark a long layout line.
At 4.5 stars from 523 ratings, the gap here comes from two separate issues. Some owners report faint markings, and a minority report bodies that measured out of square.
The 1/8 inch graduations are stamped on both the face and the back, which is unusual and handy when the square is flipped. A clear surface coating resists rust and corrosion.
The coating is slightly rough, so it will not scribe a fine straight line the way polished steel does. Fine layout work is not this tool’s strength.
Who it suits
Anyone who needs a dead-solid reference square for metalwork, general workshop layout and long lumber where steel stiffness beats portability.
Who should skip it
Fine scribing and 1/16 inch plotting, plus anyone who wants a deep review history before committing.
9. WORKPRO Rafter and Combination Square Set – Best Value Two-Tool Set
WORKPRO Aluminum Alloy Carpenter Square and Zinc-Alloy Square Ruler Set
7 inch rafter square plus 12 inch rule
1/16, 1/32 inch and 1mm scales
Level vial and scriber
Pros
- Finest graduations here at 1/32 inch
- Metric 1mm scale on the stainless rule
- Powder coated markings read in poor light
Cons
- The 7-inch square cannot handle full stair layout
- Two-piece set is bulkier to carry
This is the set to buy if you want a rafter square and a combination square without buying two separate products. The 12-inch rule adds a level vial and a metal scriber the triangles do not have.
It draws 4040 ratings at 4.7 stars, a large sample for a two-piece set. Buyers cite the 1/32 inch graduations and the 1mm metric scale on the stainless rule most often, both of which are unusual in this tier.
The rafter square is die-cast from heavy-gauge aluminum alloy with a low-glare powder coat and permanent white markings, and a lipped fence braces it flush to the wood.
The combination square is die-cast zinc alloy with a matte-finish stainless rule, and the spring screw lets you detach the rule for marking. 83% of ratings are five-star.
Who it suits
Cabinet and furniture work, or imported lumber work, where 1/32 inch resolution and a metric scale are the deciding factors.
Who should skip it
Crews who need a single large framing square, and anyone who wants one tool in the belt instead of two pieces to track.
10. Mr. Pen Metal Carpenter Square 8 x 12 Inch – Best Dual Scale Layout Square
Mr. Pen- Metal Carpenter Square, 8 x 12 Inch
8 x 12 inch carbon steel
1/16 inch and mm scales
White on black
Hang hole
Pros
- Imperial and metric scales on opposite faces
- Steel weight keeps it steady when marking
- White on black markings stay readable
- Smooth burr free finish
Cons
- No rafter tables
- brace scales or board measure
- Glossy finish catches glare
The differentiator here is dual scale. One face carries 1/16 inch imperial graduations and the other carries millimetres, which matters if you work with imported lumber or read European drawings.
At 4310 ratings and 4.7 stars, reviewers are often surprised by the heft and the accuracy. The steel body stays put on a layout line instead of sliding as you mark.
White markings on a black background give better contrast than most bare steel squares, and the finish is smooth and burr free so it will not tear paper or thin material.
It works for framing, roofing, stair work, patterns and checking whether a surface is flat, and the hang hole makes storage simple. About 82% of ratings are five-star.
Who it suits
Anyone working between imperial and metric dimensions, or needing a dependable 8 by 12 inch reference square for patterns and flatness checks.
Who should skip it
Roofers. With no rafter tables, brace scales or octagon scale, you are doing pitch math on your own rather than reading it off the tool.
11. THORVALD 6-in-1 Carpenter Square 7 Inch – Top Rated Multi-Function Square
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
7 inch multifunction square
4mm anodized aluminum
Laser engraved 1/16 inch scale
Pencil included
Pros
- Six tool functions in a single body
- Laser engraved markings that resist fading
- 4mm aluminum body is stiff not flimsy
- Included 2-in-1 pencil is genuinely useful
Cons
- Drill gauge and wrench features are novelty items
- One report of engraved marks wearing off
- 7 inch size cannot handle stair layout
It packs a square, two protractors, three marking gauges, two rulers, a drill gauge and a wrench into one 7-inch body, and the included 2-in-1 pencil switches to a deep-hole marker.
The 4.8 rating across 2083 ratings puts it near the top of this list. Owners point to the 1/16 inch laser-engraved graduations and a 4mm aluminum body that feels stiff rather than flimsy.
The 1/16 inch resolution is finer than most 7-inch triangles, which makes it useful for plotting rather than only for rough angles. 85% of ratings are five-star, and the criticism that comes up is that the drill gauge and wrench are novelty items.
One detailed report describes engraved marks wearing off after months of daily carry, which is worth knowing if this lives in your belt rather than on a shelf.
Who it suits
DIYers and remodelers who want one square for marking, protractor work, drill layout and scribing instead of a crowded tool bag.
Who should skip it
Heavy daily tool-belt users who are worried about mark wear, and anyone whose work includes stair stringers or full-length rafter layout.
12. Swanson Framing Wizard Folding L Square – Best Folding Portability
Swanson Aluminum Framing Wizard Folding L Square with Layout Guide, T001WZ
Folding anodized aluminum
Sliding lock tab
Pitch finder
17.5 inch folded
Pros
- Folds flat to fit a standard toolbox
- Sliding tab locks angles and 12 in on center layout
- Laser etched high visibility blue finish
- Covers five tool functions
Cons
- Least popular here at a 4.4 rating
- Folding hinge can develop play over time
- Narrow 2 inch body is a limited straight edge
If your truck has no room for a full-size framing square, this folds down and still covers framing, miter, angle finding, saw guiding and try-square work in one body.
The 4.4 rating from 663 ratings makes this the most polarised pick here. Fans value the fold-flat design and the sliding tab that holds repetitive angles and 12 in on center layout without re-measuring.
The anodized aluminum body carries a pitch finder and the Swanson diamond cutout, so top and bottom stud plates can be marked in the same pass.
It is 4.8 ounces folded and 17.5 inches long, and the laser etching on the blue finish stays high contrast in a dim truck or basement.
Only 66% of ratings are five-star and 10% are three-star, which is the weakest spread in the group. Critics report the hinge developing play over time, which is the cost of a folding joint.
Who it suits
Service carpenters and remodelers working from a small van who need a 5-in-1 layout tool that fits a standard toolbox between jobs.
Who should skip it
Anyone chasing a fixed, dead-solid reference square. If squareness over years matters more than packability, choose a rigid steel or aluminum body.
How to Choose a Framing Square: Material, Size, and Markings
Material is the first decision. Aluminum is light, will not rust and stays comfortable to carry. Steel is heavier and stiffer, holds a long layout line without flex, and can be re-squared if it gets knocked out of true. Plastic bodies like the Johnson Structo-Cast are for layout and saw guiding, not for measurement reference.
For stair stringers specifically, steel is the body you want. It is the material that stays flat across a long run and can be corrected if the job knocks it out of true.
Size decides what jobs the tool can cover. A 7-inch triangle handles rafter pitch, miter angles and scribing. An 8 by 12 inch square covers framing lumber and headers. A 16 by 24 inch body is the one you need for stair stringers, foundation squaring, sheathing and long diagonal braces.
Marking style matters as much as size. Stamped markings on steel are cheap and permanent but low contrast. Laser engraving and powder coats give sharper, higher-contrast scales that survive weather better. On a plastic body, graduations are molded in rather than printed, which keeps them from fading.
Check the graduation scales before you buy. Rafter and roof work often needs 1/10 and 1/12 inch scales, not just 1/8 inch. Rafter tables, brace scales, an octagon scale and a board measure are what turn a plain ruler into a layout tool.
For stair work, plan on adding a set of brass stair gauges. The common hole spacing works with most framing squares, but a few accessory lines are brand-locked, so check fit before buying gauges separately.
How to Check a New Square for Squareness Before You Buy
You can test squareness yourself in about five minutes. Press one leg of the square against a known-flat surface, or against a good machinist square if you have one, and check for a gap or rocking along the length.
For a 16 by 24 inch square, measure the diagonal from the inside corner to the outside corner on both sides. A true square shows matching diagonals, and a difference over roughly 1/16 inch across the run is the point where the error starts showing up in your cuts.
Check the scales against a good tape while you have it out. Confirm that the graduation interval printed on the body matches what you actually need, because a 1/4 inch molded scale and a 1/16 inch stamped scale look identical on a shelf.
Finally, look at the markings under the lighting you actually work in. If the numerals fade into glare, you will lose time on every mark regardless of how accurate the body is.
Run that check before the first cut, not after a wall is already out of plumb. A square is cheap to replace, but a framed wall is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, a steel or aluminum framing square?
Aluminum is lighter, will not rust and stays cooler in the sun, which makes it the everyday choice. Steel is stiffer, holds a long layout line without flex, and can be re-squared after a hard knock, which makes it the better pick for stair stringers, long spans and heavy jobsite abuse.
Which framing square is the best quality?
Quality comes down to whether the body stays square and whether the markings stay readable. The IRWIN hi-contrast 16 by 24 inch aluminum square pairs a yellow-on-blue scale with the full rafter, brace, octagon and Essex table set, while the Starrett FS-24 pairs a 0.13 inch tempered steel body with a rust-resistant clear coating.
Which rafter square is considered the best?
The Swanson S0101 is the strongest all-rounder, with common, hip, valley and jack rafter scales and 17315 ratings at 4.8 stars. The POWERTEC 7 inch aluminum rafter square is the pick for crews that want a built-in common rafter conversion chart and a wide saw-guide lip.
What is the most accurate woodworking square?
Accuracy depends on the graduation interval you need. The WORKPRO set carries the finest scales in this roundup at 1/16 inch, 1/32 inch and 1mm, while the IRWIN steel and hi-contrast squares give you 1/8, 1/10, 1/12 and 1/16 inch scales for framing work. The Starrett FS-24 stamps 1/8 inch only.
What size framing square do I need?
A 7-inch triangle covers rafter pitch, miter angles and scribing. An 8 by 12 inch square covers framing lumber and headers. Choose a 16 by 24 inch body for stair stringers, foundation squaring, sheathing and long diagonal braces.
Which Framing Square Should You Buy?
The Swanson S0101 is our pick for most people. It is the square we would hand to a new framing crew member, and it holds 4.8 stars across 17315 ratings. If you need the finest graduations and a second layout tool in the same kit, the WORKPRO set does more per square inch. If stairs are in your future, go with the POWERTEC 16 by 24 inch steel body.
Whichever route you take among the best framing squares for carpentry, check the squareness before the first cut. Five minutes with a machinist square or a diagonal measurement protects every wall and roof you build afterwards.