Best Woodworking Squares In 2023

Picking the best woodworking square can elicit the same confusing feelings as strolling through the wine aisle at your local liquor store. The market is packed with options, each seemingly the same, but only a few are actually great picks. Our top picks are outlined below, along with essential education to help you find the best square for woodworking.

Best woodworking squares:

• 8-inch try square pick: Swanson 8-Inch Try Square
• 6-inch try square pick: Crown Tools 6-Inch Pioneer Try Square
• 6-inch combination square pick: Swanson TC130 6-Inch Combination Square
• Budget 12-inch combination square: Johnson Level & Tool 400 EM-S 12-Inch Combination Square
• Mini woodworking square pick: DFM Small Carpenter Square
• Mid-sized speed square pick: Milwaukee 7-Inch Magnetic Speed Square
• Large speed square pick: Dewalt 12-Inch Premium Speed Square
• Best combination square and speed square set: WORKPRO Rafter and Combination Square Set
• Best speed square set: iGaging Bench Square Set
• Best double square set: iGaging Double Square 4R Set
• Best square for marking lines: Woodraphic Precision 12-Inch Square

Woodworking squares at a glance

Product	Measuring scale	Graduations
Swanson 8-Inch Try Square	Imperial	1/16″
Crown Tools 6-Inch Try Square	None	None
Swanson TC130 6-Inch Combo Square	Imperial	1/16″
Johnson 400 Em-S 12-Inch Combo Square	Imperial and metric	1/32″
DFM Small Carpenter Square	Imperial	1/16″
Milwaukee 7-Inch Speed Square	Imperial	1/8″
Dewalt 12-Inch Speed Square	Imperial	1/8″
WORKPRO Square Set	Imperial and metric	1/32
iGaging Bench Square Set	Imperial	1/32″
iGaging Double Square Set	Imperial	1/64″
Woodraphic Precision 8-Inch Square	Imperial	1/32″

Best uses: Checking for square, marking precise 90-degree lines, laying out joinery lines, measuring

The Swanson 8-Inch Try Square has the build quality you’d expect for double the price or more. The wood handle is layered with a brass rub plate and three brass bindings. It also includes a stainless steel blade with etched markings for durability. Woodworkers can measure precise lines with the 8-inch ruler including both 1/8″ and 1/16″ graduations.

Best uses: Checking for square, marking precise 90-degree lines, setting precise saw blade angles

The Crown Tools 6-Inch Pioneer Try Square shines for accurately checking the square for boxes. Its bamboo, brass plate and steel blade make this a high-quality product you’ll frequently reach for. The size also means it’s a good option for setting precise 90-degree table saw and circular saw angles without needing a digital angle gauge. This try square is built to match British Standard BS3322 with a tolerance of 0.01mm per 10mm of blade length.

Best uses: Checking for square, marking precise 45-degree and 90-degree lines, laying out joinery lines, measuring, checking level

The Swanson TC130 6-Inch Combination Square is a “must-have” tool for budget-conscious woodworkers. It includes brass hardware, a stainless steel blade with etched markings, both imperial (1/8″ and 1/16″ graduations) and metric scales, a scratch awl for scribing and a level. Few products in the market include all of these features at such a competitive price. Plus, its build quality is hard to beat for the price with one of the smoothest sliding rulers we tested out of the bunch.

Best uses: Checking for square, marking precise 45-degree and 90-degree lines, measuring, checking level

The Johnson Level & Tool 400 EM-S 12-Inch Combination Square packs in versatility on the cheap. With any square at this price, the biggest concern is the build quality and out-of-the-box squareness. Our tests demonstrate that it performs exceptionally well for squareness and overall build quality. The tightening knob and smooth sliding ruler combination are the best of the models we tested. It also includes both imperial (1/16″ graduation) and metric scales, a level, scratch awl and a CNC-machined head.

Best uses: Checking for square, precisely marking an array of standard angled lines, laying out joinery lines, measuring, setting precise saw blade angles

The DFM Small Carpenter Square is the best mini woodworking square. Not only does it have excellent build quality, but it also includes several precision features few other products offer. First, it includes scribing holes at 1/16″ intervals. This feature comes in handy when marking long cut lines and for joinery. Secondly, woodworkers can measure common 22.5, 30, 45, 60 and 67.5-degree angles more precisely than a standard carpenter square. Just drop the included 1/4″ pin into any of the holes and butt the pin up to the edge of your woodworking piece to mark a precise angle for polygons, squares, hexagons and octagons. 

Best uses: Checking for square, marking precise 45-degree and 90-degree lines, measuring, setting precise saw blade angles, using as a saw guide, DIY projects

The Milwaukee 7-Inch Magnetic Speed Square is good for both woodworking and DIY projects. The laser-etched markings mean it can take a beating. It includes standard features like 1/4″ scribing slots for easily ripping lumber. But what sets it apart from other products on the market is its three rare-earth magnets. Beyond the wow factor, this feature gives woodworkers versatile storage options. Its size is also great for use as a circular saw or jigsaw guide for 90-degree and 45-degree crosscuts.

Best uses: Checking for square, marking precise 45-degree and 90-degree lines, measuring, using as a saw guide, DIY projects

The Dewalt Premium 12-Inch Speed Square has a thick aluminum body with stamped, high-contrast markings for easy readability. Woodworkers will find this square comes in handy for measuring square on bigger boxes and for using it as a saw guide. It can also do anything else around the home that a standard speed square can.

Best uses: Checking for square, marking precise 45-degree and 90-degree lines, measuring, setting precise saw blade angles, using as a saw guide, checking for level, DIY projects

This is the best pick for most beginner woodworkers. Purchase the set and you’re covered for most of your woodworking square needs, plus more. The WORKPRO Square set includes a die-cast, 7-inch aluminum carpenter square and a 12-inch combination square with level, scratch awl and both imperial (1/16″ and 1/32″ graduations) and metric measuring scales.

Best uses: Checking for square, marking precise 45-degree and 90-degree lines, laying out joinery lines, measuring, setting saw blade angles, using as a saw guide, DIY projects

Woodworkers who value build quality and versatility will be happy with this purchase. The iGaging Bench Square Set is a speed square built for woodworking. The 4-inch and 7-inch squares come packaged in a high-quality case, along with a mechanical pencil and extra lead. The unique features include scribing holes for laying out consistently accurate lines and a footing that measures 1/2-inch tall with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch offsets on each side. This makes for consistent, fast tool setups and easy common joinery line layouts.

Best uses: Checking for square, marking precise 90-degree lines, laying out joinery lines, measuring, setting saw blade angles

The iGaging Double Square 4R Set includes both a 4-inch and a 6-inch double square. It’s clear when you open the fitted case that these are heavy-duty squares built for durability. While they shine in the various uses, you’d expect of any woodworking square, the standout feature is the precision graduations that go up to 1/64″. The set is also built to an accuracy of 0.0008 inches per inch of blade length. 

Best uses: Checking for square, marking precise 90-degree lines, laying out joinery lines, measuring, setting saw blade angles

The Woodraphic Precision 12-Inch Square shines in several areas. First, you can easily establish accurate 90-degree lines. The tool is built to meet level 1 Japanese industrial standards. Secondly, there are few marking squares that can so precisely lay out cut lines. This product has marking holes at 1/16″ graduations. But what really stands out is the marking hole sizes themselves. The holes are perfectly fitted for the included 0.5mm mechanical pencil tip with zero wiggle room (read: no margin for error when laying out cut lines). Woodraphic also offers 200mm and 300mm sizes.

Woodworking squares and their uses

There are six main types of woodworking squares. While nearly all types are great for checking for square, some perform specialty tasks, such as scribing straight and angled lines. Here’s more on each type so you can find the right woodworking square for your project.

Combination squares

Combination squares are one of the most versatile squares to keep in your woodshop. This explains why they’re an essential tool for beginner woodworkers and the first square to put on your shopping list.

Combination squares allow you to strike 45-degree and 90-degree lines with a pencil or marking knife, in addition to checking for square. They include an adjustable knob to lock in a ruler for consistent measurements. Many combination squares also include a bubble level and a removable scratch awl. The most common sizes offered are 6-inch and 12-inch combination squares.

Try squares

Try squares consist of a metal blade attached to a base at a 90-degree angle. Some try square blades are rulers, while others don’t include measurement markings. We think it’s generally best to get a try square with a ruler for the extra versatility to lay out precise lines. This gives you flexibility beyond just checking for square or setting saw blades at 90 degrees. 

Unlike combination squares, try squares don’t have adjustable blades. This limits their overall versatility.

Speed squares 

Speed squares, carpenters squares and rafter squares are all different names for the same tool. A speed square is a triangle-shaped tool that is commonly used in woodworking.

Speed squares are useful for woodworkers to strike 45-degree or 90-degree lines, measure angles, use as a circular saw or jigsaw blade guide for 90-degree cuts, and scribe consistent lines.

But speed squares shine beyond just woodworking. Most handyman’s tool belts have a dedicated spot for this tool. It’s rare to complete a project without using a speed square multiple times.

Speed squares come in an array of sizes from 4″ up to 6″ and 12″.

Double squares

Double squares are a specialty square that combines features of a try square and combination square in one. They consist of an adjustable metal ruler attached to a handle at 90 degrees. Double squares can’t mark 45-degree lines like a combination square.

These hand tools are handy for checking square, setting up saw blades and locking in the ruler to measure consistent lines. Beyond that, double squares have limited uses in a woodworking shop.

Marking squares

Marking squares are a catch-all category. The common theme that marking squares share is that they all include holes to insert a mechanical pencil tip to scribe consistent lines. Many marking squares come in graduations of 1/32″ and even 1/64″. This explains why they’re used in fine woodworking where precision is critical.

What woodworking squares do you actually need?

Beginner woodworkers will be well prepared for most woodworking projects with a 7-inch or 8-inch speed square and either a 6-inch or 12-inch combination square. 

But it’s important to find a speed square that is built for woodworkers’ needs. The most common speed square available is the Swanson 7″ Speed Square, but it’s not a great fit for woodworkers. The rounded metal edges won’t lay flat on your workpiece, which can lead to inconsistently-measured lines. Hold your pencil or marking knife at different angles, and you’ll get different results

Speed squares, such as the recommended iGaging bench squares, are specifically designed for woodworking.

Try squares, double squares and marking squares are all nice-to-have tools that will make you more efficient and accurate in the shop. Buy one, and you’ll likely be happy you did. The reality is these are specialty tools that do many of the same things as a combination square or a speed square.

Features of the best woodworking squares

Picking the best woodworking square comes down to squareness, build quality and price. 

First, a good woodworking square needs to be accurate. All the picks we recommend were tested for squareness required in fine woodworking and measured against a reference ruler for accuracy.

You can check if a square is true by holding the base against a piece of wood and striking a pencil line at 90 degrees. Then flip the square to the other side, line it up to the first line, then strike another line at 90 degrees. The two lines should overlap each other, otherwise your square isn’t truly square.

A woodworking square is a great beginner’s tool because you can typically get a good build quality at a low price. In fact, some of our recommended picks are under ten bucks and are deadly accurate.

Another item you’ll want to consider is durability, particularly for squares with rulers. Etched markings are generally more durable than stamped markings. That’s not to say stamped markings are bad. It’s more a matter of buying an heirloom-quality tool that’ll last for decades or choosing a high-quality tool with stamped markings that will still last a while with heavy use.

How we tested the picks

We first reviewed popular woodworking sites and forums and read user reviews to narrow down the list of woodworking squares to review in-house. After purchasing each, we tested them all for the squareness required for fine woodworking. Every square we purchased passed this test with flying colors, even the cheap options. Then each square was inspected for build quality by reviewing the quality of the adjustable knob, ease of removal for the scratch awl, ease of slide for the ruler and whether the ruler markings were highly visible or not. Each square was then used in various applications to find the best balance of quality and price.