The Luban Ruler： Ancient Carpenter’s Square Still Used Today

The Luban ruler, created by the legendary Chinese craftsman Lu Ban, is one of the most fascinating tools in woodworking history. This ancient carpenter’s measuring tool has been used for centuries and was widely passed down through generations of craftsmen, especially during the Tang Dynasty.

In this video, we explore the history, purpose, and design of the Luban ruler and how it became an essential carpenter’s square used by woodworkers even today. Traditional Chinese carpentry relied heavily on this ruler not only for measurement but also for selecting auspicious dimensions in architecture and furniture.