Installing interior trim may be difficult since walls are rarely square. Cutting two pieces of adjacent trim at a 45 degree angle might not always be enough. At best, wide spaces between the trim pieces portray the mark of an unprofessional carpenter. As a result, the question frequently arises about how to measure angles for trim in order to obtain that perfect connection. There's no reason to "eyeball" the angle when modern technology has developed tools that can easily tell you the exact angle needed for a perfect fit.

What Are the Different Types of Angles?

When building a home, the final construction phase for the interior will be installing trim around the windows, doors, and floor. These are the easiest angles to cut, but since there are no perfectly level walls or floors in a home, it will help to use some readily available tools.

There are five types of angles that you might encounter when measuring trim. They are acute, right, obtuse, multiple, and custom angles.

  • Acute angles are less than 90 degrees.
  • Obtuse angles are greater than 90 degrees, but less than 180 degrees.
  • Right angles are exactly 90 degrees.
  • Multiple angle cuts contain more than one angle on a single end of the trim piece.
  • Custom angles contain an angle cut, and also must make allowance for some object that breaks into the angle.

The standard tools used for making these cuts have been a miter box or saw, protractor, T-bevel and template tool. Using these will allow you to make quality cuts on most trim jobs, but there are tools available today that allow you to make exacting cuts every time.

How Do You Measure Them?

Let's face it, any angle that isn't 22.5, 45 or 90 degrees is a guessing game, and you have 3 options. You can guess, make a paper or cardboard template, or use a professional tool that will give you the correct answer every time. The basic idea is that a reference line is established on one wall, and then the tool expands or contracts against the adjacent wall to reveal the correct angle needed for the cut.

When preparing the trim to be measured, be sure the angle will result in a look that is visibly correct. This can be an issue in older homes and buildings that have suffered from settling. A 45 degree angle may be needed for a new square opening, but it may not look right in every situation. Your eye is always the final judge on trim work.

You can use a few tools to measure the trim angles. The basic categories are: Protractors, T-Bevels, Contour Gauges, Template Tools, and Angle Finders. Some operate manually, while others offer both a manual and digital option.

Using the Different Measuring Tools

Protractors

To measure an angle with a protractor, first align the base of the protractor with one side of the angle. Next, align the arm of the protractor with the other side of the angle. The degree markings on the protractor will now indicate the angle.

The ANGLE-IZER® Plastic Protractor is a versatile measuring and marking tool with inside, outside, and sloped angle measurements. Since a typical protractor or T-bevel may be too large for cabinet making, and fine carpentry, it's perfect for these types of endeavors. For tougher applications, look to the ANGLE-IZER® Stainless Steel Protractor.

These tools are also available via a digital model for precise cuts.

Angle Finders

Similar to a protractor, angle finders have two arms that are simple to use. Touch both sides of the wall you need to measure with the angle finder arms, and read the results on the screen. Angle finders are digital and available in two sizes.

The ANGLE-IZER® Backlit Digital Bevel Box Angle Finder can be used consistently to set the angle on table saws, lathes, miter, band, chop, and circular saws. It is compact - Less than 1 inch thick, this 2.5” square is easy to transport.

T-Bevels

T-Bevels have been around for a long time and have been used in almost every phase of construction, from interior trim angle measuring to determining cuts on roof and ceiling joists. The modern version works the same, but the digital readout gives you the exact angle that you need to set your miter saw to. Some models offer the additional benefits of being useful as a protractor, while others have a built-in level.

Contour Gauges

This tool is a must-have for those in the wood and tile floor business. Every flooring job will encounter numerous projections through the floor that must be cut around, such as plumbing, and even more difficult are stone fireplaces that require exact contour matching to produce a professional job. The contour gauge transfers the exact measurements from the object to the piece you are cutting, no second guesses. Contour gauges are available in short and long models, as well as a version with extra long measuring pins.

Template Tools

The ANGLE-IZER® PRO, made of Aluminum Alloy Metal , is quite robust, and can withstand even the toughest assignments. The template tool, which is both professional and do-it-yourself friendly, uses four adjustable double-sided rulers to produce a unique stencil for each assignment. Each arm has been laser etched to endure the most demanding job site situations.

General Tool Carries a Superior Line of Trim Angle Measuring Tools

Our ANGLE-IZER® tool line collectively allows you to replicate, hold measurements, duplicate shapes, and measure inside, outside, or sloped angles. All ANGLE-IZER® tools work with all materials - tile, brick, stone, lumber, laminate and more!

Each tool has its own purpose, is portable, lightweight, and helps you make a perfect cut every time. Contact us today for more information or the location of a retailer near you.