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An angle finder is an essential tool for anyone making precise cuts. Sometimes called “miter protractors” or “angle gauges,” these tools can help you with virtually any carpentry project.
For most people, the General Tools Digital Angle Finder is the best choice. It’s low-cost, easy to read, and remarkably accurate. If you prefer a battery-less tool, though, the Starrett ProSite Miter Saw Protractor is a great analog alternative.
Since there are a wide variety of angle finder types, we also give a few of our other top picks in specialty situations—and some advice on how to get the most out of your new tool.
Top 5 Angle Finders
- Best Digital Model: General Tools Digital Angle Finder
- Best Analog Model: Starrett ProSite Miter Saw Protractor
- Most Durable: Strongman Tools Heavy-Duty Angle Template Tool
- Best Magnetic: Johnson Level & Tool Magnetic Angle Locator
- Best Multi-Purpose: Bosch Digital Angle Finder
Compare Top Angle Finders
| Product | Material | Weight | Dimensions | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starrett ProSite Miter Saw Protractor | Plastic | 3.8 ounces | 5.4 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches | 1 year |
| General Tools Digital Angle Finder | Stainless steel | 3.2 ounces | 1.1 x 5.4 x 10.1 inches | 1 year for parts |
| Strongman Tools Heavy-Duty Angle Template Tool | Aluminum | 7 ounces | 13 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches | Not listed |
| Johnson Level & Tool Magnetic Angle Locator | Plastic and acrylic | Not listed | 1.9 x 6.2 x 10.5 inches | 1 year |
| Bosch Digital Angle Finder | Aluminum | 2.4 pounds | 17 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches | Product defects only |
| Product | Material | Weight | Dimensions | Warranty |
Terms to Know when Using Angle Finders
Before buying an angle finder, it helps to know a few key terms to choose the best tool and use it well.
- Level: A condition where something is perfectly horizontal (0 degrees). Many digital angle finders have a built-in level to help ensure accuracy.
- Plumb: Refers to an angle that is perfectly vertical (90 degrees). Like “level,” some angle finders also help check for plumb.
- Pitch/slope: Refers to the angle of inclination, often used in roofing or construction. The pitch can be described as a ratio (rise over run) or in degrees.
- Bevel: Refers to an angled surface or edge that is not at a 90° right angle. Angle finders are often used to measure or set bevel angles.
- Protractor: A common tool used for measuring angles in degrees. Some angle finders are combined with protractor features.
- Zero function: A function found on many digital angle finders that allows you to reset the tool to zero at any given position, which is helpful for relative angle measurements.
- Relative measurement: Measuring the angle between two surfaces without reference to a fixed 0-degree position. This is often used when comparing the angle between two objects or surfaces.
- Absolute measurement: A measurement from a fixed reference point, typically from a perfectly level or plumb baseline.
Best Digital Model
General Tools Digital Angle Finder
- $17.53
- $29.99
- 42% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Five-inch measuring length
- Made of stainless steel
- Weighs 3.2 ounces
- 1.13 x 5.38 x 10.88 inches
What Customers Are Saying
Many users found this digital angle finder to be a necessary addition to any toolbox, especially for those who do any kind of woodworking. Positive reviews highlighted the ease of calibration, as well as precise angular measurements. However, some customers wished that the angle finder had a dedicated off button to preserve the battery life, noting that the display doesn’t turn off until five minutes of inactivity.
Best Analog Model
Starrett ProSite Miter Saw Protractor
- $26.99
- $37
- 27% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Seven-inch measuring length
- Made of plastic
- Weighs 3.8 ounces
- 5.4 x 9.45 x 0.85 inches
What Customers Are Saying
Feedback for this analog angle finder was primarily positive, with customers highlighting durability, accuracy, and simplicity as noteworthy aspects of the product. Conversely, some negative feedback revolved around quality control issues, as some customers received units that didn’t measure as accurately as non-faulty units.
Most Durable
Strongman Tools Angle Template Tool
- $25
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Has four adjustable screw bolts
- Made of aluminum
- Weighs seven ounces
- 13.07 x 2.44 x 1.14 inches
What Customers Are Saying
Users thought that this heavy-duty angle finder was fairly easy to slide and lock into position, easy to read, and sturdy and durable based on the quality of the gauge metal materials. However, some users struggled to use it with ease and complained about the tightening mechanism wiggling during use.
Best Magnetic
Johnson Level & Tool Magnetic Angle Locator
- $10.99
- $13.99
- 21% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Reads 0 to 90 degrees in four quadrants
- Made of plastic and acrylic materials
- Weighs less than one ounce
- 1.88 x 6.19 x 10.5 inches
What Customers Are Saying
Several positive customer reviews noted accuracy, readability, and reliability. Many users also valued the simplicity of this analog metal protractor and appreciated that there weren’t any electrical components that could malfunction. Conversely, the angle locator didn’t provide some users with an accurate reading and was off by one to two degrees.
Best Multi-Purpose
Bosch Digital Angle Finder
- $285.46
- $349
- 18% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Uses four AA batteries (included)
- Made of aluminum
- Weighs 2.4 pounds
- 17 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches
What Customers Are Saying
Although satisfied users thought the price point of this digital angle finder was relatively high, they included that it was worth the cost. Reviewers stated that this angle finder is designed for carpentry professionals, as the angle readout was both rapid and accurate during multiple uses. While sturdy, some users found that the angle finder was heavier than expected.
Angle Finder Buyer’s Guide
Before purchasing an angle finder, it’s important to understand how each model’s design and specifications impact its performance and user experience. Whether for a home improvement project or as a gift for the woodworker or carpenter in your life, here are four factors to consider before buying an angle finder.
Analog vs. Digital
Angle finders are offered with analog and digital displays. Analog angle finders are typically built with plastic or metal legs that conform to the angle you want to measure, displaying the angle degree with an analog dial and arrow.
Digital angle finders typically have legs similar to analog models but display the angle degree on an LCD. While digital angle finders are more user-friendly, their display typically makes them more expensive than their analog counterparts.
Measurement Range
An angle finder’s measurement range refers to the types of angles it can read. For example, the General Tools Digital Angle Finder measures angles between 0 and 360 degrees, while the larger Bosch Digital Angle Finder finds angles between 0 and 270 degrees.
Intended Purpose
Most angle finders are designed for specific types of DIY projects. Some models are best for setting miter angles, while others are built to read pipe or conduit angles for plumbing or electrical projects. Some tools have flexible designs that can read oddly shaped angles on brick, wood, tile, and other surfaces.
Accuracy
Most digital angle finders have an accuracy range of ±0.1 degrees to ±0.3 degrees, while manual ones may not be as precise. If you’re only using an angle finder for light DIY work, a 0.3-degree range may be acceptable, but professional applications like carpentry, machining, or engineering often require more precise measurements.
Display
Digital angle finders should have a bright, easy-to-read display. Many modern angle finders are backlit, which is helpful in low-light conditions. For manual angle finders, the numbers should be large enough to see and clearly marked.
Size/Portability
Most angle finders are compact enough to easily fit into a tool bag, but there are larger models that provide longer measuring edges, which can be helpful for some tasks.
Zeroing and Hold Functions
Many angle finders include zeroing functions, which means you can reset the angle finder at any position allows for relative angle measurements, which is essential for comparing angles between two surfaces. Other digital models have holding functionality, which involves freezing the measurement on the display so you can easily record it even after moving the tool.
Additional Features
Some angle finders include additional features that help homeowners complete a range of tasks. For example, the multi-purpose Bosch Digital Angle Finder also functions as a level, inclinometer, protractor, and miter calculator.
How To Use an Angle Finder
If you’re taking on more projects at home, you might find yourself faced with new challenges that require you to use a tool that measures angles. While it’s important to research how to find the best angle finder for your needs, it’s equally as important to know how to use your new angle finder. Fortunately, angle finders are easy to use following these two basic steps.
- Step 1: Begin by placing the angle finder on the object you’re working with. Note that angle finders can be used on nearly any object, regardless of its shape or size. To assist you with placing the angle finder against the object, some models use a magnetic base to firmly secure themselves and provide an accurate reading.
- Step 2: Once the angle finder is secured where it should be, give it a moment to calibrate and begin providing measurements. Take note of these measurements and, if equipped, lock the arm of the angle finder to secure the reading.
Additional Angle Finder Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to get the most accurate measurements from your angle finder:
- To ensure accuracy, take multiple measurement readings in the exact same place you originally secured your angle finder.
- Don’t force your angle finder when placing or pressing it onto the object you’re working with. You want to apply an appropriate amount of pressure so that it sits flush with the surface of the object, but too much force could damage the angle finder.
- To mark the object after taking angular measurements, use a pencil with an eraser rather than a pen.
- If you have shaky hands or struggle to hold something still, consider enlisting someone else to help you hold the angle finder in place.
- If you’re working on a project alone, we recommend opting for a premium digital angle finder that helps you find angles accurately and with minimal effort.
- Make sure you’re measuring an angle on a completely flat or nearly flat surface.
Other Types of Angle Finders
In addition to the angle finders listed above, there are also other models that can do the job. Here are other tools you can use to find angles.
- Pivot square: Pivot squares have pivoting arms that swing to align with the desired angle between 0 and 90 degrees, and a graduated scale that allows you easily read the angle.
- Three-sided square: This tool, also known as a speed square, combines a protractor, a try square, and a ruler in one. The hypotenuse side has a degree scale, while the two legs of the triangle are used to draw 90-degree or 45-degree angles.
- Square shooter: A square shooter is a precision angle tool used for shooting (aligning) perfect square angles (90 degrees). The tool has a base that aligns with one edge, and an adjustable arm that swings out to create a perfect square angle.
- T-bevel: A t-bevel, or sliding bevel, is an adjustable tool for transferring or measuring angles. Unlike fixed-angle squares, the t-bevel can be adjusted to any angle.
- Miter guide: A miter guide helps set and cut precise miter angles. It is typically used with saws such as miter saws or table saws. The guide slides along a track, helping guide the workpiece through the saw blade at a specific angle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angle Finders
How does an angle finder work?
Most angle finders use two adjustable legs to fit and read inside or outside angles, showing the measurement using a built-in digital or analog display.
How accurate are digital angle finders?
Most digital protractors are extremely accurate. For example, the General Tools Digital Angle Finder has an accuracy of plus or minus 0.1 degrees.
What can I do to increase the longevity of my angle finder?
For continued use of your trustworthy angle finder, we suggest cleaning it after you’re done measuring the necessary angles and making cuts. Wiping it down with a microfiber cloth should work nicely. We also advise users not to submerge an angle finder in water or drop it from heights greater than six inches from the ground.
Do angle finders have any additional uses?
Yes. Most angle finders have multi-purpose legs that double as a ruler or level. In a pinch, an angle finder could be used to measure short distances as an alternative to a tape measure.
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