So, if there is no tilt side to side and therefore good alignment straight up and down, it would result in a surface being perfectly plumb.Ī plumb bob is an example of being plumb. If we’re wanting to check flatness on a vertical axis, we would reference it to being plumb. However, with modern-day instruments and the assistance of computer processors, we’re able to take readings in multiple directions at once, giving a more accurate overall picture.
This we would typically measure in one plane or axis at a time, so front to back or side to side. If there is no slope across this measurement then it is said to be level, which also means it will be parallel with the horizon or perpendicular to earth gravity. It says that the tilt is about in relation to Y-axis while the slope is about in relation to X-axis. In terms of defining tilt and slope, we use this source. When we test for levelness, it is usually in relation to a surface or item being measured in the horizontal plane, checking for how much slope there might be. These principles can and are applied across many fields so are worth knowing about. Widespread use will be throughout construction, civil engineering, carpentry, woodworking, machining, and structural. Level is perpendicular to earth gravity while plumb is equal to earth gravity line. While level and plumb have a datum reference which is called earth gravity. However, straightness and flatness don’t have a datum reference. Measuring straightness or flatness means the surface must be straight or flat enough, otherwise, the measurement’s reading is not reliable to take. And hopefully, it will help shed some light on what each of these terms means.Įssentially both of these terms are similar to measuring straightness and flatness, either individually or in conjunction with each other. Take it easy because this article is about to discuss being plumb vs. Do you want to check how straight or flat a surface is in either vertical (plumb) or horizontal (level) planes? Also maybe you’ve been asked to test both but are unsure where to start?