Why can't I see the ruler in Word?

It is hidden in Read Mode and Web Layout; switch to Print Layout.

Is the Word ruler actual size on screen?

Only at 100% zoom on some screens; printed at 100%, it is exact.

How do I measure an object on screen?

Calibrate this online ruler with a bank card.

Show the Ruler in Word, Google Docs and Canva

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): In Microsoft Word, open the View tab and tick Ruler; on a Mac it is View › Ruler. To change between inches and centimeters, go to File › Options › Advanced › Display, "Show measurements in units of". In Google Docs, choose View › Show ruler. In Canva, open File › View settings › Show rulers and guides, or press Shift+R. These rulers measure the page or design you are working on, which matches paper only when printed at 100%. To measure a real object against your screen, use this calibrated ruler instead.

Do it now, right here

Measure a ring

Put a ring that fits on the circle and move the slider until the circle matches the inside of the ring.

Inside diameter

Step by step

Word: View tab › tick Ruler.
Google Docs: View › Show ruler.
Canva: File › View settings › Show rulers and guides (Shift+R).

At a glance

App	Where	Units
Word (Windows)	View › Ruler	File › Options › Advanced › Display
Word (Mac)	View › Ruler	Word › Settings › General
Google Docs	View › Show ruler	Follows page setup
Canva	File › View settings, or Shift+R	Set by design size

How do I show the ruler in Word (and Canva)?