In operative Masonry, what was the gauge primarily used for?

• A. To measure and lay out work.
• B. To determine the height of stones.
• C. To mark guidelines on monuments.
• D. To test stone hardness.

Answer: (B)

The main thing a gauge does in operative masonry is judge the height of stones. In building with cut stones, every block in a course needs the same height so the rows stay level and the joints stay even. A gauge—often a rod or adjustable bars with marked increments—lets the mason quickly check whether a stone matches the designed height or needs trimming. This focus on vertical dimension keeps courses uniform and reduces guesswork and rework. It isn’t the tool for laying out lines, marking guidelines, or testing hardness—those tasks rely on other tools and methods. So the gauge’s primary use is to determine the height of stones.