Last updated: March 13, 2026
Page Ruler Alternatives (1970)
The original Page Ruler extension got pulled from the Chrome Web Store. These are the replacements worth using.
Why Look for Page Ruler Alternatives?
Original Page Ruler discontinued
The original Page Ruler extension is no longer maintained and may have security vulnerabilities.
Pixels only
Most free alternatives only show pixel measurements, not useful for rem/em-based designs.
No element detection
Simple rulers require precise clicking. Modern alternatives auto-detect element boundaries.
Single-purpose tools
Installing separate extensions for ruler, color picker, and CSS inspection adds toolbar clutter.
Quick Recommendation
For free: Page Ruler Redux is the best replacement for the original Page Ruler.
For professionals: Frontend Hero includes a Page Ruler plus 10 additional developer tools.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Frontend Hero | Page Ruler Redux | Dimensions | MeasureIt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Click-and-drag measurement | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Element auto-detection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Snap-to guides | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Multiple units (px/rem/%) | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Spacing measurement (hover) | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Additional dev tools | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Free to use | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
All Page Ruler Alternatives
1. Frontend HeroRecommended
Ruler tool with snap-to guides that auto-detects element edges. Measures in px, rem, or %. Comes bundled with CSS scanner, color picker, and 8 other dev tools.
Key Features:
- Click-and-drag measurement
- Snap-to element guides
- Auto-detect element boundaries
- Measurement in px, rem, or %
- Copy measurements to clipboard
- CSS Scanner, Color Picker, Font Explorer
- Tailwind Scanner and Screenshot tool
- Works on all websites including localhost
Pros:
- +Snaps to elements instead of eyeballing pixel boundaries
- +Measures in rem and % too, not just pixels
- +Also does CSS, colors, fonts, screenshots, Tailwind...
- +Gets updates regularly
Cons:
- -$59 (Page Ruler Redux is free)
- -You probably don't need 11 tools just to measure pixels
Verdict:
If you just need a ruler, Page Ruler Redux is free and works fine. Frontend Hero makes sense if you also need CSS inspection, colors, fonts, etc.
2. Page Ruler Redux
The most popular Page Ruler replacement after the original was discontinued. Simple, free, and does one thing well.
Key Features:
- Click-and-drag ruler
- Pixel measurements
- Resize and move rulers
- Element mode for auto-sizing
- Keyboard shortcuts
Pros:
- +Completely free
- +Lightweight and fast
- +Simple, intuitive interface
- +Element detection mode
Cons:
- -Pixels only (no rem/em)
- -No measurement history
- -Basic feature set
Verdict:
The go-to free alternative to the original Page Ruler. Great for simple pixel measurements.
3. Dimensions
A unique approach that shows dimensions between elements as you hover, rather than requiring click-and-drag.
Key Features:
- Hover to see distances
- Automatic spacing detection
- Minimal UI
- No configuration needed
Pros:
- +Instant measurements on hover
- +No dragging required
- +Very lightweight
- +Great for spacing analysis
Cons:
- -Can't measure arbitrary areas
- -No element size measurements
- -Sometimes inaccurate on complex layouts
Verdict:
Best for quickly checking spacing between elements. Complements rather than replaces Page Ruler.
4. MeasureIt
A simple pixel ruler extension that draws a semi-transparent ruler on any page for measuring distances.
Key Features:
- Overlay ruler tool
- Customizable ruler color
- Pixel measurements
- Minimal interface
Pros:
- +Very simple to use
- +Customizable appearance
- +Lightweight
Cons:
- -Basic measurements only
- -No element snapping
- -Dated interface
Verdict:
A basic ruler tool for simple use cases. Works but lacks modern features.
5. Designer Tools
A multi-tool extension that includes rulers, grids, guides, and color tools for designers.
Key Features:
- Horizontal and vertical rulers
- Grid overlay
- Guides system
- Color picker included
- Screenshot tool
Pros:
- +Multiple tools in one
- +Grid and guide system
- +Good for design QA
Cons:
- -Interface is cluttered
- -Some features are buggy
- -Not actively maintained
Verdict:
Offers more than just measurement but quality is inconsistent. Better alternatives exist.
6. PerfectPixel
Overlay tool for comparing designs to implementations. Includes basic measurement but focused on design comparison.
Key Features:
- Design overlay comparison
- Opacity control
- Image positioning
- Multiple layer support
- Basic measurements
Pros:
- +Excellent for design QA
- +Overlay multiple designs
- +Precise positioning tools
Cons:
- -Measurement is secondary feature
- -Requires design file upload
- -Not great for general measurement
Verdict:
Best for comparing designs to implementations, not general measurement. Use alongside a dedicated ruler.
Frequently Asked Questions
The original Page Ruler extension was discontinued and removed from the Chrome Web Store. Page Ruler Redux is the most popular replacement, maintaining similar functionality.
For professional developers, Frontend Hero offers the most complete solution with measurement tools plus CSS inspection, color picking, and Tailwind utilities. For simple free measurements, Page Ruler Redux is the best option.
Most free rulers only measure in pixels. Frontend Hero supports multiple units including px, rem, and percentage values, which is useful for responsive design workflows.
The Dimensions extension automatically shows spacing between elements as you hover. For precise measurements, use Page Ruler Redux or Frontend Hero's click-and-drag ruler.
Stick to well-reviewed extensions from known developers. Page Ruler Redux and Dimensions are open source. Frontend Hero is from a verified publisher. Always check reviews and permissions before installing.
Related Guides
- Best Page Ruler Chrome Extensions -- Compare all page ruler extensions side-by-side
- How to Measure Elements on a Webpage -- Step-by-step tutorial for pixel-perfect measurements
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