Since ancient Egyptian times the square has been used to mark out and test the accuracy of work being done. Though sometimes still hand-made by the individual craftsman, squares have commonly been factory-made since the 1700s.

The try square is fixed at 90 degrees, with the stock often made of brass-bound hardwood, and the blade, usually of steel, is often graduated for measurement. One particular type of try square sometimes combines the function of the miter square. The miter square has the blade set at 45 degrees.

For other angles the bevel square is used. The blade of the bevel is attached so that it pivots to the desired angle. Two of these varieties are the two-bladed boat builder's bevel and the factory-made sliding bevel.