While other reviews correctly point out that the mark is printed on a label on the front of the ruler, I disagree on the importance of this. The ruler itself is a very strong piece of steel with a cork back, which is great. The label won't stand up to extreme treatment (scraping) compared to an etched label, but it looks just as strong and stable as if it was painted on and just as thin. The markings are very clear, easy to read and absolutely accurate. As mentioned elsewhere, it's very pleasing that these labels clearly fall down to the smallest subdivisions for those of us with weaker eyes. I bought two of these and both had end marks "in" from the end of the steel. very much like a regular desktop ruler. But the zero and 12 inch marks are clearly visible. If you need the zero mark right at the end of the steel I would grind the end down. But I have other "hook" rulers and calipers for such an accurate final measurement - and they cost a lot more. If you need high precision fabrication such as a very thin Incra ruler or a ruler with a thin beveled measuring edge to get the etch marks closer to the material, this PRODUCT is unmatched and you should definitely buy them. Just understand that these lines are several times more expensive than this one. For the price, this Victor ruler is fairly accurate and easy to use. and has a marking edge as thick as or better than most typical rulers, with the added benefit of strong steel and a cork backing.