The side rule is an extremely useful instrument for making various kinds of calculations, especially multiplication and division. Its use in India is, however, restricted to technical colleges and, in some cases, to science students. The speed and accuracy with which these calculations can be done should lead to a much wider range of uses.

There are two factors that have probably prevented the use of the slide rule on a large scale.

1) The complexity of the slide rule scales. The errors that a learner makes might easily discourage him from using it.

2) The prohibitive cost of the instrument reduces its potential for widespread use.

The need, then, is to design a slide rule that is simple to use, has a few but easily understandable scales, and does not cost much. Such a slide rule, it is hoped, will be adopted in schools. With new and slightly complex courses being introduced at the school level (especially in higher secondary schools), there is an increasing need to make quick calculations. As it is, in the higher classes, students use log tables, which is quite a laborious process.