Gage pattern commonly refers to the number of the grid (uniaxial/multi-axial) and the layout of the grid (planar/stacked).

•	Select a uniaxial strain gage, if
	-	Only one direction of strain needs to be investigated.
	-	Cost is an issue. Two or three single uniaxial gages are usually less expensive than a bi-axial or tri-element strain gage.
•	Select a bi-axial strain rosette (0°-90° Tee rosette), if
	-	The principal stresses need to be investigated and the principal axes are known.
•	Select a tri-element strain rosette (0°-45°-90° rectangular rosette or 0°-60°-120° delta rosette), if
	-	The principal stresses need to be investigated but the principal axes are unknown.

There are two different layouts in multi-axial strain rosettes: planar and stacked.

•	Select a strain rosette with planar layout, if
	-	Heat dissipation is an issue.
	-	Accuracy and stability are critical. Planar layout has each gage closer to the measuring surface and no interference in between.
•	Select a strain rosette with stacked layout, if
	-	The strain gradient is large. Stacked layout measures strain at the same point.
	-	Space for mounting is limited.