PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a scale for an encoder, capable of enhancing reliability without inviting increase in costs, and to provide a scale for the encoder manufacturing method for manufacturing such a scale for the encoder and an actuator using such a scale for the encoder.SOLUTION: In the scale for the encoder with a high reflectance section and a low reflectance section, the high reflectance section and the low reflectance section are formed by printing. Thereby, a scale for the encoder with a high reliability can be provided at a low cost.