Typically a measuring tape for measuring the body is 60 inches long which is about 1.5 meters (152 cms). In the case of our example, you would start at 3 feet and then count 9 inches. Copyright © 2021 Your email address will not be published. If you’ve ever measured a table or other hard surface, you’ve likely used the hook at the end of the tape. Most tapes feature imperial units (inches) on the top row and metric units (centimeters) on the bottom. For example, let's say that we want the answer above in metres. Note that, starting with half-inch marks, not all lines may be labeled with numbers. The markings are in both inches and in centimeters. Reading it used to be a problem for me. If, for instance, it's three 1/8 inch marks past 24 inches, it is 24 3/8 inches wide. Tape can help. This a common layout measurement for various items used in building homes and other structures. You can also Filter by model, length, manufacturer and Brands or pick one of our replacement tape tape measure … Is the blade or hook at the end of a measuring tape included in the measurement? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Once you’ve gotten the tape where you need it to be, take the measurement directly from the tape. I'm really glad that there are websites like this to help people all around the world. Metric is based on ‘tens’. Explains how to read a ruler with 16th increments. On a metric tape you will basically see markings for meters, centimeters, and millimeters. If you aren’t measuring something you can latch onto – the distance across a door frame, for example – press the hook against one side to ensure an accurate reading. On a tape measure labeled with imperial units, the most prominent marks are usually the one-inch marks. They’re only effective if the person using them knows how to get an accurate reading. In stock and ready to ship. In this case, you need to use the markings on either side to guide you. It is a common measuring tool. This article has been viewed 2,932,435 times. Model #L111625BSET2. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Quickly seeing which of two objects is bigger, Seeing whether something will fit through a certain space, Keeping the tape available for multiple quick measurements, Keeping a certain distance "handy" to avoid having to re-measure. Let’s begin by reviewing the essential parts of an “Imperial” or “English” tape measure: On a tape measure that uses imperial units – as opposed to the metric system – the most prominent markings are typically the inch marks, designated by long, thin lines and larger numbers. Its standard width is 3.37 inches (3 3⁄8 inches), or 85.6 mm (8 centimeters, 56 millimeters) for the metric measurement. HEIKIO Tape Measure 33 Feet(10M), Double-sided Metric and Inch Scale with Fractions, Double St… The measurement is technically taken at the center of the mark; however, if you need measurements to that precision, I would recommend using something a bit more accurate, such as calipers. 99 Try to keep the tape straight to ensure an accurate measurement! Note that the line next to the number marks each inch, not the number itself. Try to keep the tape straight as you do this — if you let it sag (which is easy to do if you're measuring long distances), the results you get will be skewed. To learn about the differences between the imperial system and the metric system, read on! I know many of you are familiar with how to read the larger parts of the tape measure, as in 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch. Perfect Measuring Tape - Fraction Tape Measure, All-Purpose 60 Inch Tape Measure - Double Sided Fractional Inches and Millimeter/Centimeter Tape Measure TR-16-frac (60 inch White) 4.6 out of 5 stars 84. Example: Measure a space on your wall. The retractable Tape Measure is an extra-heavy glazed cloth tape that measures 60" (150cm). The pictures made it really easy to follow and, "The uncomplicated layout of the measuring tape, indicating the number range, was very helpful. If you're looking for how to read the markings on your tape measure, click here. • Self-marking. That's why these bodies are carefully designed and marked to a certain width. These are smaller, sometimes thinner markings, evenly spaced between the half-inch and inch marks on a tape measure. All rights Reserved. That’s an old saying, but a true one, and something that applies to tape measures as well. When it comes to construction and craftsmanship, taking accurate measurements can be the difference between a great finished product and a subpar one. These are smaller, sometimes thinner markings, evenly spaced between the half-inch and inch marks on a tape measure. For this reason, it's usually fine to refer to half-centimetre markings in decimal terms (i.e., 1 1/2 centimetres becomes 1.5 centimetres.). Item #2180277. This has made me feel confident in doing the tasks at home that I have avoided, "Thank you for the methods of measurement, it really helped me. If your measuring tape doesn't have 0.5 centimetre markings, the fifth millimetre after each centimetre marks the 0.5 centimetre. Make out which replacement tape tape measure matches you. Thanks. Similar Items. Skip the struggle of making out the tiny quarter-inch lines on the measuring tape. To create this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Now I'm good. A 16ft tape measure, for example, will have sixteen one-foot marks along its length and 192 one-inch marks (12 inches per foot). Approved. Quarter inches, eighth inches, and sixteenth inches. We explored 11 prime replacement tape tape measures over the latter 3 years. If you have a metric tape measure, the numbers should be read like this: Looking at the example, if you measure something past the 28th centimeter marking to the third millimeter, you would say it measures 28.3 centimeters long. Last Updated: January 5, 2021 Bob and Sparky go over how to read a measuring tape or a ruler using fractions. Tape. Place the front of the tape at the start point and extend it until after you reach the stop point. Tape measures usually have a red mark every 16 inches. Has 100ths of an inch and 32nds of an inch in first six inches, then goes to 10ths and 16ths. For example, if you are measuring across the front of your dresser and the edge of the dresser lines up right after the 24 inch marking, this means that your dresser is between 24 and 25 inches wide. % of people told us that this article helped them. Pennsburg, PA 18073, US Luckily, with the proper approach, using a tape measure can be a quick, easy way to get you the information you need about your project. ", "We can use it for training purposes. Required fields are marked *. In this case, since there are 100 centimetres in one metre, we could use a conversion factor like this: In general, to go from centimetres to metres, shift the decimal two places to the left, and to go from metres to centimetres, shift it two places to the right. To read a measuring tape, line the zero mark up at the edge of the item you're measuring, then stretch the tape all the way across the item. 1 The regular measuring tape. To create this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. $4.99 $ 4. ", "Specific steps helped. Source: Amazon If you are going to be measuring extensive distances on open land and need to be able to accurately tell how far away places or locations are then you need to have a surveyor measuring tape. To learn about the differences between the imperial system and the metric system, read on! Looking for a quality, accurate tape measure? 60 inches and 7/16ths of an inch would be written as 60-7/16.". For example, if you wanted to write five feet, one and a half inches, you would write it like this: 5'1 1/2". wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Komelon PG85 8m by 25mm Metric Gripper Tape, Black. But when it comes to the smaller, more precise measurements. These are incredibly long and are ideal for creating land maps, finding boundaries between neighbors, … wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Look on the case body for the width indicator. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. That would make the total measured space 17 and 1/4 inches. FREE Shipping. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Lay the tape on the floor and hook the end into one corner of the room. I'm really glad that y'all have that, thank you. Thank you! U.S. A self-marking tape measure applies a graphite mark on the tape, giving a precise and hassle-free measurement every time. Phone: 800-472-8273 | Fax: 800-582-8273 Thus, most manual tapes won't be much longer than the human arm span. For a 12 inch measurement, do I mark the left edge of the 12" gradation, the center, or the right edge? 3. Tape measures come in both Imperial Units (inches and feet) and metric (centimeters and meters), featuring unit breakdowns for further accuracy. The large, numbered markings are centimeters, There is a smaller marking exactly halfway between the centimeters for ease of reading, The smallest markings are millimeters, or one tenth of a centimeter. For example, the second eighth-inch marking after the inch marking is a quarter inch. white 1/8 inch tape measures. You will see a foot designation marked every 12 inches (sometimes in a box as in the picture, or sometimes the number will be shown in red). When you reach the other corner push the butt of the tape case into the corner (the butt or back of the case has been flattened for this purpose). Knowing how to use and read both a retractable measure and a traditional ribbon-style tape measure can be a major asset to anyone working with his or her hands, so learn today and start measuring! If you need help, see our article on how to, If you have a measuring tape longer than one metre (100 centimetres), usually, the metre(s) will receive a special marking as well — often in a different color than the rest of the markings. It is also a common divisor for materials such as plywood (4' x 8'), ceiling heights, and common lumber lengths. Well sized to fit in a tool belt or to fit in your pocket. With contractor measuring tapes, used for measuring large areas, you often cannot get a measurement using just the tape, as the body or case of the measuring tape gets in the way. Typical tape measures are good for spans under 25 feet in length, but the DeWalt 300-Foot Measuring Tape is the tool of choice when you have a large distance to measure efficiently. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibre glass, or metal strip with linear-measurement markings. It depends on the tape measure itself, they come in different lengths. A tape measure is an essential tool for both dressmakers and woodworkers. Although inches and centimeters are common on both, it is possible to get measuring tapes in "tenths," which measure tenths of a foot and are often used in building and construction. For example, the half-inch mark between inches three and four stands for 3 1/2 inches, even though it's not labeled. ", "Helps me in reading imperial tape measurements.". After the number 17, count four lines, noticing that you stop on the third longest line. The Tape Measure … vertical rule. If it is, for instance, six inches at this point, then your wrist has a circumference of about six inches. You can also try putting a kink in the tape, then lining up this kink with the edge of what you're measuring. or tape measure increments, you might find yourself resorting to the old, “2-1/2 inches and 3 little black marks” method. Count to the second eighth-inch marking after the inch marking — this is the quarter-inch (and the line in the same spot on the other side of the half-inch mark is the three-quarter inch.). Note that lines marking a quarter of an inch sometimes aren't any different in size from eighth-inch marks. Let's say that we measure past the 33 centimetre mark to the sixth millimetre marking. Great small tape measure. Square meters is a unit of measure for area - that is bi-dimensional spaces - whereas feet are used to measure distance, so there's no possible equivalence. http://www.johnsonlevel.com/News/TapeMeasure, https://www.ustape.com/blog/accurately-reading-a-tape-measure/, https://sewguide.com/sewing-tape-measure/, https://www.ck12.org/measurement/tools-for-measurement-of-customary-and-metric-lengths/lesson/Appropriate-Measurement-Tools-MSM6/, https://www.mathsisfun.com/measure/metric-length.html, https://sciencing.com/read-metric-tape-measure-4472324.html, http://thesweethome.com/reviews/the-best-tape-measure/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow, Every 12 inches, there will often (but not always) be a. ", "I was wondering about the little lines and now I know! Cloth measuring tape 2. lufkin fiberglass tape measures. ", "My son needed to know how to read a measuring tape for a school project. Website Design & Website Hosting by IQnection. 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters; therefore, "n" centimeters = n x 2.54. A measuring Tape is an instrument that is used for measurement to measure any object in length, width, and height in mm, cm, inch, and soot. Some tape measures make it easier to decipher the markings by calling out the fractional equivalents right on the face of the blade. How To Read Tape Measure In Feet and Inches. [1] X Research source Every 12 inches, there will often (but not always) be a foot marking. The measuring tape is of two type. Tape Measure Pro: Subscribing to Tape Measure Pro gives you access to all Tools & Features plus an ad free experience while you are an active subscriber: • You can subscribe to a yearly plan that comes with a free 3 day trial. You get 120 inch long measuring tapes in shops as well, which is useful for measuring those curtains and quilts and other home decor stuff. Even if you don't have a tenths-calibrated measuring tape, however, you can still indirectly measure length in tenths. I've been in it for over 30 years, "These examples on how to read a tape measure really helped me refresh my memory on how to make accurate, "I've always taught that using a measuring tape was difficult because of all the minuscule lines on the tape, but, "Your article shows the exact points on making reading a ruler so easy. If you need to measure beyond your reach, you can try keeping the zero end of your tape measure in place with a weight or getting a friend to help. Hook. This section deals with how to use the two most common styles of tape measure. For fractions of an inch, simply put the fraction after the whole number for inches. 99. "This helped me how to read about tape measuring.". If it's in inches, there are big marks for inches and smaller marks for parts of an inch. A prime (apostrophe) is used for feet, while a double prime (quotation mark) is used for inches. Compare; Find My Store. Was not sure about little markings, but, "Clear information, and useful tips. Part of the problem with manual tape measures is that they're most useful for measuring only short differences because you have to be able to hold the zero end in place while you move the other end into position. Let's say that we've measured past the one-inch mark, past one quarter-inch mark, and past one eighth-inch mark. References Measuring Tape Measure By Kutir - EASY TO READ 25 Foot BOTH SIDE DUAL RULER, Retractable, STURDY, Heavy Duty, MAGNETIC HOOK, Metric, Inches and Imperial Measurement, SHOCK ABSORBENT Solid Rubber Case 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,409 ", after reading this article, I realized how easy it is to use a tape.". Exactly where is the measurement taken? After each metre, the centimetre markings may, The metric system is in base ten, which makes it much easier to work with decimals compared to imperial measurements. For instance, let's say you hold one end of a tape measure in the tips of your fingers and stretch the other end all the way to the crook of your armpit to determine how long your arm is. These are typically marked by long, thin lines and fairly large numbers. This article has been viewed 2,932,435 times. If the tape measure stretches exactly halfway between the 27 and 28 inch markings, this means that your arm is 27.5 inches long. Thank you, wikiHow. Use the big, numbered markings for inches. LICHAMP Tape Measure 12 ft, 8 Pack Bulk Easy Read Measuring Tape Retractable with Fractions 1/8, Measurement Tape 12-Foot by 1/2-Inch 4.4 out of 5 stars 47 $19.99 $ 19 . 139. Most standard tape measures in the U.S. have markings that measure down to 1/16 of an inch. This article has 17 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. In other words, the half-inch mark between inches 13 and 14 is read as 13 ½ inches, and sits exactly midway between the markings for those numbers. On the other hand, if you're measuring something that can't be latched on to (like, for instance, the distance across a door frame), just press this metal notch into one side of the object. Replacement Tape Tape Measure. ", measurements. • Digital display. Check the length of your arm against a ruler or measuring tape to find out how close to 1 meter this distance is for you. If it sags, your measurement will be off. ", "Read this in math class, it really helped! Visit our website today to find the tape measure that’s right for your next job. Great little tape measure. Its design allows for a measure of great length to be easily carried in pocket or toolkit and permits one to measure around curves or corners. The large numbers are the units you're measuring, like inches or centimeters, and the markings between the large numbers correspond to fractions of that unit. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Today’s tape measures include a variety of features to help make your next measuring task simpler. Also provides explanation of basic fraction reduction. A tape measure can be calibrated either in inches, feet and yards or in metric units, or both. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. 2452 Quakertown Road, Suite 300 for pricing and availability. These are known as ‘Fractional Read’ or ‘Easy Read’ blades. Take your measurement from the tape and then add the 3" for the complete width. In this case, we can find our distance in centimetres like this: If we wanted our distance in something other than centimetres, however, we would need to shift the decimal place to compensate. "I've sent this to my sons who are just starting in the construction business. yellow 1/10 inch tape measures. It's important to know how to read a tape measure. This is handy in certain situations, like for instance, when you're measuring into a tight corner. For example, if you want to find the distance around your wrist, place the zero end of the tape measure on top of your wrist, wrap the slack around and underneath, then line it up with the zero end on top. Your email address will not be published. This virtual ruler that can be adjusted to true size, that can actually measure the actual length, the upper half is metric ruler (millimetre and centimetre), lower half is inches ruler, before you use this ruler, please set the pixels per inch to your own device. Many are 3". Numbers shown represent meters, decimeters (sometimes shown in red-see example picture), and centimeters. By using our site, you agree to our. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. There are 10 decimeters in a meter, 10 centimeters in a decimeter, and 10 millimeters in a centimeter. Half-inch marks sit between two one-inch marks. Choose from our selection of self-adhesive tape measures, including adhesive-back rulers, adhesive-back vertical rulers, and more. Then, look at the point where the tape meets the end of the item you're measuring and read the nearest large number. and I believe that this is the best outline on how to read a tape measure. Most standard tape measures in the U.S. have markings that measure down to 1/16 of an inch. 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