Tape measures can be more hazardous to the operator than they may seem at first. Most tape measures tell you where each foot mark is located, along with the whole inch designation. Learning how to read tape measure markings is not really that hard. A prime (apostrophe) is used for feet, while a double prime (quotation mark) is used for inches. 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. Thank you! The initials FT or ft mean "foot" or "feet". This way, for example, you do not need to calculate 36 inches as equaling 3 feet. Is the blade or hook at the end of a measuring tape included in the measurement? The sliding motion ensures that you get an accurate measurement in either direction. Once you get past the whole inch marks, the numbers are usually not stated on the tape. When it comes to construction and craftsmanship, taking accurate measurements can be the difference between a great finished product and a subpar one. Also remember to have your feet sized each time you purchase shoes. Best Extra-Long: DeWalt 300-Foot Measuring Tape. Typical tape measures are … Understand the Numbers - You need to first familiarize yourself with the tape measure markings, starting with the numbers. Note that lines marking a quarter of an inch sometimes aren't any different in size from eighth-inch marks. Reading it used to be a problem for me. Use the same pattern for recognizing these miniscule measurements. If the sizes are different, then find shoes that fit the larger size. STANLEY® LEVERLOCK® Tape Measures are designed for performance and versatility at home or on the jobsite and this 25 ft. model is no exception. 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.). These are longer again, and 2/8ths, 4/8ths, and 6/8ths are marked as quarter inches. The bottom portion of the measuring tape device stands for centimeters and millimeters. Why is there an arrow marking on 16, 32, 48, etc. The 1/8-inch mark is located between any two 1/4-inch marks. For one thing, both are very short marks. Every inch is divided into two halves. Since it is common to have different sized feet, it is important to fully measure both feet with the Brannock Device. 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. Thanks. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. If you are remodeling or building a home, reading a tape measure accurately is essential. This is so you can measure either by butting the tape against an object or by hooking it on the edge of the object. For example, "Three and one half inches (or 3 1/2")" or "2 feet, 3 1/2". Foot or 1’: The foot measurement shows up on the 12th inch and is written as 1F. Look on the case body for the width indicator. You just have to remember to subtract that inch. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. It also has a durable blade, a handy write-on label, and a non-marring base. You might have to do it a few times to make sure you’re not changing your gait wildly each time. 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. ", "Specific steps helped. This means that you line up the end of the item you're measuring with the 1-inch mark on the tape. For example, if you wanted to write five feet, one and a half inches, you would write it like this: 5'1 1/2". 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'm really glad that there are websites like this to help people all around the world. Draw the line from beginning of the measuring tape and stop at 2 feet, continue on and count 5 of the 1/8th inch marks or 10 of the 16th inch marks. How do I write in feet, inches, and fractions of an inch? But, sometimes your measurement ends up falling on one of those little lines with no number markings. The whole inch, or 1-inch, mark on a tape measure is the longest and easiest to see. 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. If your measuring tape doesn't have 0.5 centimetre markings, the fifth millimetre after each centimetre marks the 0.5 centimetre. ", "My son needed to know how to read a measuring tape for a school project. Step Four: Measure the Other Foot. Let's say that we've measured past the one-inch mark, past one quarter-inch mark, and past one eighth-inch mark. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. and I believe that this is the best outline on how to read a tape measure. ", after reading this article, I realized how easy it is to use a tape.". wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. 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. 3- I recommend a steel bodied tape measure, not plastic. Note that the line next to the number marks each inch, not the number itself. 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. Foot markers are the longest lines on the tape measure and sometimes extend the entire width of the tape. ", "Helps me in reading imperial tape measurements.". For the purposes of this post, I’ll be talking about a good old American Imperial measurement tape. Draw the line up to the 3 foot mark, continue up till you can count 3 of the 1/4 line markers or 12 of the 1/16th marks. I'm really glad that y'all have that, thank you. in the inches column of the tape? That's why these bodies are carefully designed and marked to a certain width. Most work tends to stop at this point, though in some cases you will need to measure down to the 1/16-inch mark. If, for instance, it's three 1/8 inch marks past 24 inches, it is 24 3/8 inches wide. As we know, 12 inches make up a … Tips. 3. For example, ½" has a bigger mark than ¼" which has a bigger... Read 1 inch. The pictures made it really easy to follow and, "The uncomplicated layout of the measuring tape, indicating the number range, was very helpful. The longest mark indicates one inch. Figuring out your shoe size at home isn't difficult. Unfortunately, the movement on the hook isn't accurate on all tapes, and it can lose accuracy over time. How to Read a Tape Measure Find/read the markings. Yet when it is stretched out, a tape measure is a jumble of numbers, marks, diamonds, and other confusing symbols. ", "We can use it for training purposes. Special Notes for How to Read a Tape Measure The typical length between studs in a wall is 16 inches on center. If you really need an accurate measurement and you believe that the hook is not moving properly, you can do a simple technique called "burning an inch." 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. If it's in inches, there are big marks for inches and smaller marks for parts of an inch. Note that some very precise measuring tapes will mark down to one-thirty-second of an inch or even one-sixty-fourth of an inch! You Don't Need a Brannock Device. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,909,813 times. Visit us today for the widest range of Measuring Tools products. 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). This a common layout measurement for various items used in building homes and other structures. The top portion of a standard tape measure is feet, inches and fractions of inches. The 1/4-inch mark is exactly halfway between any two 1/2-inch marks. Check out our range of Measuring Tape products at your local Bunnings Warehouse. It is very easy to explain to the trainees. This measurement is normally in a black box with a small triangle or … This article has been viewed 2,909,813 times. 2 Place your foot firmly on top of the piece of paper. Many are 3". Queries are not only How to read a measuring tape also arise What is soot in measuring tap, How many mm in one Soot, How many feet in one inch, How many soot in one inch, But these are also the common, simple and most important questions for general knowledge and practice because we always use in daily life. "I've sent this to my sons who are just starting in the construction business. 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. It is a common measuring tool. Instead, reel it back slowly. Reading a ​tape measure is more about combining basic fractions with an understanding of how marks work on today's tape measures. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Example: Measure a space on your wall. 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. It's important to know how to read a tape measure. 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/, https://www.constructionprotips.com/tools-materials/ultimate-tape-measure-guide/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow, Every 12 inches, there will often (but not always) be a. That would make the total measured space 17 and 1/4 inches. The whole inch mark is the easiest to read on the tape measure because the number … Even if math was not your strongest subject in school, you may be comforted to learn that this has little to do with mathematical calculations. But now, the 1/8-inch mark and the 1/16-inch mark come along and make things a bit more confusing. 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. 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. That counts as 12/16th or 3/4. Remember that every inch is divided into four quarters. 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). We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. When measuring your stride in advance, lay a measuring tape on the floor and have someone else watch you walk at a normal, natural pace. This way, for example, you do not need to calculate 36 inches as equaling 3 feet. Like rulers, measuring tapes come in a wide variety of different calibrations. 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. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Tape Measure 1/8-Inch and 1/16-Inch Marks, How to Build a Temporary Wall Inside Your Home, How to Hang Vintage Textiles on the Walls, How to Make a DIY Coat Hook for Your Home. Moasure might not be compatible with all smartphones out there, but we think it’s one of the nicer tape measure apps on… By using our site, you agree to our. There is no guesswork. It depends on the tape measure itself, they come in different lengths. Different types of measuring tapes used in sewing 1 The regular measuring tape. 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. Lay the tape on the floor and hook the end into one corner of the room. Each inch will then have eight 1/8th of an inch and sixteen 1/16th of an inch marks. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. As you may know it, there are two main systems for measuring length – the Imperial System of Measurements where things are measured in yards, feet and inches and the Metric System of Measurement which uses meters, centimeters and millimeters.. Once you break it down into a few basics, a tape measure is actually very easy to read. Each number equates to 1 inch, and 12 inches equal 1 foot. For example, the half-inch mark between inches three and four stands for 3 1/2 inches, even though it's not labeled. 1 soot = 25.4 / 8 = 3.175 mm. Even smaller marks then denote 1/8ths and 1/16ths (marked in red) of an inch. In addition to its length, the 1/2-inch mark is fairly easy to locate because it is exactly halfway between any two whole-inch numerals. Often, this little hook is uncooperative about sliding as it should. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. 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. Your foot: With this one it helps to know your European shoe size: 35 = 9′, 40 = 10″ and 45 = 11″. For fractions of an inch, simply put the fraction after the whole number for inches. ", "I was wondering about the little lines and now I know! wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Tape a piece of paper down to the floor. Remember: you want to read from the biggest measurement to the smallest. 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. A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible ruler used to measure size or distance.. To measure a room from one corner to the other: All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Thank you, wikiHow. If you're looking for how to read the markings on your tape measure, click here. To learn about the differences between the imperial system and the metric system, read on! 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. Buy on Home Depot. References You can see that we identified that the closest marking to the object we were measuring was a 1/8" marking. A tape that has 31 markings between the whole numbers is a 1/32″ tape and can be confusing when learning how to read a tape measure. This article has 17 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. A 16ft tape measure, for example, will have sixteen one-foot marks along its length and 192 one-inch marks (12 inches per foot). And there aren’t many jobs that require 1/32″ anyway. Measuring tapes in the United States and Canada usually have both metric and imperial measurement … wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. These measuring tapes are often referred to as “quick read” or “speed mark” tape measures and include labels for many of the smaller (1/8″, 1/4″, 1/2″) measurement values along with the larger (1″) marks. The tape measure's 1/2-inch mark is the second-shortest mark, and the 1/4-inch mark is the next-shortest. Place the front of the tape at the start point and extend it until after you reach the stop point. To learn about the differences between the imperial system and the metric system, read on! After the number 17, count four lines, noticing that you stop on the third longest line. Completely different to an imperial tape measure, it is arguably easier to read a tape measure in metric than imperial; Each small increment is 1mm and there are 10mm that make up one centimetre. Here is a step-by-step guide that will teach you all the basics on deciphering the tape measure markings on the English system side.. You are going to trace an outline of your foot to measure, so avoid doing this on carpet or any other surface that will be difficult to write on. The ½ inch is marked with a yet longer hash, and then each inch is marked with a hash that runs across the width of the measure, and a number. Last Updated: September 3, 2020 This is marked in red on many tape measures. This eliminates any inaccuracy from the hook. Some marks are black and some are red. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. If the tape measure stretches exactly halfway between the 27 and 28 inch markings, this means that your arm is 27.5 inches long. Remember - 12 inches is equivalent to one (1) foot. 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. 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). But when it comes to the smaller, more precise measurements. Thus, most manual tapes won't be much longer than the human arm span. Do not let the tape roll back into place at full force, as you can badly cut your finger and damage the tape. Tape measures are commonly used in construction, architecture, building, home projects, crafts, and woodworking. Across the top of the tape, above the number 12, is a black 1. ", "Read this in math class, it really helped! 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. Marks on a tape measure are the straight lines that run perpendicular to the tape. Just beyond the tip, bold black numbers begin with the number one and continue consecutively. How to read a tape measure with metric markings, in millimetres, centimetres and metres. A tape measure can be calibrated either in inches, feet and yards or in metric units, or both. Now let’s do 2 feet and 5/8th of an inch. These numbers usually continue for the entire length of the tape measure. An easy read tape measure has the most dimension details on the tape, making the reading of your measurement easier to recognize and quite possibly quicker. Stretch out the tape measure. For a 12 inch measurement, do I mark the left edge of the 12" gradation, the center, or the right edge? Deane Biermeier is a contractor with 27 years experience in home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. Now I'm good. You can also try putting a kink in the tape, then lining up this kink with the edge of what you're measuring. For example, let's say that we want the answer above in metres. When you take the measurement, just subtract that extra inch that you added. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. ", measurements. This is handy in certain situations, like for instance, when you're measuring into a tight corner. Unless you are dealing with wall studs or joists, you can ignore this marker. Use a tape measure — ideally a metal one that will remain straight — to measure the distance from the floor to the mark on the wall. How to Properly Read Tape Measures. This makes it convenient to mark off wall studs or joists, which typically are 16 inches apart. In this case, you need to use the markings on either side to guide you. 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.). This hook is meant to slide back and forth. They usually come in lengths from 6 feet to 35 feet long. or tape measure increments, you might find yourself resorting to the old, “2-1/2 inches and 3 little black marks” method. 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. Tape measure markings represent the fractions of an inch. To measure the diameter of a tree, the diameter tape (diameter side facing user) is wrapped around the tree, in the plane perpendicular to the axis of the trunk at 4.5 feet (1.4 m) above ground (or 4.27 feet (1.30 m), depending on the location) . In this case, keep in mind that two eighths of an inch make a quarter. Try to keep the tape straight to ensure an accurate measurement! 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. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. A tape measure with both inches and centimeters usually has the imperial measurements in red on the top of the blade, while the metric measurements are in black on the bottom of the blade. Whether hooking the tape or butting it, make sure you do so firmly. In fact, it's very … Up to this point, it has been easy to read the tape measure. Let's say that we measure past the 33 centimetre mark to the sixth millimetre marking. COVID-19 Update to Customers Customers can shop with us in-store or online with our Click & Deliver or Drive & Collect services. Look at the tape and see the last number before the stop point, for example, 17. Most people still find this a fairly easy mark to read, as the line is relatively long. Then, look at the point where the tape meets the end of the item you're measuring and read the nearest large number. Reading a Tape Measure. How to read a sewing measuring tape. A tape measure is an essential tool for both dressmakers and woodworkers. It is also the first line that you will encounter after or before a whole-inch mark. It is also a common divisor for materials such as plywood (4' x 8'), ceiling heights, and common lumber lengths. To create this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 2,909,813 times. Without the hook, the tape would reel back, since it is spring-loaded. Pull out the tape along the floor. The one I like is a Dewalt 25′ Tape Measure.There are hashmarks every 1/16″ with longer hashmarks for every 1/8″, 1/4″, and 1/2″ … Tape measures may have measurements in imperial and metric, imperial-only, or metric-only. This section deals with how to use the two most common styles of tape measure. Similar to reading rulers, the large numbers on a standard tape measure are the inch marks.That number is usually in bold, black type, easy to read and refers to the longest of the markings along the edge.Reading 1/2-inch measurements is the same principle as reading 1/2-inch measurements is the same principle as reading How To Read Tape Measure In Feet and Inches 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. 1. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. To find our measurement, we need to add: Since there are two eighth-inches in a quarter-inch, we can rewrite this as: Adding fractions like 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and so on can be tricky. Note that, starting with half-inch marks, not all lines may be labeled with numbers. To create this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. 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. 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. You can get tape measures in Metric and Imperial measurements depending on your needs and you can find different specialty tape measures as well. Take a close look at step 3 and 4 in the picture above. Approved. Exactly where is the measurement taken? Typically a measuring tape for measuring the body is 60 inches long which is about 1.5 meters (152 cms). As the length of the marks progressively shortens, the measurements shorten, as well. To read a tape measure, think about moving from long marks down to short marks. 2. On a standard tape measure, the biggest marking is the inch mark (which generally has the... As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. "This helped me how to read about tape measuring.". This type of tape measure has the whole inch numbers labeled, as well as the eighths and quarters of an inch labeled, like 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, etc, which makes reading a tape measure much easier. The flat metal hook attached to the tape at the end with rivets is meant to grab onto the end of an item so that you can extend the tape. In the United States, the imperial measurement system is normally used on a tape measure, though some models may have both the imperial and the metric system. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibre glass, or metal strip with linear-measurement markings. % of people told us that this article helped them. Many tape measures will have 12-inch foot marks designated, eliminating the need to convert inches to feet yourself. Lay the tape on the floor and hook the end into one corner of the room. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Its pressure-controlled auto locking system allows you to control the retraction speed which can help prevent tape breakage and possible injury. 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! Marks range from 1 inch down to 1/16 inch on most tape measures. 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