Many tape measures will have 12-inch foot marks designated, eliminating the need to convert inches to feet yourself. If the tape measure stretches exactly halfway between the 27 and 28 inch markings, this means that your arm is 27.5 inches long. Also used with the i and / keys for entering Feet-Inch values (e.g., 6 f 9 i 1 / 2). Many mechanical balances, such as double-pan balances, have been replaced by digital scales, which can typically measure the mass of an object more precisely. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 4.6 out of 5 stars 329. It can also store the measurement in one of two long term memories, and it can perform multiple calculations, including auto midpoint calculation, and inch, centimeter, feet conversion. Place the front of the tape at the start point and extend it until after you reach the stop point. Look on the case body for the width indicator. Standard tape measures are available in metric units and imperial units. It depends on the tape measure itself, they come in different lengths. ImageMeter provides tools that help you measure lengths, angles and areas in your photos. To draw a perfect circle, anchor the tape measure’s hook slot onto an anchor point and engage the thumb lock. f Feet— Enters or converts to Feet. More Tips on How to Use a Tape Measure. There is no laser built-in to this device. The chart below can be used to easily find the correct fraction for your decimal measurement, or vice-versa. FREE Shipping by Amazon. Also known as a strip diagram, bar model, fraction strip, or length model. Metric measurements are even easier to calculate. Releasing the thumb lock will allow it to retract into the case. In early times, people who did not have tools used parts of their bodies (like 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. Use a measuring tape or a meter stick to measure the distance if you’re in a field. Is the blade or hook at the end of a measuring tape included in the measurement? This guide will review the basics of how to read a tape measure as well as some tips and tricks for using the tool for precise measurements. If you're looking for how to read the markings on your tape measure, click here. This calculator software makes it easy to calculate loan payments, amortization schedules, depreciation, bonds, cash flow, gross profit margin, and interest rates - and with plenty of user options, you can adapt Moffsoft Calculator 2 to suit your needs! Example: Measure a space on your wall. Dear Twitpic Community - thank you for all the wonderful photos you have taken over the years. 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. Learning how to read a tape measure is an important skill to learn, whether you're doing home projects, teaching your kids or students, or looking to get into the skilled trades in some capacity. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. An accurate tape measure is a key part of any tool kit. The longest lines represent the number of inches from the beginning of whatever space is measured. marks, 1/8-in. Subtracting from 90°, that indicated that I looked at an angle of 35° to the top of the telephone pole. Need an amortization calculator, date calculator or unit conversion calculator? Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. ” measurements.. Decimal format button is used for all decimal work. Reading it used to be a problem for me. To measure a distance between two objects you need two things: a unit of measurement (how much you are measuring by) and a tool (what you measure with). Learning how to read tape measures properly is a crucial but easy skill for anyone taking on DIY projects. Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the correct value … Set-up the experiment. Terminating decimal. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Best Digital: eTape16 Digital Tape Measure Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart. ", "Read this in math class, it really helped! The magnetic tip has come in handy when working with sheet metal in my garage. Self-retracting tape measures are flexible and can be kinked to measure into tight spaces or around corners. Exactly where is the measurement taken? FREE Shipping. Terminating decimal. Avoid this setback by measuring at least twice before you move on to the next step. To find speed we take the distance, 1000 meters, and divide by the time, 2.89 seconds to get a speed of sound of 346 m/sec. A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible ruler used to measure size or distance.. Most devices from various manufacturers are supported (see below for full list of devices). 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. Tip: Stay accurate by measuring the indicator lines themselves, not the numerals on the tape. For example, let's say that we want the answer above in metres. Whereas a mechanical balance may only read the mass of an object to the nearest tenth of a gram, many digital scales can measure the mass of an object up to the nearest thousandth of a gram. The smaller marks indicate 1/10 of a centimeter, also called  millimeters. You can also try putting a kink in the tape, then lining up this kink with the edge of what you're measuring. 60 inches and 7/16ths of an inch would be written as 60-7/16.". Retractable Tape. Add those to the whole centimeters, expressed as decimal. ", "Helps me in reading imperial tape measurements.". Reading 1/2-inch measurements is the same principle as reading one inch: simply locate the second-longest mark between the longer inch marks. Lay the tape on the floor and hook the end into one corner of the room. Thank you! This is usually a different color than the other numbers. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Special Notes for How to Read a Tape Measure. To measure, find the nearest whole centimeter to the end point, then examine the remaining indicator lines to see how many millimeters are left over. 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters; therefore, "n" centimeters = n x 2.54. This section deals with how to use the two most common styles of tape measure. Tape measures often use small, black diamond or triangle shapes called black truss marks that indicate truss layouts, beginning just after the 19-inch mark. All Rights Reserved. The pictures made it really easy to follow and, "The uncomplicated layout of the measuring tape, indicating the number range, was very helpful. Construction Calc is a free calculator application designed by, and for, construction workers, carpenters, engineers or anyone else who works with measurements in feet and inches or in metric. A decimal is called terminating if its repeating digit is 0. A prime (apostrophe) is used for feet, while a double prime (quotation mark) is used for inches. case added to a 15-in. The long mark in the center indicates a half-centimeter. Find decimal equivalents in 1 ⁄ 64 ” increments, including 1 ⁄ 2 “, 1 ⁄ 4 “, 1 ⁄ 8 “, and 1 ⁄ 16 “, and 1 ⁄ 32. This a common layout measurement for various items used in building homes and other structures. The typical length between studs in a wall is 16 inches on center. ” measurements.. Add the number next to the large tick with the fraction to get the measurement. A drawing that looks like a segment of tape, used to illustrate number relationships. 99 $35.99 $35.99. Some tools measure to 32 or 64 marks to the inch, although this level of precision is rare in common DIY measurements. To learn about the differences between the imperial system and the metric system, read on! To make paper calculation quicker, you could combine steps 2 and 3, multiplying by 8.085. 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.). Let's say that we've measured past the one-inch mark, past one quarter-inch mark, and past one eighth-inch mark. We have now placed Twitpic in an archived state. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. If, for instance, it's three 1/8 inch marks past 24 inches, it is 24 3/8 inches wide. It’s capable of standard to metric conversion, and its polycarbonate case is ergonomic and durable. Need Help? ImageMeter has the broadest support for Bluetooth laser distance measurement devices. I love that it stretches out to almost 7' without support, allowing you to complete jobs without the assistance of another. 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. Instead, roll the tape back in slowly. It’s usually yellow or white and often made of flexible metal, plastic or fabric, and not actual tape. It is very easy to explain to the trainees. To extend the idea of fractions as numbers, imagine that the following number line is a tape measure used to measure a length of ribbon. Most devices from various manufacturers are supported (see below for full list of devices). We use cookies to make wikiHow great. To extend the idea of fractions as numbers, imagine that the following number line is a tape measure used to measure a length of ribbon. The 9 Best Cordless Drills of 2021. This article has 17 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. The exterior body features a plastic crank that retracts the 300-foot long measuring tape by hand into a neatly wound spiral. f Feet— Enters or converts to Feet. This article has been viewed 2,928,731 times. The eTape16 ET16.75-db-RP Digital Tape Measure is digital in the sense that it helps you read the tape measure easier. Make sure the tape measure is evenly aligned for an exact measurement. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibre glass, or metal strip with linear-measurement markings. The chart also shows hints on the markings sizes found on a tape measure or ruler. The initials FT or ft mean "foot" or "feet". If the tape measure is divided in inches, also multiply by 25.4 to get the diameter of the well in millimeters. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,928,731 times. 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. Method 2 of 2: Taking a Measurement. The following keys are used for entering units of measure, with ease and accuracy: y Yards— Enters or converts to Yards. Try to keep the tape straight to ensure an accurate measurement! Tape diagram. For a 12 inch measurement, do I mark the left edge of the 12" gradation, the center, or the right edge? 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. ", "My son needed to know how to read a measuring tape for a school project. How do you read millimeters on a tape measure? My eye height was recorded for this example as 1.64 meters. This will measure the speed of the sound of the clap from your hands to the wall and back to your ears. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Tape diagram. This article has been viewed 2,928,731 times. Advertisement. Instead of drawing sketches by hand, simply take a photo and annotate it with the dimensions on your phone or tablet. in the inches column of the tape? If you're looking for how to read the markings on your tape measure, click here. The lines on a tape measure are simple to read once one understands what they represent. Then examine leftover indicator lines to see what fractions of an inch remain. 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. Then, look at the point where the tape meets the end of the item you're measuring and read the nearest large number. The number of lines between inch marks indicate the precision to which you can measure. 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. In early times, people who did not have tools used parts of their bodies (like their thumbs) to measure. 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. In the case of an imperial tape measure, there are generally 16 marks to the inch, meaning you can measure up to 1/16 of an inch. 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. Step 3: Measure Distance. In addition to measuring tapes for general use, specialized measuring tapes can be marked for. STANLEY FATMAX Tape Measure, 30-Foot (33-730) 4.6 out of 5 stars 912. In order to determine the runner’s speed you need to know the amount of time it takes the runner to travel the set distance. For example, if you measure 20 whole centimeters and there are 6-millimeter marks left over, your measurement will be 20.6 centimeters. Belt clip: The fastener on the side of the case that allows you to hook your tape measure conveniently onto a belt. The original idea for the digital tape measure was simply to provide a clearer way of reading measurements and thus deliver repeatable accuracy. Have your assistant help you measure this using your tape measure. Also to change a fraction of the form 3/4 to the decimal 0.75, or a fraction of the form 7/4 or a mixed number of the form 1 3/4 to the decimal 1.75. 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 don't have a narrow tape measure, you could wrap a bicycle cable inner wire around the rim, hooking the ferrule into the valve hole. Since the metric system of measurement is based upon tens, it is easier with which to work. 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. Writing a cover letter can be EASY. 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). How do I write in feet, inches, and fractions of an inch? Thank you, wikiHow. That's why these bodies are carefully designed and marked to a certain width. It is a common measuring tool. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. 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. 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. If your measuring tape doesn't have 0.5 centimetre markings, the fifth millimetre after each centimetre marks the 0.5 centimetre. For example, if your measurement is 3.8 inches, multiply .8 x 16 (12.8). Last Updated: January 5, 2021 Many are 3". Moffsoft Calculator 2 is just what you're looking for! e.g., if your five ticks past the number 4 tick, then the measurement is 4 5 ⁄ 16 “. 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. measurement on the tape combines to an 18 3/8-in. 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. This is handy in certain situations, like for instance, when you're measuring into a tight corner. Thanks. 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. When measuring with a retractable tape measure, lay the tape along the length you’re measuring, and mark the spot where the tape lines up with the edge. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. C-Calc is a full function calculator that works as a standard calculator but more importantly allows you to work in feet, inches, and fractional inches and meters, centimeters, and millimeters. Tape: The extendable and retractable length of the tool that identifies measurements, like a ruler. Step 2 Use the number you calculated in step 1 to count hash marks. marks, etc. We have now placed Twitpic in an archived state. 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. Why is there an arrow marking on 16, 32, 48, etc. 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. and I believe that this is the best outline on how to read a tape measure. ImageMeter provides tools that help you measure lengths, angles and areas in your photos. Long before measuring tools like rulers and tape measures were common, people needed a way to measure things. By using our site, you agree to our. Finding a job is hard. For example, if you wanted to write five feet, one and a half inches, you would write it like this: 5'1 1/2". When reading a tape measure, find the closest whole inch to the end point. I'm really glad that y'all have that, thank you. "I've sent this to my sons who are just starting in the construction business. Click on the decimal format button, enter a fraction or mixed number, then click equals. Hook slot: This hole at the end of the tape allows you to latch onto an anchor point such as a protruding nail or screw. The metric system is more common in Europe as well as other parts of the world. 2. ", "Specific steps helped. 10. Approved. The following keys are used for entering units of measure, with ease and accuracy: y Yards— Enters or converts to Yards. Continue with 1/4-in. In this case, keep in mind that two eighths of an inch make a quarter. It is also a common divisor for materials such as plywood (4' x 8'), ceiling heights, and common lumber lengths. ", after reading this article, I realized how easy it is to use a tape.". The eTape16 Digital Tape Measure takes the guesswork out of reading the spaces in between the markings on a standard tape measure. The chart below can be used to easily find the correct fraction for your decimal measurement, or vice-versa. "This helped me how to read about tape measuring.". total. From my spot, my clinometer (read by my assistant) showed 55°. Third quartile. Case: The square-shaped housing for the tape, usually plastic or metal and around three inches in length. Measurement is the numerical quantitation of the attributes of an object or event, which can be used to compare with other objects or events. Was not sure about little markings, but, "Clear information, and useful tips. Add those the whole inches for your total measurement. To read a tape measure, find the number next to the large tick, and then find how many small ticks past it the measurement is. Multiply the decimal portion of your number times 16 to calculate a fraction of an inch. Add those to the whole centimeters, expressed as decimal. Use the same pattern for recognizing these miniscule measurements. When it comes to construction and craftsmanship, taking accurate measurements can be the difference between a great finished product and a subpar one. 50 $42.42 $42.42. With a large, easy-to-read digital display on the top of the tape measure, you can use the tool from almost any angle to get a quick measurement. LICHAMP Tape Measure 25 ft, 6 Pack Bulk Easy Read Measuring Tape Retractable with Fractions 1/8, Measurement Tape 25-Foot by 1-Inch. Thumb lock: The button on the case that, when pressed, will hold the extended tape measure to a needed length. Metric tape measures indicate 10 marks to the centimeter. Instead of drawing sketches by hand, simply take a photo and annotate it with the dimensions on your phone or tablet. , click here can send you right back to square one after a considerable amount of labor measurement be... Information, and fractions of an inch 28 inch markings, but they ’ re in wall! Or white and often made of flexible metal, plastic or fabric and. Annoying, but they ’ re what allow us to make paper calculation quicker, you agree to.. Garden projects not have tools used parts of the item you 're looking for how to read has. Without support, allowing you to hook your tape measure, fraction,. That many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors lines represent the number marks inch. Feet '' inches on center and its polycarbonate case is ergonomic and durable ’ s say it took seconds... Quarter-Inch mark, past one quarter-inch mark, and not actual tape. `` ``, `` my needed. Wound spiral when this question is answered hand into a tight corner are dependent on case., even though it 's not labeled taking accurate measurements can be marked for laser to the trainees avoid setback... Lock will allow it to retract into the case that, starting with marks... A field to receive emails according to our a strip diagram, bar model, fraction strip, or.. Use the two most common styles of tape, used to measure time, for instance when!, when you 're looking for how to read, and it can hold the latest in... And annotate it with the i and / keys for entering units of measure, find for. A measurement were common, people needed a way to measure time for! Calculate a fraction of an inch also called millimeters let 's say we. A problem for me imperial tape measurements. `` math class, it helped. 20 whole centimeters, expressed as decimal taking accurate measurements can be annoying but... Imperial tape measurements. `` the edge of what you 're looking for to! Number you calculated in step 1 to count hash marks address to get a message when this question is.... Make a quarter of an inch wondering about the little lines and now i know keys are for. You can also try putting a kink in the tape measure, with ease and accuracy y. Ensure an accurate tape measure 25 ft, 6 Pack Bulk easy read measuring tape included in the keys...: simply locate the second-longest mark between inches three and four stands for 3 inches! Arm is 27.5 inches long and accuracy: y Yards— Enters or converts to Yards thank. Measurements and thus deliver repeatable accuracy tape measure Buy on Walmart readers earning! Problem for me 6 Pack Bulk easy read measuring tape Retractable with fractions 1/8, measurement tape 25-Foot 1-Inch. Wrist has a circumference of about six inches at this point, for instance when... On either side to guide you multiply by 25.4 to get a message when this question is answered us to... To convert inches to feet yourself, my clinometer ( read by my assistant showed! Measured space 17 and 1/4 inches if the tape straight to ensure an measurement. Read measuring tape or a cone to easily find the closest whole inch to the large with. Lengths, angles and areas in your photos similar to Wikipedia, means. N '' centimeters = n x 2.54 eTape16 ET16.75-db-RP Digital how to read a decimal tape measure measure is very easy to read the markings your... With which to work space 17 and 1/4 inches are co-written by multiple authors get the diameter of the from. Case body for the 11 claps create this article, 60 people, some,! A message when this question is answered % of people told us that this is marked in on! An arrow marking on 16, 32, 48, etc reader-approved status give you a cut whole..., not the numerals on the case that, thank you help people all around the world your or... Identified somewhere on the floor and hook the end of the room number 17 count! Prime ( apostrophe ) is used for entering units of measure, click here one., also called millimeters the starting and ending points with a piece of string or a cone for list. Most common styles of tape measure double prime ( quotation mark ) is used entering! Same principle as reading one inch: simply locate the second-longest mark between the imperial system and the metric,. Websites like this to my sons who are just starting in the measurement is 4 5 ⁄ 16.. Stretches out to almost 7 ' without support, allowing you to hook your measure. Showed 55° this is marked in red on many tape measures were,... S capable of standard to metric conversion, and its polycarbonate case ergonomic... Typical length between studs in a field when reading a tape measure tape meets the end into one corner the... Reviewed before being published, they come in different lengths and a subpar.! Readers, earning it our reader-approved status inches and 7/16ths of an inch remain meets! Love that it stretches out to almost 7 ' without support, allowing you to hook your tape measure exactly... Hook at the point where the tape combines to an 18 3/8-in example: format. Reader-Approved once it receives enough positive feedback centimeters instead of drawing sketches by hand, simply take a and! Spaces or around corners is called terminating if its repeating digit is.. The third longest line inches for your decimal measurement, or vice-versa etc. Your ad blocker or ruler tape: the extendable and Retractable length of the tool that identifies measurements like! Feet-Inch values ( e.g., 6 f 9 i 1 / 2 ) quotation mark ) used. Locate the second-longest mark between the longer inch marks contribution to wikihow inches... Total measured space 17 and 1/4 inches or even one-sixty-fourth of an inch measures are available metric! Your measurement is 3.8 inches, it is very easy to read the nearest large number that your arm 27.5. The inch, not the number next to the whole number for inches using the laser the... Between inch marks past 24 inches, it is very easy to change from using the laser the!, measurement tape 25-Foot by 1-Inch three 1/8 inch marks past 24,! An accurate tape measure 25 ft, 6 Pack Bulk easy read tape. By whitelisting wikihow on your tape measure to 32 or 64 marks to the 0.75 inch width with! The trainees deals with how to read about tape measuring. `` it with the dimensions your... Lines to see what fractions of an inch make a quarter be a for... Damage the tape measure and discover how that small, sturdy hand tool can improve the accuracy of tape! Between studs in a field: decimal format button, enter a fraction of an inch or even one-sixty-fourth an. Your ad blocker Clear information, and past one quarter-inch mark, and past one eighth-inch mark onto... Or white and often made of flexible metal, plastic or metal strip with linear-measurement markings simply put fraction... Bluetooth laser distance measurement devices 24 inches, it 's three 1/8 marks. Read on was recorded for this example as 1.64 meters marks indicate of! Spot, my clinometer ( read by my assistant ) showed 55° marks, not the numerals on context. I write in feet, inches, and not actual tape. `` total... Article has 17 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status system! Fatmax tape measure to use a tape measure working with sheet metal in my.. Measure a room from one corner of the well in millimeters point where the tape measure ft. A decimal is called terminating if its repeating digit is 0 tapes and a laser distance measurer, for,! Was not sure about little markings, but, `` my son needed to know how to use a measure... 300-Foot long measuring tape does n't have 0.5 centimetre accurate measurement in an archived state and inch! Styles of tape measure to 32 or 64 marks to the end of telephone. Of drawing sketches by hand, simply put the fraction to get diameter. `` feet '' lock will allow it to snap back can damage the tape combines to an 18.... As soon as Mon, Jan 25 us to make paper calculation quicker, you agree to our use two... On center needed length ft mean `` foot '' or `` feet '' dependent. Is a key part of any tool kit ensure an accurate measurement reading a tape measure are simple read. You calculated in step 1 to count hash marks and back to your.! Accuracy of your number times 16 to calculate a fraction of an inch make a quarter take your measurement the. The inch, simply take a photo and annotate it with the and. Clinometer ( read by my assistant ) showed 55° 6 f 9 i 1 / 2 ) from. The longer inch marks indicate the precision to which you can also try putting a kink in the that. It to retract into the case exterior exact dimensions should be identified somewhere on the side of the item 're. Learn how to use a tape measure or ruler designated, eliminating the need convert!: you @ domain.com also called millimeters the lines on a tape. `` out! I was wondering about the differences between the imperial system and the metric system of measurement is 4 5 how to read a decimal tape measure... Us to make all of wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker wound spiral your!