Find the closest whole inch to point B, then use the shorter indicator lines to see which fraction of an inch it is. Most of the tape measures in circulation today are 12 foot, 25 foot, or 100 foot. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Remember that the numbered values on your measuring tool correspond to whole inches. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure Inch Metric Scale Impact Resistant ABS -330-F at the best online prices at eBay! Typically, a cased tape measure has a blade made of steel or fiberglass, often coated with nylon or similar material for durability and water resistance. Well suited for clothing design and production, the soft tape measure rests seamlessly along curved and flat surfaces. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The measurement indicators are large and easy to read, with lines sized appropriately to make it easy at a glance to tell if you are looking at 1/16-inch, 1/8-inch, 1/4-inch, or 1/2-inch markings. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The markings are located at 19.2-inch intervals. The Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure Ranked #1 In Our Tests. Soft Flexible Fiberglass. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. FREE delivery Wed, Jan 18 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":" \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. There are also tape measures that give you all the other numbers too - and those can be MUCH easier . Our tester did note that the recoil was a bit slow but reliable. While this is not a professional-level tool, it is a fine choice for the average user, especially one who struggles to read the markings on most other tape measures. If there are 3 unnumbered lines, the inches are broken down into quarters (). After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. The blade itself is white on one side and yellow on the other, which gives you options when using the tape measure in a spot with dim light that makes it a little harder to read the measurements. We found it to be very comfortable to hold, easy to clip onto a belt, and even easier to slide the blade lock on or off with just one thumb. While doing so, the testers evaluated the tape measures for readability, noting how difficult or easy it was to precisely read the measurement markings. Free shipping. These are very useful tools for sewing and similar projects but are also handy for taking body measurements, measuring items with curved surfaces, or general measuring tasks around the home. We also liked the compact size of this tape measure, which fits comfortably in the hand. The longest mark labeled with large numbers (usually black) marks inches. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. There are 12 inches in a foot. 99-$19.99 $ 19. Each tape measure was extended to its full length while the tester held it at various angles and noted the point at which the tape measure could no longer remain straight. 19. $24.82. A son of Cuban immigrants, he is bilingual in English and Spanish. The black diamonds are stud or joist markings for builders to help them space floor joists in new construction. Unlike most other options, this one has a fractional scalethat means it actually has the fractions printed right onto the nylon bladeso you can see clearly indicated 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2-inch numerals, plus small lines to indicate 1/16ths of an inch. To convert inches to yards, divide the number of inches by 36. A full inch will be marked by a long line with a number at the end. Tip: If the object you want to measure is longer than a piece of paper, you can also reverse this step by tracing the length of your inch-long object onto a piece of paper. We tested both the 16-foot and 25-foot versions of this tape measure and found both to be comfortable to hold, with blades that pulled out smoothly and recoiled well (although with a bit of a catch on the 25-foot model.) 926. What does the diamond on a measuring tape mean? Tape measures come in all different sizes! Most manufacturers have, therefore, opted to produce UK-spec tape measures with both metric and imperial graduations. Customers also viewed these products. This measurement represents the length of your feet. Note: Nike shoe sizes are based on foot length. Can be switched centimeters inches, length can be set 30-300cm, until 10-120inch. All customers get FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon, Industrial Adhesives, Sealants & Lubricants. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. $7.99. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. ", He adds, "For most people, a 25-foot option is great because its easy to store and long enough to handle most measuring tasks around the house. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. When it comes to choosing a tape measure, dont automatically assume that the longer, the better. The blade lock was easy to use with just one thumb, and the recoil was smooth and not overly aggressive, however, making the tape measure well suited for use in projects around the home, workshop, or garage. If you get a decimal in your answer, you can take the decimal part and multiply it by 12 to convert the decimal back into inches. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If there are 7 unnumbered lines, the inches are broken down into eighths (). The Measure app uses augmented reality (AR) technology to turn your device into a tape measure. The measurements towards the bottom of the image are metric. But what if youre not accustomed to using a ruler or dont have one handy? Price at time of publish: $22 for 16-foot; $28 for 25-foot, Dimensions: Not specified | Blade Width: 1-1/4-inch | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Autolock: No | Magnetic Hook: No, Blade yellow on one side, white on the other. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Johnathan Fuentes. Also, this app is a free measurement tool that measures any length or height using digital ruler centimeters, inches, and feets. Do not assume that the tape has taking the case length into account unless you are using one of the more advanced tapes mentioned above. $10.90. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Open the app and measure height with the camera on the go. As a general rule, a tape measures standout should be at least 7 or 8 feet, although many go further. The Milwaukee 25 ft. Think about it; when youre physically at a store and youre looking at a piece of furniture, you can easily gauge with your eye whether or not its going to fit in your space or if itll even fit through your doorframe. When you measure the outside of a surface, let the hook shift out so you dont count it in your measurement. Its a professional-quality tool that is very sturdy and accurate. Whatever you do, never allow the blade and hook to return uncontrolled at full speed when rewinding. Whilst the seasoned professionals amongst you will no doubt be fully aware how to read the various markings on your tape, there will be amateurs, enthusiasts or those just starting off in their careers who arent yet so knowledgeable. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The hook or 'tang' of the tape measure is the small, usually metallic component at the end of the blade. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Whilst the centimetres are clearly numbered, to make the blade easier to read the millimetres arenotnumbered. To read a tape measure, you first need to know what each of those black lines stand for. With a rubbery outermolding, this tape measure is easy to grip and resistant to damage if dropped, although it might be a bit large for those with small hands. The case might be plastic or metal. The Measure app on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), iPhone 12 Pro, and . for pricing and availability. In other words they're in centimetres and milimetres. The last thing you want to do is pick a size thi What will you need? It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibre glass, or metal strip with linear measurement markings. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. It can also help to spend a moment studying your tape and remembering fraction conversion: 3/4 = 12/16; 1/2 . A 12-foot tape measure is handiest for consumers. The blade's engineering scale makes it easy for users to measure to tenths of an inch. Make sure the application correctly detected the size of your device's screen. We especially like its finger brake, which allows you to control the speed of the blades recoil. This is a very sturdy tape measure with a 1-3/16-inch matte nylon-coated blade that reduces glare. Price at time of publish: $14 for 16-foot; $18 for 25-foot, Dimensions: 3.1 x 1.7 inches | Blade Width: 1 inch | Weight: 1 pound | Autolock: No | Magnetic Hook: No. Park Tool RR-12C Tape Measure: 12 Foot. If your measuring tool has 1 unnumbered line in between each inch, then the inches are divided into halves (). There are 10mm in each centimetre (shown by the ten spaces between each cm) and 100cm in each metre. Wider, and you may find the tape measure too bulky or difficult to retract. Make sure that the measuring edge of your 1-inch object stays parallel to the line you traced. Whenever possible, we included both the 16-foot and 25-foot models of the same tape measure and tested them together at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Use soft measuring tape to measure curved or rounded objects, like the size of your wrist or the circumference of a hat. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. He is also an avid hiker and has backpacked in Alaska and Newfoundland, Canada. The tape measure tells you this, so no math is required. 1 foot = 12 inches; 1 meter = 100 centimeters; 1 centimeter = 10 millimeters; 2/16 = 1/8 inch; 4/16 = 1/4 inch; 8/16 = 1/2 inch; 10/16 = 5/8 inch; All manufacturers recommend that users make use of safety glasses/goggles when doing any work that requires a tape measure for exactly this reason. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Compare. To learn how to estimate inches using your thumb, scroll down! Work Heavy Duty Work for Mens Tape Measure Suspenders 2 Inch Wide Adjustable. The 25-foot length is called a builder's tape and is marked in feet and at 16-inch increments to make measuring the standard distance between wall studs easier. Next, they tested the accuracy of the tape measures by using them to measure several different lengths on known-accurate gauge blocks and steel rules. If there is no ruler in hand, you can use to measure the easily dimension. When referring to the diagram above you'll see a series of large numbers marked 1, 2, 3, and 4. And Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling offered further advice. Sell now. If your measurement ended exactly on a numbered line, you can skip this step. To measure from point A to point B, put the end of the tape measure on point A. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. , 25 Ft Decimal Retractable Dual Side Ruler with Metric and Inches, Easy to Read, for Surveyors, Engineers and Electricians, with Magnetic Tip and Rubber Protective Casing, Set for Sewing Tailor Craft Cloth Fabric, 150, 60in with Clip-n-Lock & Eject (Pop Up Release) Button & Rebound Buckle, Ergonomic and Portable Design, 60inch/150cm, Upgraded Version, REIDEA M2, Black, Metric Scale with Both-Side Metal Blade,Magnetic Tip Hook and Shock Absorbent Case-for Construction,Contractor,Carpenter,Architect,Woodworking. One inch will be noted as 1", 1in, or just with the number itself. $22.58. There are some, however, including the Milwaukee Compact Tape Measure, that actually indicate the fractions with numerals rather than lines, which can be much easier to read. Learn more. To convert inches to feet, divide the number of inches by 12. Magnetic tape measures are designed with a magnetic end . Get it as soon as Friday, Apr 21. To convert inches to meters, divide the number of inches by 39.37. FREE delivery. Skip this step if your measurement ended exactly on a numbered line, since there is no extra fraction to add. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Put simply 1 = 1", 2 = 2" and so on. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 99-$17.99 $ 17. 99. The numbers are large enough for easy reading, but the 1-1/4-inch-wide blade only has measurements marked on one side of the tape. Price at time of publish: $18 for 25-foot, Dimensions: 3.25 x 2.25 inches | Blade Width: 1 inch | Weight: 1 pounds | Autolock: No | Magnetic Hook: No. Picture 1 of 1. A measuring tape shows marking in two different units . Remember that the unnumbered lines represent fractions. This is a very sturdy tape measure with a 1-3/16-inch matte nylon-coated blade that reduces glare. 7. Sold by SumVibe and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Home/ Utilities & tools/ Tape Measure. Each inch will then have eight 1/8th of an inch and sixteen 1/16th of an inch marks. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 99. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. The 1-inch-wide blade is coated with nylon for durability, and the case of the tape measure is very sturdy, with a rubbery coating for easy grip and added protection against damage from drops. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The measurements are black against a yellow tape for improved readability, and the marks are down to 1/16th of an inch the entire length of the blade. Perfect Scale, for Body Weight Loss Medical Measurement Home Art Craft Measurements, 16ft/5M Retractable - Clear, Easy to Read Measuring, for Adults & Kids - Cinta Metrica Profesional Measurement, 16ft/5m with LCD Writing Tablet 2 in 1 Retractable Measuring, for Construction Carpenter DIY, Units inches &, Fraction and 1mm Scale, Crystal Case E6TP, Retractable with Pause Buttons - Easy Read, for Body Fabric Sewing Tailor Cloth Knitting Home Craft Measurements,60-, Metric Inches and Sturdy Retractable Professional Measurement with Magnetic Hook,fast read, Heavy Duty Front side Ruler Durable for Intensive Use Extra Long, , Portable, Retractable Soft Ruler Tool for Measurements Body Fat, Fitness Sewing Tailor Fabric and Accurate Body Fat Calculator, for Sewing Tailor Fabric Measurements Double Scale Soft Pink & White, Komelon SM5425 Speed Mark Gripper Acrylic Coated Steel Blade Measuring. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If the space after the last line is significantly smaller than the rest, use your eye to judge how much shorter that line is and estimate what fraction of an inch it represents. In response to our customers, therefore, weve put together this simple guide that explains just that! If you're going to be working on larger jobs like renovating a kitchen or laying new floors, go with a 25-foot tape measure or 30-foot tape measure. The 100-foot length is usually made of cloth and is useful for survey and determining property boundaries. Builders commonly use the 25-foot length, while the 12-foot length is the most common length used by consumers. The blade is double-coated nylon for durability but is somewhat flatter than many other tape measures, which reduced standout in our tests to around 9 feet. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Most commonly, tape measures have numerals for inches and feet, and small lines to indicate fractions of inches. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. For example, if an object measures 108 inches, its length is 3 yards, since 108/36 = 3. By using our site, you agree to our. But if your space is small, a 16-foot tape measure is sufficient for most projects youd need it for.. Many people often fail to plan ahead when it comes to incorporating blinds into their home. Be sure to always measure from the 0 line to ensure accurate measurements. For example, if an object thats 48 inches long, its length in feet is 4 ft., since 48/12 = 4. It also has standard measurements for studs and joists. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Make sure that you use white or light-colored paper so that you can clearly see the marks you make. 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) 4.7 (600) $599. And the sturdy, nonslip, rubber-coated case protects the tool from damage even if dropped from a height. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Markings on a Measuring Tape. As an example, the image below shows a length that goes from the inch mark to an unlabeled marking. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Black print on pink background allows for easy sight and marked inches and centimeters . When taking an internal measurement, therefore, it is important to bend the blade at the point at which it touches the object you're measuring to. In general, the longer the length of the line, the longer the measurement. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Learn trade secrets, how to take awkward or difficult measurements, care for your tools and more! Mark the tip of the big toe and the outermost part of the heel, and use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance between the two points. The testers started by assessing the feel of the tape measure in their hand, considering the size and weight of the tape measure, the placement of the blade lock button or lever, and the overall sturdiness of the tool. 2. A full inch will be marked by a long line with a number at the end. You will normally find (on any pocket tape of quality) that the hook 'floats'. Park RR-12 Metric and English 12" Tape Measure RR12 New. The hook lets you catch the end of the tape measure in place to keep it steady while you extend it. Each smaller marking is an increasingly smaller fraction of an inch. However, overall this is an accurate, sturdy, and reliable tool, especially if you tend to drop tape measures or put them through rigorous use. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Diagram showing fractions of an inch on a standard sixteenth measuring tape. This iconic 25-foot tape measure is in the tool boxes of many professionals, but it's especially ideal for DIYers and others who want a tape measure for use around their homes. For example, say you counted 3 unnumbered lines and your measuring tool has a total of 15 unnumbered lines between each inch. If you need very precise measurements without the bother of squinting at tiny lines, you'll appreciate this tape measure as much as we do. To convert inches to miles, divide the number of inches by 63,360. Tape measures give us precision, so we don't end up with a door that isn't wide enough or a couch that won't fit in the living room. Picture Information. The Irwin Strait-Line is a top option for any tool collection. Whilst the ability to return the blade quickly into the case can seem like a useful function, it can be very dangerous with a number of people each year being injured by wildly flailing hooks. 95. A metric measuring tape has markings for meters, centimeters, and millimeters. The belt clip easily attaches to a belt or strap, but this measuring tape is a bit bulky for the designated tape measure holder on some tool pouches. The most common tape measures are 12 feet, 25 feet, or 100 feet in length.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Converting Feet, Yards, and Miles to Inches, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Measure-in-Inches-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Measure-in-Inches-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"tape measure inches