How To Read A Tape Measure Chart

We've owned and used this standard tape measure for years and have been very happy with it. Once you learn what the markings mean (see our next section!) this type of measuring tape will be easy to read too. The nice thing about them is the 1″ marks are much larger and easier to read than the easy read tape measure option discussed above. A standard tape measure will have all the same markings as an easy read measuring tape, but will only have labels for the large 1″ marks. This is typically why people new to reading measuring tapes find it hard to know what measurement they're actually looking at. Flexible, vinyl measuring tapes are typically used for sewing and fabric, but I've used them for measuring round objects in our DIY or home improvement projects before as well.

Like the standard tape measures, these only label the 1″ marks along the tape and require you to understand 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. These are smaller, sometimes thinner markings, evenly spaced between the half-inch and inch marks on a tape measure. On some tapes, quarter inch marks are the same size as eighth-inch marks. Remember that two sixteenths of an inch equals one eighth, two eighths of an inch equals one quarter, and 2 quarters equals one half. For example, the second eighth-inch marking after the inch marking is a quarter inch.

Quarter inches, eighth inches, and sixteenth inches. The lines on a tape measure are simple to read once one understands what they represent. The longest lines represent the number of inches from the beginning of whatever space is measured.

This is usually a different color than the other numbers. The bigger marks between each inch mark represent one-half of an inch. The markings between each half-inch mark represent a quarter of an inch, while the markings between each quarter-inch represents 1/8 of an inch. Between these 1/8 inch marks are 1/16 inch marks, with some tape measures breaking the inch down into 32nds and even 64ths. 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. 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.

You will see a foot designation marked every 12 inches . Just as you would with a retractable tape measure, look for the spot where the end of the object or distance you're measuring lines up with the tape measure. If the tape measure stretches exactly halfway between the 27 and 28 inch markings, this means that your arm is 27.5 inches long.

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. Try to keep the tape straight to ensure an accurate measurement! Then, look at the point where the tape meets the end of the item you're measuring and read the nearest large number.

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. Reading a tape measure correctly is a necessary skill when taking on DIY projects. Tape measures are available in both standard or imperial units and in metric units. This guide will show you how to read a tape measure.

Plus, you'll learn some tips and tricks for using this tool to get precise measurements. In addition to the easy read and standard tape measures discussed above, there are a few other non-traditional measuring tapes you can use for projects too. Reading a tape measure is a skill you can easily master. Using this small, sturdy hand tool can improve the accuracy of your project measurements. Learning how to use a tape measure properly means to always "measure twice, cut once." You can use a standard tape measure or opt for a metric one.

The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them. A tape measure usually has two different measurement systems on it. This is a mix of the inch system and the metric system. Most manufacturers have opted to use both systems, for whatever reason. Even though modern-day measurements are usually taken in inches, some do not, so the calibrations stay. The top half of a tape measure is usually in inches, broken into eighth and sixteenth of an inch increments.

The bottom half of the tape is divided into centimeters and millimeters. The large numbers on the top represent inches, while the little marks between the numbers represent increments of an inch mentioned earlier. For example, a 16-foot tape measure has 16-1 foot markers across the top and inch marks . In school and ask what you feared would be a "stupid" question?

Questions are great because they lead to answers, and answers are meant to be shared. Today's quick measuring tip came from a question in a visitor's email. Someone needed help figuring out what all those tiny marks are on a standard tape measure.

We deal in fractions every day and are forever measuring quarters and eighths and sixteenths and whatnot. We came up with three handy charts to help decipher those little black lines. Download them to keep handy at your sewing station as quick reference tools. But if you DO end up needing or using a metric tape measure, know that for every meter, there are 100 cm and for every cm, there are 10 mm. Most metric measuring tapes only mark the cm for readability, so you'll need to count the number of ticks in between to get your exact measurement. Sometimes, there are larger ticks in between each cm to denote 1/2 cm.

On a tape measure labeled with imperial units, the most prominent marks are usually the one-inch marks. These are typically marked by long, thin lines and fairly large numbers. They generally come with hard pieces of metal on the ends to make it easy to place the tape at the exact location where you need to start measuring. If you are going to be sewing and need to measure fabric then you will need to invest in a fabric measuring tape. On the tape measure marked with imperial units, you will find the most significant marks are commonly the 1-inch marks. These are usually marked by long thin lines and represented by the large numeric value.

In this tutorial, I am going to show you exactly how to read a tape measure and break down the process into easy to understand steps. Personally I much prefer this type of measuring tapes for sewing. Converting lengths for sewing is simple using a tailor's tape marked in both cm and inch. All you need to do is read the inch side corresponding to the number in centimeters. If we have to convert for example 66 cm into inches, looking at the image below we can see the result is 26 inches.

Use the tiny, densely-packed marks for sixteenths of an inch. The shortest lines of all on most measuring tapes are the sixteenth-inch marks. Use the same pattern for recognizing these minuscule measurements. In metric measuring tapes, centimeters are the most significant markings. Centimeters are generally represented by the large lines , and you will see a number next to each line. Same as inches, the line represents each centimeter.

Sixteenth-inch marks are considered as the shortest lines of all measuring tapes. You will find 16 tiny marks per inches and 4 in each quarter inch. Standard or SAE tape measures clearly show feet, inches and fractions of inches. The measurements on a tape measure are generally 16 marks to the inch.

Laser distance measurers can often measure accurately within 1/16 inch. Whilst Britain now officially operates a metric system of measurement, our nation still sees a curious mix of both metric and imperial measurements being used on a day to day basis. We measure our height in feet and inches, our weight in stones and pounds and our speed in miles per hour. Despite this almost all 21st Century technical, engineering or construction measurements are quoted in millimetres. Most manufacturers have, therefore, opted to produce UK-spec tape measures with both metric and imperial graduations.

A measuring tape recoils through a retraction system inside the unit. A retractable tape measure has a flat spring wrapped around a spindle near the middle of the tape. Problems frequently appear when the blade is split or otherwise broken. When the tape is pulled, the defect hooks on the case, stopping the tape from moving. If the flat metal clip on the end comes loose or gets bent — typically from dropping the tape — it results in inaccurate measurements.

While tape measures that have plastic tapes are going to be fairly inexpensive, they are not going to be sturdy and durable enough to stand up to a lot of use without problems. The main issue that you will find with this type of measuring tape is that the plastic will stretch out over time, no matter how careful you are not to pull on it when you are measuring. This will lead to inaccurate measurements and can cause you to make major mistakes when working on a project. If you areremodelingorbuilding a home, reading a tape measure accurately is essential. Yet when it is stretched out, a tape measure is a jumble of numbers, marks, diamonds, and other confusing symbols.

Once you break it down into a few basics, a tape measure is actually very easy to read. Even if math was not your strongest subject in school, you may be comforted to learn reading a tape measure has little to do with mathematical calculations. Reading a ​tape measure is more about combining basic fractions with an understanding of how marks work on today's tape measures. The tape measure for sewing is usually soft and flexible strip/ribbon with linear-measurement markings made mostly from reinforced polyester or fiberglass. The most common length of a measuring tape is 60 inches , but there are tapes for sale, for example, 100 inches long or even longer 120" which can be useful for measuring longer lengths . On most metric measuring tapes, centimetres are the most prominent markings.

Centimetres are usually labeled with large lines and, next to each line, a number. As with inches, the line marks each centimetre, not the number itself. This is sufficient for simple measurements, but doing calculations with values greater than 1 foot requires converting those measurements into inches first. Depending on the tape measure, these may not be designated with a number, which means you'll need the markings on either side to guide you. 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.

If measuring around a round object, pinch the tape where it overlaps. One advantage of ribbon-style tape measures over retractable tape measures is that their flexibility allows them to measure around objects. If it is, for instance, six inches at this point, then your wrist has a circumference of about six inches.

Hold one end of the tape down at the start of your distance. A manual tape measure lacks some of the convenient features of a modern retractable tape measure, but with the proper technique, it works just as well. Thus, most manual tapes won't be much longer than the human arm span.

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. Catch the hooked end on one side of the object you're measuring. Plastic cases are very common for tape measures and allow for rubber to be added to make them easier to grip. Smaller tape measures will be made of only plastic and are usually of a lower-quality material, which means that they can more easily crack or break if you were to drop your tape measure.

If you expose a measuring tape with a plastic case to extreme temperatures it can weaken the case itself and make it more easy to damage. Any time you are going to be working by yourself and need to make sure that you are taking accurate measurements then you need to invest in a tape measure that locks. This will allow you to extend the length of the tape out and then lock it so that it will not retract back into the case. Once you have locked the tape you will be able to lay it down where you need to measure so that you can easily mark and determine the length. This will free up your hands as you won't have to continue to hold the measuring tape to provide enough pressure to prevent it from retracting. If you have ever contorted your body to see the measurement of your tape measure then you know that sometimes it is handy to be able to measure with the tape measure underneath something.

This is especially true when you are working in tight spaces, such as an electrician under a house. When you have a tape measure with a double hook you can use the top tang for measuring. This will prevent you from having to twist and contort your body to see the distance marked on the tape. The magnets used in magnetic tape measures are incredibly strong and able to support the weight of the tape measure when you use it.

These tape measures can be opened and then the end of the tape will stick to metal surfaces when you touch them together. This is great because it will stay connected while you finish your measuring and then you can easily release it with a gentle tug. The Komelon,features a 1/16 scale, is easy to read with its high-vis yellow on top, white tape on back side [2-sided] tape. The crew felt that the Komelon may be the BEST of the tapes to read, based on the tape color!

One thing the crew noted was that after the 12-inch markings, the tape markings get a bit busy to read. [For example; 13-inches is listed at 13 and also 1F 1.] We felt the this marking pattern made the tape very busy and was unnecessary. These removable, adhesive backed measuring tapes are used for marking fabric or sewing tables for quick measurements while cutting or trimming. The tape does not adhere well to damp or wet surfaces, so make sure the surface is relatively clean and dry.

Easy Measuring How To Read A Tape Measure In Mm I use this along the edge of my sewing table for quick measurements. It's simply necessary for a seamstress to have a measuring tape at hand. Better yet, several tapes of different colors at once. To draw a straight line, hook the tab onto a straight ledge of a board or a table ledge and extend the tape. Place the pencil at the desired length and let the tape housing come up to meet the pencil, then lock the tape in place.

Holding the pencil and tape housing with one hand, place your other hand on the hooked tab, dragging the tape measure, pencil, and hooked tab down the straight ledge together. It sounds involved, but once you do it you'll find it's a quick and easy way to mark lines that you don't need to be 100 percent accurate. Start by putting the end tab at one end of the item or space you want to measure, then pull out the tape until you get to the other end. To determine the length, you'll need to add up the increments. If your item is exactly, say, 3″ or 3′, it's much easier.