How to Read a Tape Measure Perfectly

Do you need to measure the dimensions of your apartment for furniture, window treatments, rugs or other projects but don't feel confident in your tape measuring skills?

Whether you're preparing to install shelves or hang pictures on the wall in your place, understanding how to use and read a tape measure correctly is the first step to making your new place home. Keep reading as we put together an overview on how to masterfully operate a tape measure!

How to Read a Tape Measure Perfectly

Parts of a Tape Measure

Before getting into the details of tape measure reading, it's critical to understand the main parts of the tool:

• Lock - The sliding piece located on the front. When pressed, it prevents the measuring tape from coming back.
• Clip - Clip the tape to your bag, pocket, or belt using this metal piece on the side.
• Housing - The blade rolls back into the metal or plastic housing or case.
• Hook - The metal piece of measuring tape that pushes against or grabs materials.
• Blade - Another name for the flat metal strip with the measuring tape lines.
• Overmold - A rubberized shell coating used drop protection and a more comfortable grip.

Now that you’re more comfortable with the measuring tape breakdown, let’s learn how to read a measuring tape.

How to Read a Standard Tape Measure Step by Step

1. Line up the points you want to measure between. Place the end of the tape measure on the point you are going to move away from.
2. Hold the end on one point and extend the tape as you move toward the other.
3. At the second point, make sure the tape measure is straight, and look at the measurements near the base of the tape measure next to the end point of the area you are measuring.
4. Check out the next section for more about how to read the measurements.

What the Lines Mean on a Tape Measure

An imperial tape measure has inches on it, and it's probably what you're using if you're in the U.S. As you can see from looking at your tape measure, there are a number of markings on it for different sizes. The key to mastering a tape measure is taking the extra time to learn major measurement markings to use as a guide. Here are the ones you try committing to memory:

• 1″: The largest measuring tape marks, found with a corresponding number, on the roll will represent an inch.
• 1/2″: The next-largest tape measure lines are half-inch markings, with two found per each full-inch.
• 1/4″: Within each inch, you will find four lines smaller than the 1/2" markings, which signify one-quarter inch.
• 1/8″: Within each inch, you will find eight even lines smaller than the 1/4" markings, which signify each one-eighth of an inch.
• 1/16″: Within each inch, you will find sixteen of the smallest lines, even smaller than the 1/8" markings, which signify each one-sixteenth of an inch.
• 12″ or 1 Foot: Some rolls will have a black arrow in the foot increments on a tape measure.
• 1 cm: On the opposite side of the inches, you will also find metric measurements on most standard tape measures. The large, numbered lines represent centimeters.
• 5 mm: The half way point of each centimeter is designated with a longer line.
• 1 mm: Smaller lines indicate the millimeter marks for each centimeter on the tape measure.
• 1 m Tape measures may designate a 1m mark with a darker line or arrow.

Although imperial measuring tapes are the most common in the U.S., you may also come across a metric tape measure.

What Do the Special Tape Measure Markings Mean?

There’s so much more than meets the eye at first glance of a measuring tape. For example, did you know that there are special markings that mean different things?

• Black Diamonds: The black diamond on measuring tapes are joist or stud markers. Joist marks are found at 19.2” intervals, and stud markets are at 16” intervals.
• Length: The length of the measuring tape is printed on the case and the blade. It must be printed in each scale, whether it be imperial, metric, or both.
• Roman Numerals: Measuring tapes have accuracy ratings labeled by Roman numerals. The most accurate level is Class 1, represented by the Roman number I.
• Year of Manufacture: Some measuring tapes will have the year of manufacture printed on the blade. An M followed by a number is this date, so an M20 would mean it was manufactured in 2020.
• CE Marks: A CE marking on your tape measure blade indicates that it conforms to all European Union regulations.
• Testing Body: The testing body is the four-digit number responsible for issuing the certification.

At this point, you should feel like a tape-measuring pro. But before we go, let’s discuss some general tape measure safety tips.

How to Use a Tape Measure Like a Pro

Knowing how to use a tape measure won’t do you good if you can’t measure effectively. Become a measuring master with these three tips.

Keep Your Tape Measure Straight

Keep the tape as straight as possible while you are measuring. Your entire project can get thrown off, even if your tape measure is slightly crooked, resulting in a completely different measurement.

Mark Your Measurements with “V’s”

When measuring something, rather than marking a single line, mark your measurement a V. In doing so, you’ll be able to identify the exact spot when you return to reference your measurement.

Use the Nail Notch

The nail notch is a small slit in the metal tab of your tape measure. You can use it to get an accurate measurement from a point in the middle of the board by hooking it over the head of a nail or screw.

5 Tape Measure Safety Tips

Yes, using a tape measure requires safety precautions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Always Rewind Slowly: It protects the longevity of your tape measure and helps prevent injuries to you or those around you.
2. Avoid Cuts: The edges of the blade can be very sharp, so always be cautious when handling a tape measure.
3. Keep Tape Measures Clean: Keep the blade clean by wiping it after every use to avoid any mishaps.
4. Place Tape Measures in Cool and Dry Areas: Since tape measures are made with metal, you need to keep them dry to help prevent rusting.
5. Perform Routine Checks: Check for any defects on your tape measure and be sure to replace it if you find any.

Need a New Place to Call Home?

Learning how to read a tape measure can be a daunting task at first. But with the right knowledge and practice, you'll become an expert in no time. From understanding the different parts of a tape measure to familiarizing yourself with special markings, it's all about taking the time to get comfortable with how to use this tool

We hope our tape measure guide makes you more comfortable with your next home project! Ready to get started on some new DIY kitchen design trends? Go for it!

Need a new place to practice your tape measuring skills? Take our easy quiz to get matched in with your ideal amenities and location in your budget.