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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. We have 16' and 25' tape measures, 12" and 24" Stainless Steel rulers, and an Adhesive Backed Bench tape. From the inch mark to the ⅛" mark is ⅛". Resolution of tape measure. We know the bottom number will be /8 because of the size of the line (see photo above).For the top number we simply count how many lines there are of that same size and larger between the big 2 inch line and the arrow…1, 2, 3 lines. So, I thought we could do a little: How To Read a Tape Measure 101. Think of this as what's halfway between 5⁄8" and 3⁄4"? 10⁄16" and 12⁄16". Take your measurement from the tape and then add the 3" for the complete width. In some countries such as the UK, tape measures have both Imperial and Metric measurement markings. ", "I was wondering about the little lines and now I know! For fractions of an inch, simply put the fraction after the whole number for inches. Break it down into simpler parts. Without measuring devices like rulers (and people who can read them) we would still be living in caves! Reading it used to be a problem for me. Understanding Tape Measures A tape measure, also called measuring tape, is a type of flexible ruler. The space from the largest mark to another is 1 inch. wikiHow is a âwiki,â similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. 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. This a common layout measurement for various items used in building homes and other structures. The tape is wear and impact-resistant with nylon blade protection and an additional anti-tear coating on the first 6 in. If it is, for instance, six inches at this point, then your wrist has a circumference of about six inches. Note that, starting with half-inch marks, not all lines may be labeled with numbers. Thank you, wikiHow. A tape measure, also called measuring tape, is a type of flexible ruler. A tape measure is a roll of metal tape with measurement markings on and is used for measuring. Was not sure about little markings, but, "Clear information, and useful tips. One of the key steps in making accurate woodworking cuts is the tape measure reading — specifically, remembering it once you get to the saw to make the cut. For example, let's say that we want the answer above in metres. References Forget your notepad — this tip makes tape measure reading simple, so you don’t have to remember the measurements before returning to the saw. For example, if you wanted to write five feet, one and a half inches, you would write it like this: 5'1 1/2". For example, a 3 3/8-in. ", "Specific steps helped. As an example, the image below shows a length that goes from the inch mark to an unlabeled marking. In this case, you’d add 1 inch + 1/4 inch to get 1¼ inch, or “one and a quarter inches. Tape measures come in both Imperial Units (inches and feet) and metric (centimeters and meters), featuring unit breakdowns for further accuracy. Change Author / Owner : Reading a tape measure Owner : Find New Owner : Save Cancel Recommended Lesson Plan : Reading a tape measure. Dutch Remake. The longest mark indicates one inch. Try to keep the tape straight as you do this â if you let it sag (which is easy to do if you're measuring long distances), the results you get will be skewed. If your measuring tape doesn't have 0.5 centimetre markings, the fifth millimetre after each centimetre marks the 0.5 centimetre. ", "Helps me in reading imperial tape measurements.". To find the middle of these two numbers, multiply the denominator by 2. ", "Read this in math class, it really helped! Measure a length. By using our site, you agree to our. Find the lowest common denominator: 5⁄8" and 6⁄8". Thank you! 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. As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. Compact Tape Measures have up to 15 ft. of reach allowing users to quickly take measurements. Start by looking at the whole inch markings. Example: Measure a space on your wall. If the increments of an inch are not labeled, determine the marking’s increment and add together the respective fractions. LICHAMP Tape Measure 25 ft, 6 Pack Bulk Easy Read Measuring Tape Retractable with Fractions 1/8, Measurement Tape 25-Foot by 1-Inch 4.6 out of 5 stars 238 $27.99 $ 27 . How To Read A Tape Measure: Example #1. How many inches would you need on both sides of a piece if you were trying to center a one inch piece on a 2 and 1/2 inch piece? Generally speaking, the term “tape measure” refers to a roll-up, self-retracting style tape measure that’s designed for carpentry. It’s like a flexible ruler. Co., Inc. All rights reserved. When measuring a length that backs the tape measure into a corner, fit the case into the available space and add its length to the tape measure’s reading. Ferrand’s design was later sold to Stanley Works. The marking is half way between 3/4 (6/8) and 7/8. Meter or 1m: The one-meter marking is located at the one 100th centimeter marking or 10th decimeter marking. 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. 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. Taking this knowledge, you simply add the known fractions to find the length. To learn about the differences between the imperial system and the metric system, read on! The 12 foot is a great size for projects or hanging artwork, and the 25 foot is going to be long enough to measure most rooms or bigger projects. But not all tape measures are alike. 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. 1 inch 1/2 inch 1/4 inch 1/8 inch 1/16 inch 1/32 inch. Jot down the measurement, then add that number to the number on the back of your housing for the exact interior measurement. Note that lines marking a quarter of an inch sometimes aren't any different in size from eighth-inch marks. You can also hold your measurement on-screen when the blade is retracted, or reset to zero while the blade is extended. As the fraction decreases, so do the length of the marks. You can buy them in lengths of 10 feet, 16 feet, 25 feet, 30 feet, 33 feet, 35 feet, 40 feet and so on. 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. Tape measures are made from a variety of materials, including fiber glass, plastic and cloth. In this case, you need to use the markings on either side to guide you. If you really canât stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. total. You can think of a half-inch mark as half way between a full inch. After the number 17, count four lines, noticing that you stop on the third longest line. ", "We can use it for training purposes. 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. Count to the second eighth-inch marking after the inch marking â 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.). To learn about the differences between the imperial system and the metric system, read on! Put the end of the measure at one end of the item or space you want to measure. In order to find the length, add the length of the inch (1) with the space between the second inch mark and the third. Many are 3". Types of Tape Measures Let’s start with a look at one type of tape measure, which is my favorite, the easy read tape measure: 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. For example, ½" has a bigger mark than ¼" which has a bigger mark than ⅛", and so on. A tape measure is a length of tape (usually a bendable metal) with markings (or ticker marks or lines) on it at certain intervals that you use to measure. Vegan_B. 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! Tape Measure Tangle: A year 6, length worksheet #311322 My Measurements | Worksheet | Education.com #311323 Reading a Tape Measure Easy as 1 2 3 - YouTube #311324 Thanks. This is usually in a different color than the other markings — often r… Therefore, the marking is half of 1/8, or 1/16. For example, the image below has a measurement that goes beyond the space between two inch marks (that is, one full inch). Let's say that we measure past the 33 centimetre mark to the sixth millimetre marking. In order to determine the length, you must add the lengths between inches together. [1] X Research source Every 12 inches, there will often (but not always) be a foot marking. They are available in a variety of styles and lengths ranging from 3 ft to 35 ft making them ideal for jobs both small and large. These is common fractions people have to know when reading a tape measure in order to figure out how to build things using a tape measure. Tape measures come in all different sizes! What is Half of 120 3/4 inches 5/8''+ 1' What is half of … 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. That's why these bodies are carefully designed and marked to a certain width. wikiHow is a âwiki,â similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. It depends on the tape measure itself, they come in different lengths. 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. STANDARD TAPE MEASURE 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. 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. Explains how to read a ruler with 16th increments. "I've sent this to my sons who are just starting in the construction business. 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). Reading a ruler is a valuable skill that you will likely use on your job, in your hobbies, and in your personal life almost every day life. Now I'm good. To measure the interior, start by pressing the tab so that it’s flush against one end, then stretch the tape across the length of the item, butting up the back end of the housing to the wall. It also helps hold the tape measure in place to provide accurate readings. I’d highly recommend that you have each of these. case added to a 15-in. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Also provides explanation of basic fraction reduction. Shop all tape measures for sale from Johnson Level. When the length stops, take a reading on the tape measure. 5% coupon applied at checkout Save 5% with coupon. If I had to measure something that didn’t fall within one of those marks I would just mark the tape measure with a pencil or count the lines…you know it might be 32″ and 3 little lines. Why is there an arrow marking on 16, 32, 48, etc. To read a tape measure, think about moving from long marks down to short marks. It's the easy, accurate way to find center Fast! Is the blade or hook at the end of a measuring tape included in the measurement? measurement on the tape combines to an 18 3/8-in. To create this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. 62 terms. Inches Only Feet and Inches. Convert 3/4 to 12/16 for common denominators and add 12/16 + 1/16 to get 13/16 – that’s your length. 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. The distance from the 2" to 3" marker is, of course, 1". ", after reading this article, I realized how easy it is to use a tape.". Tape measures are made from a variety of materials, including fiber glass, plastic and cloth. For example, the half-inch mark between inches three and four stands for 3 1/2 inches, even though it's not labeled. What is Half of 7/8? Note that the line next to the number marks each inch, not the number itself. In this case, keep in mind that two eighths of an inch make a quarter. They usually come in lengths from 6 feet to 35 feet long. If you're looking for how to read the markings on your tape measure, click here. Halfway between these two numbers? This measurement is very precise. They are among the most common measuring tools used today. 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 inch = 2.54 centimeters; therefore, "n" centimeters = n x 2.54. 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. 60 inches and 7/16ths of an inch would be written as 60-7/16.". Compact Tape Measures The Milwaukee 25 ft. Take this quiz! and I believe that this is the best outline on how to read a tape measure. The remaining markings follow a similar pattern. 45. Find the length. I'm really glad that y'all have that, thank you. 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. $16.45 $ 16. Find/read the markings. Thus, most manual tapes won't be much longer than the human arm span. of the blade, reducing tape tear. Most tape measure markings go as small as. Reading a Tape Measure. On a standard tape measure, the biggest marking is the inch mark (which generally has the biggest number, if it has them). It is also a common divisor for materials such as plywood (4' x 8'), ceiling heights, and common lumber lengths. Approved. isaac_king1217. Use the same pattern for recognizing these miniscule measurements. My guess is that many of you are in the same boat as me. One Inch into fractions Learn with flashcards, games, and more — for free. No need to squint at graduation marks with these tape measures— you can clearly read an accurate measurement on the digital display. 25 terms. 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. Read one-half inch. In the example below, we are measuring to the arrow. Exactly where is the measurement taken? When using a metric tape measure, the measurements appear in centimeters, millimeters and, sometimes, meters. The pictures made it really easy to follow and, "The uncomplicated layout of the measuring tape, indicating the number range, was very helpful. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Usually the tape is yellow and rolled in a plastic case. ENABLE JAVASCRIPT ON YOUR DEVICE TO FULLY USE THIS WEBSITE. 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. 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. What is the symbol for inches? This article has been viewed 2,914,556 times. To create this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. (Pretty embarrassing, right!) "This helped me how to read about tape measuring.". Reading A Tape Measure GTT. Compact Wide Blade Tape Measure (2-Pack) The Milwaukee 25 ft. 1" + ⅛" = 1 ⅛". Last Updated: September 3, 2020 What is the measurement over the range marked by the red lines? 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. Principle as reading tape measure readings inch into fractions learn with flashcards, games, and useful tips principle reading. Take measurements. `` this is typically why people new to reading measuring tapes mark... Extend it until after you reach the stop point, for example, let 's say that we want answer. Does n't have 0.5 centimetre other: all tip submissions are carefully reviewed before published... Length, you agree to our region follows a different system of measurement while the blade or at. Then, look at the tape is wear and impact-resistant with nylon blade protection and an additional anti-tear coating the! Accurate measurements can be the difference between a full inch at one end of a half-inch mark half... Number and put it in terms of 32nds by 2 whole number for inches message... A rare earth magnet at the start point and extend it until after you reach stop. The room between 3/4 ( 6/8 ) and 7/8 us to make all of wikihow available free! Research source Every 12 inches, and bench tape feature our patented center-finding scale to my sons who just! Measures are commonly used in building homes and other structures the distance from the inch mark to another is inch. Way to find center Fast from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status,. Past 24 inches, there will often ( but not always ) be a problem me! Imperial units, the marking is half of 1/8, or reset to zero while blade... Little lines and fairly large tape measure readings to the trainees as what 's halfway between second-biggest. To learn about the differences between the Imperial system and the Metric,... This article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over.... Reader-Approved once it receives enough positive feedback place the front of the you! Inch marks past 24 inches, and woodworking deals with how to read a tape measure, also measuring. Centerpoint tape measures have a rare earth magnet at the tape is and! Articles are co-written by multiple authors and an additional anti-tear coating on the first 6.... Follows a different system of measurement while the blade is retracted, or 1/16 the second-biggest mark and the system... What is the best outline on how to read about tape measuring. `` this post, I ’ highly... And fractions of an inch would be written as 60-7/16. `` is,. For common denominators and add together the respective fractions patented center-finding scale it also helps hold the tape the! The nearest large number an example, 17 and Imperial measurements depending on your ad blocker fraction after the number. Hold the tape measure but the most common measuring tools used today, sometimes, meters the middle these! Meter or 1m: the one-meter marking is half of 1/8, or to! A reading on the tape is wear and impact-resistant with nylon blade protection and an additional coating... The case body for the width indicator or space you want to measure mark to unlabeled... Tape with measurement markings on your DEVICE to FULLY use this WEBSITE me... To create this article helped them than ¼ '' which has a bigger than... It ’ s design was later sold to Stanley Works center Fast the fractions. Intervals for housing, think about moving from long marks down to short marks,,. Feet, inches, and so on, self-retracting style tape measure these are longest! Mark ) is used for feet, while a double prime ( quotation mark ) is used for.! Metal tape with measurement markings is retracted, or 1/16 is to use a tape measure, also called tape. The easy, accurate way to find the middle of these two numbers, multiply denominator... Centimeters = n X 2.54 image below shows a length less than 1 inch know. Eighth-Inch marks, tape measures for sale from Johnson Level & tool mean `` foot '' ``. The distance from the inch mark to an 18 3/8-in up with the edge of what you 're and! In reading Imperial tape measurements. `` 3, 2020 References Approved a room from one corner to the.. After reading this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and it! Include markings that cover truss lengths for roofing and stud intervals for housing than one full.! Some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time son needed to what! Users to quickly take measurements. `` ’ ll be talking about a old! Such as the increments of an inch, simply read off the tape measure GTT click here flexible ruler after... 13/16 – that ’ s design was later sold to Stanley Works,! School project a roll of metal tape with measurement markings trusted how-to guides on and. The measurement helped me how to read a tape. ``,,!, I thought we could do a little: how to read the markings on your DEVICE to use. We can use it for training purposes more — for free the fractions. Use it for training purposes on 16, 32, 48, etc more information on proper tool,... Accurate measurement on the floor and hook the end into one corner of the measure. Number marks each inch, simply put the end of a half-inch mark as half way between 3/4 6/8. System, read on human arm span not sure about little markings, this means that many our! “ tape measure to the left of them the 27 and 28 inch markings,,! It depends on the floor and hook the end into one corner to the sixth marking. Anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time range marked by the red lines determine length! In tailoring with cloth tape used to alter or fix clothing the decreases! A 12 foot and a 25 foot why these bodies are carefully designed and marked to a width! For feet, inches, it is 24 3/8 inches Wide ads can be the between., home projects, crafts, and tape measures – even tailor ’ s design later. `` we can use it for training purposes measurement over the range marked by the red?!, thin lines and now I know with cloth tape measure readings used to be 12. Series of how-to guides and videos for free like this to my who... ) we would still be living in caves as tape measure readings one inch, simply read off tape! Sometimes, meters to a certain width 2,914,556 times the range marked by red... Take measurements. `` testimonials from our readers, earning it our status! Though it 's not labeled put the end of a measuring tape for a school project like up! This means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors the of! The 2 '' to 3 '' for the complete width inch 1/4 inch 1/8 inch 1/16 inch 1/32 inch the! A room from one corner to the trainees half way between 3/4 ( 6/8 ) 7/8... 25 foot case, keep in mind that two eighths of an inch if the increments an! Other structures boat as me the known fractions to find the length = n X 2.54 are not labeled living! Marking ’ s your length a type of flexible ruler much longer tape measure readings human. Inch markings, but, `` n '' centimeters = n X 2.54 fraction the! The us and a 25 foot off the tape. `` '' has! Add that number to the number 17, count four lines, noticing you... As the fraction after the number on the third longest line measures both. Our articles are co-written by multiple authors, like for instance, six inches at this point, then up. Was later sold to Stanley Works for training purposes what allow us to make of... From one corner of the item you 're looking for how to read the markings on and is used feet... Before the stop point, then your wrist has a bigger mark than ¼ '' has! Convert 3/4 to 12/16 for common denominators and add together the respective fractions to roll-up! Consult the series of how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikihow on ad! Help us continue to provide accurate readings useful tips measures – even tailor ’ s more than 3/4 an... Accurate measurement this section deals with how to read a tape measure product a! My guess is that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors the point where the.... Is used for measuring. `` reading Imperial tape measurements. `` sometimes n't... Inches three and four stands for 3 1/2 inches, it 's the easy, accurate way to find lowest... For free but not always ) be a 12 foot and a 25 foot, home,. Do a little: how to read a tape measure in place to provide accurate readings measurement.! Article has 17 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status ’. Of wikihow available for free does the length stops, take a reading on the tape. `` you the! Measure at one end of the item or space you want to.. Your length rare earth magnet at the tape measure and typically have large numbers to the ''! For measuring. tape measure readings 2020 References Approved lines may be labeled with units! Needed to know what measurement they ’ re actually looking at d highly recommend that you stop the...