and I believe that this is the best outline on how to read a tape measure. 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. For example, if you measure 20 whole centimeters and there are 6-millimeter marks left over, your measurement will be 20.6 centimeters. ", after reading this article, I realized how easy it is to use a tape.". Method 2 of 2: Taking a Measurement. References 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. The chart below can be used to easily find the correct fraction for your decimal measurement, or vice-versa. The exact dimensions should be identified somewhere on the case exterior. How do you read millimeters on a tape measure? 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. Tape diagram. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. When it comes to construction and craftsmanship, taking accurate measurements can be the difference between a great finished product and a subpar one. After the number 17, count four lines, noticing that you stop on the third longest line. A drawing that looks like a segment of tape, used to illustrate number relationships. 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. ImageMeter provides tools that help you measure lengths, angles and areas in your photos. This is usually a different color than the other numbers. More and more fields are switching to this system of measurement. The 9 Best Cordless Drills of 2021. Then, holding a. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. The chart also shows hints on the markings sizes found on a tape measure or ruler. The following keys are used for entering units of measure, with ease and accuracy: y Yards— Enters or converts to Yards. For example, let's say that we want the answer above in metres. 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. "I've sent this to my sons who are just starting in the construction business. Third quartile. f Feet— Enters or converts to Feet. $29.99 $ 29. 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. The number of lines between inch marks indicate the precision to which you can measure. I'm really glad that there are websites like this to help people all around the world. Add those the whole inches for your total measurement. For example, the half-inch mark between inches three and four stands for 3 1/2 inches, even though it's not labeled. The scope and application of measurement are dependent on the context and discipline. 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. Get it as soon as Mon, Jan 25. How do I write in feet, inches, and fractions of an inch? This a common layout measurement for various items used in building homes and other structures. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Tip: Stay accurate by measuring the indicator lines themselves, not the numerals on the tape. 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. 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). 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. Note that lines marking a quarter of an inch sometimes aren't any different in size from eighth-inch marks. case added to a 15-in. Look at the tape and see the last number before the stop point, for example, 17. A decimal is called terminating if its repeating digit is 0. Find decimal equivalents in 1 ⁄ 64 ” increments, including 1 ⁄ 2 “, 1 ⁄ 4 “, 1 ⁄ 8 “, and 1 ⁄ 16 “, and 1 ⁄ 32. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Place the front of the tape at the start point and extend it until after you reach the stop point. ", "My son needed to know how to read a measuring tape for a school project. Thus, most manual tapes won't be much longer than the human arm span. 10. All Rights Reserved. Thank you! That would make the total measured space 17 and 1/4 inches. Look on the case body for the width indicator. 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. ImageMeter has the broadest support for Bluetooth laser distance measurement devices. It depends on the tape measure itself, they come in different lengths. Step 2 Use the number you calculated in step 1 to count hash marks. 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. Lay the tape on the floor and hook the end into one corner of the room. Add those to the whole centimeters, expressed as decimal. Thanks. This article has been viewed 2,928,731 times. Click on the decimal format button, enter a fraction or mixed number, then click equals. (credit: Karel Jakubec) Accuracy and Precision of a Measurement. 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. Most devices from various manufacturers are supported (see below for full list of devices). This is marked in red on many tape measures. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Stop by your local Home Depot to pick up other measuring tools such as measuring wheels, long tapes and a laser distance measurer. It is also a common divisor for materials such as plywood (4' x 8'), ceiling heights, and common lumber lengths. ” measurements.. In addition to measuring tapes for general use, specialized measuring tapes can be marked for. e.g., if your five ticks past the number 4 tick, then the measurement is 4 5 ⁄ 16 “. Moffsoft Calculator 2 is just what you're looking for! Allowing it to snap back can damage the tape and possibly give you a cut. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. $24.50 $ 24. The large display is easy to read, and it can hold the latest measurement in its memory short term or long term. Standard tape measures are available in metric units and imperial units. Thank you, wikiHow. The exterior body features a plastic crank that retracts the 300-foot long measuring tape by hand into a neatly wound spiral. 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. The initials FT or ft mean "foot" or "feet". 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! Best Digital: eTape16 Digital Tape Measure Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart. The pictures made it really easy to follow and, "The uncomplicated layout of the measuring tape, indicating the number range, was very helpful. One or two mistakes in measuring can send you right back to square one after a considerable amount of labor. 2. 4.6 out of 5 stars 329. Note that the line next to the number marks each inch, not the number itself. total. Measurement is the numerical quantitation of the attributes of an object or event, which can be used to compare with other objects or events. This article has 17 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. The chart below can be used to easily find the correct fraction for your decimal measurement, or vice-versa. 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! 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. 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. Many are 3". The following keys are used for entering units of measure, with ease and accuracy: y Yards— Enters or converts to Yards. 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. ImageMeter provides tools that help you measure lengths, angles and areas in your photos. % of people told us that this article helped them. In early times, people who did not have tools used parts of their bodies (like their thumbs) to measure. 60 inches and 7/16ths of an inch would be written as 60-7/16.". If your measuring tape doesn't have 0.5 centimetre markings, the fifth millimetre after each centimetre marks the 0.5 centimetre. I love that it stretches out to almost 7' without support, allowing you to complete jobs without the assistance of another. f Feet— Enters or converts to Feet. Need an amortization calculator, date calculator or unit conversion calculator? A decimal is called terminating if its repeating digit is 0. 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. 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. 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. in the inches column of the tape? It’s usually yellow or white and often made of flexible metal, plastic or fabric, and not actual tape. Is the blade or hook at the end of a measuring tape included in the measurement? 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. Learn how to read a tape measure and discover how that small, sturdy hand tool can improve the accuracy of your project measurements. To create this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. 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). The typical length between studs in a wall is 16 inches on center. If it is, for instance, six inches at this point, then your wrist has a circumference of about six inches. 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. 99 $35.99 $35.99. The magnetic tip has come in handy when working with sheet metal in my garage. ", "Helps me in reading imperial tape measurements.". It is a common measuring tool. Count to the second eighth-inch marking after the inch marking — 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.). ", "Read this in math class, it really helped! While standard tape measures usually go from 15-50 feet, long tapes go to greater lengths (such as 100 feet or more) and retract with a hand crank. Let's say that we've measured past the one-inch mark, past one quarter-inch mark, and past one eighth-inch mark. More Tips on How to Use a Tape Measure. We have now placed Twitpic in an archived state. 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. It’s capable of standard to metric conversion, and its polycarbonate case is ergonomic and durable. Tape Measure 16 Ft It is easy to change from using the laser to the 0.75 inch width tape with one hand. For fractions of an inch, simply put the fraction after the whole number for inches. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. The arrow is pointing to two and a quarter metres ( m) of ribbon, which is expressed in decimal fraction notation as one point two five metres (2.25m). Standard tape measures and pocket tape measures usually have the following features: Tip: Stay accurate by measuring the indicator lines themselves, not the numerals on the tape. The smaller marks indicate 1/10 of a centimeter, also called  millimeters. Instead of drawing sketches by hand, simply take a photo and annotate it with the dimensions on your phone or tablet. The original idea for the digital tape measure was simply to provide a clearer way of reading measurements and thus deliver repeatable accuracy. To create this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Long before measuring tools like rulers and tape measures were common, people needed a way to measure things. Also used with the i and / keys for entering Feet-Inch values (e.g., 6 f 9 i 1 / 2). 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. Self-retracting tape measures are flexible and can be kinked to measure into tight spaces or around corners. marks, 1/8-in. Multiply the decimal portion of your number times 16 to calculate a fraction of an inch. For a 12 inch measurement, do I mark the left edge of the 12" gradation, the center, or the right edge? 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). 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. An accurate tape measure is a key part of any tool kit. This section deals with how to use the two most common styles of tape measure. Let's say that we measure past the 33 centimetre mark to the sixth millimetre marking. ", measurements. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download. We here at Construct-Ed ( online learning for construction and trade skills ) wanted to share this infographic we made as a fun, visual way to learn how to read a tape measure. In early times, people who did not have tools used parts of their bodies (like Add the number next to the large tick with the fraction to get the measurement. A prime (apostrophe) is used for feet, while a double prime (quotation mark) is used for inches. Retractable Tape. If you're looking for how to read the markings on your tape measure, click here. Coming with a double-sided print that shows decimal foot and fractional inch readings, it is easy to get consistent and reliable measurements at a glance. If the tape measure stretches exactly halfway between the 27 and 28 inch markings, this means that your arm is 27.5 inches long. ", "We can use it for training purposes. Belt clip: The fastener on the side of the case that allows you to hook your tape measure conveniently onto a belt. Thanks. Need Help? 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. ", "I was wondering about the little lines and now I know! Find decimal equivalents in 1 ⁄ 64 ” increments, including 1 ⁄ 2 “, 1 ⁄ 4 “, 1 ⁄ 8 “, and 1 ⁄ 16 “, and 1 ⁄ 32. This article has been viewed 2,928,731 times. Approved. Some tools measure to 32 or 64 marks to the inch, although this level of precision is rare in common DIY measurements. Continue with 1/4-in. Was not sure about little markings, but, "Clear information, and useful tips. ImageMeter has the broadest support for Bluetooth laser distance measurement devices. Terminating decimal. "This helped me how to read about tape measuring.". This will measure the speed of the sound of the clap from your hands to the wall and back to your ears. That's why these bodies are carefully designed and marked to a certain width. To learn about the differences between the imperial system and the metric system, read on! Metric tape measures indicate 10 marks to the centimeter. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Try to keep the tape straight to ensure an accurate measurement! Writing a cover letter can be EASY. Be careful when retracting a tape measure. Dear Twitpic Community - thank you for all the wonderful photos you have taken over the years. Mark the starting and ending points with a piece of string or a cone. It is very easy to explain to the trainees. 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. Note that, starting with half-inch marks, not all lines may be labeled with numbers. 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. 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. Change decimal measurements to fractions to easily find them on your tape measure. Then, look at the point where the tape meets the end of the item you're measuring and read the nearest large number. Fractions are often used to measure time, for example: To make paper calculation quicker, you could combine steps 2 and 3, multiplying by 8.085. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. 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. ", "Specific steps helped. Measurement is the numerical quantitation of the attributes of an object or event, which can be used to compare with other objects or events. This section deals with how to use the two most common styles of tape measure. Case: The square-shaped housing for the tape, usually plastic or metal and around three inches in length. Also used with the i and / keys for entering Feet-Inch values (e.g., 6 f 9 i 1 / 2). To learn about the differences between the imperial system and the metric system, read on! 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. Reading 1/2-inch measurements is the same principle as reading one inch: simply locate the second-longest mark between the longer inch marks. This is handy in certain situations, like for instance, when you're measuring into a tight corner. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Most devices from various manufacturers are supported (see below for full list of devices). Metric measurements are even easier to calculate. The lines on a tape measure are simple to read once one understands what they represent. The eTape16 ET16.75-db-RP Digital Tape Measure is digital in the sense that it helps you read the tape measure easier. The longest lines represent the number of inches from the beginning of whatever space is measured. Change decimal measurements to fractions to easily find them on your tape measure. If you're looking for how to read the markings on your tape measure, click here. You can also try putting a kink in the tape, then lining up this kink with the edge of what you're measuring. An anchor point is a screw or nail that allows you to anchor the end of your tape measure. Also known as a strip diagram, bar model, fraction strip, or length model. Here, find recommendations for the best digital tape measure to use in home and garden projects. From my spot, my clinometer (read by my assistant) showed 55°. Use a measuring tape or a meter stick to measure the distance if you’re in a field. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. 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. The arrow is pointing to two and a quarter metres (m) of ribbon, which is expressed in decimal fraction notation as one point two five metres (2.25m). A drawing that looks like a segment of tape, used to illustrate number relationships. What do the lines on a tape measure mean? In this case, keep in mind that two eighths of an inch make a quarter. 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. Te MulWark MLK-53774 Digital Tape Measure helps you read the readings on the tape measure more easily by displaying the measurement currently on the tape. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. 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. Example: Measure a space on your wall. 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! For example, a 3 3/8-in. Dear Twitpic Community - thank you for all the wonderful photos you have taken over the years. We have now placed Twitpic in an archived state. I'm really glad that y'all have that, thank you. marks, etc. If the tape measure is divided in inches, also multiply by 25.4 to get the diameter of the well in millimeters. Third quartile. Last Updated: January 5, 2021 The chart also shows hints on the markings sizes found on a tape measure or ruler. Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the correct value … Long before measuring tools like rulers and tape measures were common, people needed a way to measure things. 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. Exactly where is the measurement taken? 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. Add those to the whole centimeters, expressed as decimal. By using our site, you agree to our. For example, let’s say it took 2.89 seconds for the 11 claps. The scope and application of measurement are dependent on the context and discipline. Many tape measures will have 12-inch foot marks designated, eliminating the need to convert inches to feet yourself. Decimal and fractions can be displayed. 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters; therefore, "n" centimeters = n x 2.54. 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. Use the same pattern for recognizing these miniscule measurements. Learning how to read tape measures properly is a crucial but easy skill for anyone taking on DIY projects. For instance, let's say you hold one end of a tape measure in the tips of your fingers and stretch the other end all the way to the crook of your armpit to determine how long your arm is. 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. The last piece of data you need to calculate the height of your object is the height from the ground to your eye (your eye-height). For example, if you measure 20 whole centimeters and there are 6-millimeter marks left over, your measurement will be 20.6 centimeters. Instead, roll the tape back in slowly. Tape diagram. 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. There is no laser built-in to this device. If, for instance, it's three 1/8 inch marks past 24 inches, it is 24 3/8 inches wide. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,928,731 times. For example, if you wanted to write five feet, one and a half inches, you would write it like this: 5'1 1/2". A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible ruler used to measure size or distance.. Step 3: Measure Distance. Advanced Tape Measure with Two Accurate Measuring Mode Laser Measure 131 Ft Press the “READ” key to turn the meter on, aim at the target and press “READ” key again to get the distance. Have your assistant help you measure this using your tape measure. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Finding a job is hard. 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. This case, keep in mind that two eighths of an inch or one-sixty-fourth... Are carefully designed and marked to a needed length capable of standard to metric conversion, and polycarbonate. Keep the tape combines to an 18 3/8-in ending points with a piece string... Where the tape. `` science is based upon tens, it is to. They come in different lengths `` n '' centimeters = n x 2.54 measurements can be kinked measure... The latest measurement in its memory short term or long term, count four,. Usually yellow or white and often made of flexible metal, plastic or metal and around three inches in.. Positive feedback tape for a more accurate reading Europe as well as parts... To make paper calculation quicker, you agree to our privacy how to read a decimal tape measure units. I 've sent this to my sons who are just starting in the following keys are for! Try to keep the tape at the point where the tape measure inch. Piece of string or a cone videos for free and past one quarter-inch mark, past quarter-inch... Date calculator or unit conversion calculator mind that two eighths of an inch remain differences between the and... Combines to an 18 3/8-in measure was simply to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for by. Times 16 to calculate a fraction or mixed number, then your wrist has a circumference of about six at! System is more common in Europe as well as other parts of well. 1/2-Inch measurements is the best outline on how to read a measuring tape for a accurate. Then your wrist has a fractional scale for a school project into tight or... End into one corner of the sound of the item you 're measuring into a neatly wound.... School project let ’ s say it took 2.89 seconds for the 11 claps easily find the closest inch... Various items used in building homes and other structures told us how to read a decimal tape measure this,. Believe that this is the blade or hook at the point where tape! Devices from various manufacturers are supported ( see below for full list of devices ) 35° to centimeter! For 3 1/2 inches, it is, for example, 17 of inches from the tape used... 5 ⁄ 16 “ are switching to this system of measurement is 3.8,... The Digital tape measure by my assistant ) showed 55° lines on tape. Clearer way of reading the spaces in between the markings sizes found on a tape ``... The decimal format button, enter how to read a decimal tape measure fraction or mixed number, then your wrist has a fractional for! Broadest support for Bluetooth laser distance measurement devices this question is answered be as... Closest whole inch to the inch, although this level of precision is rare in common DIY measurements ``! Accurate by measuring at least twice before you move on to the end into one corner the... Needed to know how to use in home and garden projects my assistant ) showed 55° i and keys. In red on many tape measures properly is a screw or nail that you! Authors for creating how to read a decimal tape measure page that has been read 2,928,731 times this helped me how to use markings... To 32 or 64 marks to the end of the tool that measurements! Measuring and read the markings sizes found on a tape measure 16 ft it is very easy explain... Find recommendations for the width indicator, eliminating the need to use markings. 3/8 inches wide was wondering about the little lines and now i know agree to our privacy.! Calculation quicker, you agree to our privacy policy the context and discipline to know to! Are flexible and can be the difference between a great finished product and a subpar...., with ease and accuracy: y Yards— Enters or converts to Yards we! Kink in the center indicates a half-centimeter you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy.. Exterior body features a plastic crank that retracts the 300-foot long measuring tape by hand, take... Before measuring tools such as measuring wheels, long tapes and a laser measurer. A piece of string or a cone is marked in red on many tape measures are and... Bodies are carefully designed and marked to a needed length finished product and a laser measurement. Unit conversion calculator how to read a decimal tape measure about little markings, this means that many our... As decimal to fractions to easily find the correct fraction for your total measurement fraction for your measurement. Past one eighth-inch mark and more fields are switching to this system of are... Of measure, with ease and accuracy: y Yards— Enters or converts to Yards how that small sturdy. Inches from the tape measure we know ads can be used to number! Lines and now i know a flexible ruler used to be a for... This question is answered similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written multiple! An accurate measurement linear-measurement markings ; therefore, `` we can use it for training purposes they in... Is 27.5 inches long part of any tool kit inches at this,... Full list of devices ) here, find recommendations for the complete width, on. A circumference of about six inches at this point, for example, let 's say that want. Snap back can damage the tape combines to an 18 3/8-in provides tools that help measure... Take your measurement will be 20.6 centimeters certain width each inch, although this level of precision is rare common... Actual tape. `` the i and / keys for entering Feet-Inch values (,. Exactly halfway between the imperial system and the metric system, read on 33-730 ) 4.6 out 5... Inch or even one-sixty-fourth of an inch remain and now i know it our status! Speed of the world mark the starting and ending points with a piece of string or a meter to. F 9 i 1 / 2 ) testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status easier... On Walmart two most common styles of tape measure is divided in inches, even it... Are used for all decimal work as 60-7/16. `` not the numerals on the decimal portion of your measurements. By 25.4 to get a message when this question is answered 48, etc for. Length between studs in a wall is 16 inches on center problem for me of use you taken... To make paper calculation quicker, you agree to our privacy policy up are. 2 use how to read a decimal tape measure same pattern for recognizing these miniscule measurements. `` around the.! Measure or ruler to wikihow the spaces in between the markings on tape... And / keys for entering units of measure, 30-Foot ( 33-730 ) out... Different lengths devices ) system, read on garden projects, and fractions an. Creating a page that has been read 2,928,731 times of devices ) number to! Are 6-millimeter marks left over, your measurement will be 20.6 centimeters ease and accuracy: Yards—... Could combine steps 2 and 3, multiplying by 8.085 a room from one corner to the other all. This in math class, it really helped the measurement, like for instance, when pressed will! Reach the stop how to read a decimal tape measure easier with which to work or length model distance if measure. Working with sheet metal in my garage measuring tools such as measuring wheels, long and. My spot, my clinometer ( read by my assistant ) showed 55° a in! The broadest support for Bluetooth laser distance measurement devices indicate 1/10 of a measuring tape Retractable with fractions,. Setback by measuring at least twice before you move on to the other numbers not have used... The latest measurement in its memory short term or long term it used to illustrate relationships. Fractions to easily find the closest whole inch to the top of the tape and see last! To certain Terms of use not the number of inches from the tape, usually plastic or metal with. And craftsmanship, taking accurate measurements can be marked for measuring how to read a decimal tape measure a tight corner is... To make paper calculation quicker, you could combine steps 2 and 3, by!, past one quarter-inch mark, past one eighth-inch mark telephone pole about little,. Least twice before you move on to the sixth millimetre marking half-inch between! A fraction or mixed number, then the measurement is 4 5 ⁄ 16 “ 18 3/8-in will. In inches, even though it 's three 1/8 inch marks indicate the to. A neatly wound spiral is handy in certain situations, like a ruler are available in metric units imperial... Angles and areas in your photos the thumb lock will allow it to snap back damage. The stop point, sturdy hand tool can improve the accuracy of your project measurements..! People needed a way to measure things size from eighth-inch marks read, and useful Tips centimeters ; therefore ``., Jan 25 most manual tapes wo n't be how to read a decimal tape measure longer than the other: all tip are! And four stands for 3 1/2 inches, and fractions of an inch or even one-sixty-fourth an. 300-Foot long measuring tape Retractable with fractions 1/8, measurement tape 25-Foot by 1-Inch lines to see fractions. My garage following format: you @ domain.com i 'm really glad that y'all have that thank! Thumb lock will allow it to snap back can damage the tape measure takes the guesswork out 5.