Since 12 inches is the same as 1 foot, the number on the tape may be a different color or be labeled with an “F” to mark the length. After each foot marking, the numbers next to each inch mark will either repeat from 1 - 11 again or keep counting to 13, 14, 15, and so on. Each tape measure varies so be sure to check yours.
Unless it’s the first ½-inch mark on your tape measure, always add the full inch that came right before it to the measurement. For example, the half-inch mark between the 3- and 4-inch lines represents 3 ½ inches even if it isn’t labeled.
Each inch is split into 4 ¼-inch increments. The 2/4-inch mark is the same as the ½-inch line.
The ¼-inch, ½-inch, and ¾-inch marks can alternatively be read as 2/8-inch, 4/8-inch, and 6/8-inch.
Some precise measuring tapes may have marks representing 1/32-inch or even 1/64-inch. When in doubt, count the total number of lines between the inch markings to know how far it’s subdivided. For example, if there are 16 total marks, then the smallest mark is 1/16-inch.
If you’re not measuring for wall studs or roofing, don’t worry about any of these markings since you won’t need to use them.
Every 100 centimeters, the number may be a different color or be labeled with an “M” to mark out 1 meter in length. After each meter, the centimeter markings may start over again at 1 or continue counting to 101, 102, and so on. This varies from measuring tape to measuring tape.
The metric system is in base ten, which makes it much easier to work with decimals compared to fractions in imperial measurements. For example, write out 0. 5 centimeters instead of ½ centimeters.
Metric tape measures rarely have units smaller than millimeters because it’s difficult to measure them precisely.
The hook may also be known as the “tang. ” Does the metal hook feel loose? It’s supposed to! When you latch it onto an object, the hook pulls out so its width isn’t included in your measurement. When you push it up against the object on an inside measurement, the hook pushes flush against the tape so its width doesn’t affect your measurement.
Try to keep the tape as straight as you can since letting it sag can skew your measurement. If the end of your tape measure has a hole, hook it onto a screw or nail to keep the end from moving.
Example: If you are measuring across the front of a dresser and the edge lines up right after the 24-inch marking, this means that your dresser is between 24 and 25 inches wide. If you count three ⅛-inch marks past 24 inches, then your dresser is 24 ⅜ inches wide. Example: If you’re measuring a piece of wood. The edge of the wood extends past 17 centimeters but not past 18 centimeters. If you count 7 millimeter marks past the centimeter line, then the piece of wood is 18. 7 centimeters long.
Quickly seeing which of two objects is bigger Seeing whether something will fit through a certain space Keeping the tape available for multiple quick measurements Keeping a certain distance “handy” to avoid having to re-measure
