- Foot or 1’: The foot measurement shows up on the 12th inch and is written as 1F. ...
- Inch or 1”: The inch measurement is the longest vertical line on the imperial half of the blade. ...
- Half or ½”: The second longest line is the half inch measurement. ...
- Quarter or ¼”: The mid-size line is the third longest and the third shortest on the typical tape measure. ...
What are the numbers on a tape measure?
What are the red numbers on a tape measure?
- The top row of numbers are your imperial measurements.
- The bottom row of numbers are your metric measurements.
- The line that hits the blade right before the “1” is a ½ inch.
- The blade indicates zero inches or centimeters.
- Every number on the top represents a whole inch.
What is the largest measuring unit in a tape measure?
What is the largest measuring unit in 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). As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. For example, ½" has a bigger mark than ¼" which has a bigger mark than ⅛", and so on.
What is the most accurate tape measure?
What is the most accurate tape measure? As the primary go-to for many professionals, the FatMax is probably the most accurate and durable measuring tape of its kind on the market. The 33-725 is a massive 25-foot, 1-1/4 inch wide measuring tape with full stud markings and a best -in-class 11-foot standout.
How to square something with a tape measure?
- If the distance is less than 5 units, your corner is less than 90º. Move the sides apart.
- If the distance is over 5 units, your corner has a measurement of more than 90º. Bring the sides closer together. ...
- Once you’ve got a square corner, you can check the room’s other three corners to ensure they’re the same.
What are the units of measure on a tape measure?
Tape measures come in both Imperial Units (inches and feet) and metric (centimeters and meters), featuring unit breakdowns for further accuracy. Specialized versions can include markings that cover truss lengths for roofing and stud intervals for housing.
How do you read a tape measure?
0:583:20How to Read a Tape Measure - REALLY EASY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can call these one quarter two quarters referred to as half an inch three quarters. And theMoreWe can call these one quarter two quarters referred to as half an inch three quarters. And the fourth quarter is the next inch every fraction on the tape measure has a preferred written form.
What are the 7 measurements that are on a tape measure?
On an imperial tape measure, the markings represent lengths in inches and fractions of an inch. Each large tick represents one inch (1″), and the ticks between represent the following fractions: 1⁄16“, 1⁄8“, 3⁄16“, 1⁄4“, 5⁄16“, 3⁄8“, 7⁄16“, 1⁄2“, 9⁄16“, 5⁄8“, 11⁄16“, 3⁄4“, 13⁄16“, 7⁄8“, and 15⁄16“.
What increments are on a tape measure?
Tape Measure Marks1″: Inches are the easiest measurement to read on a tape measure. ... 1/2″: There are 2 half inches in one inch. ... 1/4″: There are 4 quarter inches in one inch. ... 1/8″: There are eight eighth inches in one inch. ... 1/16″: There are 16 sixteenth inches in one inch.More items...•
Which side of measuring tape is inches?
The big lines with numbers are your inches. Next biggest is a half inch. Then, 1/4 inch, 1/8 inch, and 1/16 inch. Some tapes also include metric markings.
How many 16ths are in an inch?
Determine the number of smaller units per unit of the larger quantity. In this case, there are 16 units of smaller quantity (1/16 inch) in one unit of the larger quantity.
What are the small numbers on a tape measure?
QUARTER INCHES, EIGHTH INCHES, AND SIXTEENTH INCHES 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.
What is .25 on a tape measure?
Fraction, Decimal, and Millimeter Equivalent MeasurementsFractionDecimalMillimeters1⁄8“0.1253.1753⁄16“0.18754.76251⁄4“0.256.355⁄16“0.31257.937512 more rows•Feb 11, 2021
What is .875 on a tape measure?
FRACTIONSINCHESMILLIMETERS7/8.87522.22557/64.89062522.62229/32.9062523.01959/64.92187523.41628 more rows
What is .6 on a measuring tape?
6:059:27Reading a Tape Measure Easy as 1 2 3 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe actual measurement. So if you were counting. The 6 line here 1 2 3 4 5 6 you'll notice 6 theMoreThe actual measurement. So if you were counting. The 6 line here 1 2 3 4 5 6 you'll notice 6 the sixth line on the tape measure is actually 3/8 of an inch.
How many inches is a 16 foot tape measure?
A 16ft tape measure, for example, will have sixteen one-foot marks along its length and 192 one-inch marks (12 inches per foot). Each inch will then have eight 1/8th of an inch and sixteen 1/16th of an inch marks. 1 foot = 12 inches.
What is a hook on a tape measure?
The hook or 'tang' of the tape measure is the small, usually metallic component at the end of the blade. In pocket tapes (as seen in the image below), this is usually a straight piece of metal attached to the blade by a number of rivets. You will normally find (on any pocket tape of quality) that the hook 'floats'. In other words it moves in and out ever so slightly. Some people mistakenly think of this as a manufacturing defect but this is not the case.
Where do you put the hook when measuring?
When taking external measurements, however, the hook can be placed around/behind the object and pulled gently towards the measurer. Not only does this keep the blade in place whilst measuring, it also guarantees an accurate measurement by compensating for the thickness of the metal hook in the measurement.
When taking internal measurements, the hook can be pushed against the object?
skirting board) providing an accurate measurement .
Do you need safety glasses for tape measure?
All manufacturers recommend that users make use of safety glasses/goggles when doing any work that requires a tape measure for exactly this reason. What's more, some tape measures (regardless of expense or quality) can feature steel blades with relatively sharp edges.
How long is a 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 .
How to measure length with a metric tape?
To measure with a metric measuring tape, first find the nearest centimetre before the distance you're measuring, then the nearest millimetre. You can use a 0.5 millimetre mark to help guide you if your measuring tape has them.
What do the small, densely packed markings for millimetres mean?
3. Use the small, densely-packed markings for millimetres.The small, tight, narrow lines between centimetre markings represent millimetres ( or one-tenth-centimetres). There are ten millimetres in a centimetre (and, thus, one thousand in a metre.)
How to find the accurate measurement of a length?
First, mark the spot where the measuring tape lines up with the edge of the thing you're measuring. Find the nearest inch before this point . Then, find the nearest half-inch before this point.
What is the most prominent marking on a measuring tape?
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.
What are the markings on a tape measure?
Use the big, numbered markings for inches. 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.
How to find the circumference of a wrist?
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. If it is, for instance, six inches at this point, then your wrist has a circumference of about six inches.
What is a tape measure?
A tape measure is a retractable and somewhat flexible ruler that is for measuring long distances which may be sloped, horizontal or even vertical. The tape rule is usually made from fiberglass and has some measurement markings on it according to either the metric or imperial system.
How long is a long tape measure?
Long tape measures, on the other hand, have tapes that can be around 500 feet in length. These are designed to be used by builders and industrial engineers.
Why are tape measures flexible?
The reason why tape measures have flexible materials rather than a rigid design is that it allows tailors and dressmakers to measure a person's waist. Now, these products come in flexible plastic or fiberglass that will enable users to work with it for more extended periods of time without letting it stretch.
Why do carpenters use tape measure?
That is because professional require precise measurements; precisely as to the dimensions of materials like sheetrock, lumber or anything else that needs cutting.
What is digital measuring tape?
A digital measuring tape is a combination of a regular measuring tape and certain digital aspects like a large display that shows readings. This hybrid invention is a result of the integrated circuit being mass produced. In this type of tape measure, there is a digital screen that allows users to read measurements in some different formats.
What is a spring return pocket tape measure?
However, the spring-return pocket tape measure isn't the only type that is in use. Some are easier for reading the tape measure than others.
Why were old methods of measurement invented?
Old methods of measurements were invented to be applied to a specific community, generally small, making its way to being a rather widespread tool. Each measurement unit and method had a particular purpose; an example is a difference between the measurement of land and cloth. source: en.wikipedia.org.
How to use a tape measure?
To use a tape measure, pull the tang out from the housing and hook it on the edge of the object to be measured. Stretch the blade across the object, press the lock, and then observe where the blade meets the end of the object. The nearest line on the blade to the end of the object is the final measurement. Once you have noted it, unhook the tang, holding the blade with your hand so that its recoil won’t cause injury, then press the lock to release the blade. Slowly allow the blade to return to the housing.
What is the difference between a tape measure and a metric tape measure?
A tape measure with both inches and centimeters usually has the imperial measurements in red on the top of the blade, while the metric measurements are in black on the bottom of the blade. Foot or 1’: The foot measurement shows up on the 12th inch and is written as 1F.
How to measure a nail with a pencil?
Using a pencil, mark the initial measurement and keep the tip of the pencil sitting lightly on the surface of the material at this point. Rotate the tape measure in a full 360 degrees, keeping the tang firmly attached to the head of the nail or screw. Complete the rotation and you should have a perfect circle.
What is the smallest metric measurement on a blade?
Millimeter or 1mm: The smallest metric measurement on the blade is the millimeter . It is not indicated by a number or fraction, but simply by the smallest line on the metric side of the blade, with every fifth millimeter line being slightly longer to indicate the halfway point between centimeters.
What is the imperial system on a tape measure?
Read a tape measure’s incremental marks for the imperial system. In the United States, the imperial measurement system is normally used on a tape measure, though some models may have both the imperial and the metric system. A tape measure with both inches and centimeters usually has the imperial measurements in red on the top of the blade, ...
What does tang mean on a tape measure?
Tang: The metal clip at the end of the tape, also known as the clip or hook. When reading the tape measure, the tang indicates zero. Lock: The button on the front of the housing locks the tape in place when pressed, preventing the tape from being pulled out further or retracting.
Why are tape measure blades concave?
Tape measure blades are slightly concave to increase the blade’s rigidity when in use . This curve lets the blade be pulled out further without losing stiffness, helping take longer measurements with more accuracy.
How to Read a Tape Measure in Inches
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. This means you can measure up to 1/16 of an inch. Some tapes measure from 32 to 64 marks to the inch. Laser distance measurers can often measure accurately within 1/16 inch.
How to Read a Tape Measure in Millimeters
Metric tape measures feature 10 marks to the centimeter. The smallest marks on a tape indicate one millimeter or 1/10th of a centimeter. The large, bold markings on a metric tape measure indicate centimeters. The long mark in the center indicates a half-centimeter.
Special Notes for How to Read Measuring Tape
The typical length between studs in a wall is 16 inches on center. This is marked in red on many tape measures.
How to Measure
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. Make sure the tape measure is evenly aligned for an exact measurement.
Tape Measure Tips
A properly functioning hook will move slightly. It is designed to slide based on the thickness of the metal, usually about 1/16-inch. This allows the tape to give an accurate inside and outside measurement.
How To Read A Tape Measure
On every tape measure, there are both small and large tick marks and sometimes numbers. The biggest tick mark usually denotes inches, the second biggest denotes 1/2 inches, and so on. The largest numbers correspond to inches, with fractions of inches being in between each of the largest numbers.
Metric Vs Imperial
Some tape measures have both metric (cm and mm) and imperial (in and ft) markings, usually with one on the top and one on the bottom.
Parts of a Tape Measure
The housing of the tape measure is called the case, and it’s usually plastic or metal – sometimes they have rubber on them (those are my favorites).
Tape Measure Marking Diagrams
Let’s learn the basics of how to read a tape measure: the main markings are shown above – including 1″, 1/2″, 1/4″, 1/8″, and 1/16″. Some tapes measures are labeled (like the one above), but others are not. Either way, if you pay attention to the length of the tick marks, you’ll be able to get an accurate measurement every time.
Why Do Tape Measures Have Loose Ends that Move?
The small, loose, silver end of a tape measure is called the tang or hook. Many people think this is a quality issue with the measuring tape (including me for many, many years), but it’s actually a feature.
What Are The Black Diamonds and Triangles on Tape Measures?
Black diamonds or triangles are also called truss marks, and they are spaced out every 19 3/16 inches. These measurements are usually used by framers – which is something most DIYers don’t get into. Basically, as a DIYer, feel free to ignore them!
Why Are Some Tape Measure Numbers Red?
The red numbers on a tape measure are an easy way to tell where studs lie. Since most studs are framed at 16″ between the center of each stud (sometimes referred to as 16″ on center), once you find the center of your first stud, using the red numbers, you can find the center of every stud on the wall.
