What measurements do tape measures use?
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.
Is it mm or cm on a tape measure?
If you have a metric tape measure, the numbers should be read like this: The large, numbered markings are centimeters. There is a smaller marking exactly halfway between the centimeters for ease of reading. The smallest markings are millimeters, or one tenth of a centimeter.
Is it inches and cm on a tape measure?
Most tapes feature imperial units (inches) on the top row and metric units (centimeters) on the bottom.
What is 1 meter on a tape measure?
100cmAlso, whilst a few tapes show '1m' to display the 1 metre mark, the majority will show '100cm'. When looking at the image above, the 1st small mark after the 4cm point denotes a measurement of 41mm. The next small mark in line would be 42mm, the next would be 43mm and so on.
How much is an inch in centimeters?
2.54 cm1 inch = 2.54 cm.
How do you read inch tape?
0:274:49How To Read A Tape Measure-Tutorial For Inches, Feet ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff of the tape measure to give you the best possible view. So as you can see the majority of tapeMoreOff of the tape measure to give you the best possible view. So as you can see the majority of tape measures will show you an indication of the number of inches.
What is 8 on a tape measure?
0:061:28How to Measure in Eighths on a Ruler : Math Measurements - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that's convenient if you want to measure in eighths because 8 is half of 16.MoreSo that's convenient if you want to measure in eighths because 8 is half of 16.
How much is a centimeter on a tape measure?
The most common tape measures are 12 feet, 25 feet, or 100 feet in length. A 12-foot tape measure is handiest for consumers. The 25-foot length is called a builder's tape and is marked in feet and at 16-inch increments to make measuring the standard distance between wall studs easier.
What is 10 mm on a ruler?
One centimeter is equal to 10 millimeters. Put the zero end of the ruler at the starting edge and count the unnumbered lines after the last numbered mark.
How do you measure mm to cm?
BYJU'S mm to cm conversion tool here makes it easy to solve problems. Both millimeters and centimeters is the unit to measure the length. One millimeter is equal to 0.1 centimeters and 1 cm is equal to 10 mm....Millimeter to Centimeter Table.Millimeter (mm)Centimeter (cm)5 mm0.5 cm7 more rows
What is .375 on a tape measure?
INCHESDECIMAL OF AN INCHMILLIMETERS3/8.3759.52500025/64.3906259.92187513/32.4062510.31875027/64.42187510.71562533 more rows
How do you read mm on a ruler?
0:006:06How to Read a Metric Ruler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's labeled 1 here and there are 5 marks past the one my finger is 15 millimeters wide.MoreIt's labeled 1 here and there are 5 marks past the one my finger is 15 millimeters wide.
What is a tape measure?
A tape measure is another name for measuring tape.
Which side of the tape gives measurement in inches?
Most measuring tapes show inch markings at the top and centimeter markings at the bottom.
What is the end of a measuring tape called?
Hook. It is used to extend the tape from the case and hold the tape at one end to measure at the other end of the object.
What are the two most common sizes of measuring tapes?
The two most common sizes of measuring tapes are 12 feet and 25 feet.
What are metric and imperial measurements?
Metric measurements are millimeters, centimeters, and meters, whereas imperial measurements are miles, yards, feet, and inches.
What is the measurement of a pocket tape measure?
Above you'll see a picture of a metric/imperial pocket tape measure. The measurements towards the bottom of the image are metric. In other words they're in centimetres and milimetres. There are 10mm in each centimetre (shown by the ten spaces between each cm) and 100cm in each metre. Whilst the centimetres are clearly numbered, to make the blade easier to read the millimetres are not numbered. Also, whilst a few tapes show '1m' to display the 1 metre mark, the majority will show '100cm'.
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 pocket tape?
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.
What is the most commonly used measuring tool?
The humble tape measure is the world’s most commonly used measuring tool, accompanying millions of tradesmen and contractors to work every single day.
How many inches are in 1 inch?
1 inch = 16 x 1/16th of an inch, 8 x 1/8th of an inch, 4 x 1/4 of an inch or 2 x 1/2 of an inch.
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 .
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.
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.
How To Read A Tape Measure And Its Marks?
Reading a tape measure isn’t exactly standardized throughout the world either, since each region follows a different system of units. There are two standard systems of units, the Imperial and Metric system. The US and a few other countries use the Imperial system of measurement while the remaining majority of nations implement the Metric system.
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.
What is pocket tape used for?
The spring-return pocket tape measure is used by engineers, carpenters, and surveyors to measure lengths of up to 25 feet. They are present in a small case, and once the tape is pulled out, it's returned to the fact with the help of a spring mechanism.
How far can a laser measure?
They can measure more significant distances and lengths of up to 650 feet. Since they incorporate the use of laser technology, they're considered to be more accurate; within 1/8th of an inch.
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.
What is a tape measure?
What a Tape Measure Does. A tape measure is a portable measurement device used to quantify the size of an object or the distance between objects. The tape is marked along the tape edge in inches and fractional inches, typically in quarter-, eight-, sixteenth-inch increments.
How long is a tape measure?
Some tape measures are marked in millimeters, centimeters, and meters on one edge. The most common tape measures are 12 feet, 25 feet, or 100 feet in length . A 12-foot tape measure is handiest for consumers.
What is 25 foot tape?
The 25-foot length is called a builder's tape and is marked in feet and at 16-inch increments to make measuring the standard distance between wall studs easier. The 100-foot tape, usually of reinforced cloth, is useful for determining property boundaries and other exterior measurements.
Do tape measures need to be cleaned?
Tape measures are virtually maintenance free. To extend their life, keep the measurement blade clean and don't retract the blade into the case too fast.
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 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.
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.
How many tiny marks are there on measuring tape?
Use the tiny, densely-packed marks for sixteenths of an inch. The shortest lines of all on most measuring tapes are the sixteenth-inch marks. There are 16 of these tiny marks per inch — four in each quarter-inch.
What are the lines between half inches and quarter inches?
Use the smaller lines between half-inches for quarter-inches. After half-inches come quarter inches. These markings are smaller (and sometimes skinnier) than half-inches but usually bigger than the densely-packed marks around them. They are evenly spaced between each half-inch mark and one inch-mark. There are four quarter-inches in one inch.
What is the purpose of measuring tape?
That might seem like a silly question. After all, a measuring tape is a simple device with a simple – although important – purpose: to measure things.
What is the tip of a tape measure?
The metal tip at the end of your tape measure is a little bit loose for a reason. The first inch of the tape is short by 1/16 of an inch. This isn’t an error: it’s meant to provide you with accurate readings whether you’re measuring the inside or outside edge of a surface. This feature is known as “true zero”.
Why is the blade on a tape measure curved?
Have you ever wondered why the blade on a tape measure is curved? The concave design helps keep the blade rigid when extended. This curve allows the blade to “stand out” while measuring, helping you read the measurement.
How thick is a metal tip?
The metal tip is exactly 1/16 of an inch thick . If you’re measuring the outside of a surface and hook your metal end on the edge, that metal piece will shift out and create a gap, so that you aren’t counting it in your measurement.
What are the black diamonds on a metal tape measure?
The black diamonds which appear every 19 3/16” on metal tape measures are for spacing I-beam “ timbers.” Several wood-product manufacturers offer I-beam “timbers” as a substitute for solid lumber floor joists.
How long has U.S. tape been used?
If you’re in the market for a new tape measure, turn to U.S. Tape. We’ve been providing professional grade tape measures for more 140 years in a range of scales, lengths and durable cases.
Does measuring tape have a serrated edge?
Did you ever notice that the bottom of the end hook of your measuring tape has a serrated edge? There’s a good reason for that. If you’re measuring something and don’t have a mark ing tool handy, you can use this serrated edge to make a mark by running it back and forth on whatever you’re measuring .
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.
How many inches is the first inch on a tape measure?
The first inch on a tape measure is actually short by 1/16 of an inch, because the metal on the tang is exactly 1/16 of an inch. So for measurements taken from the inside edge of an object, such as measuring the length of a wall from corner to corner, the tang slides back against the blade and the metal of the tang is added to account for the “missing” 1/16 of an inch.
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 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.
What is the measurement of an inch?
Inch or 1”: The inch measurement is the longest vertical line on the imperial half of the blade. This line is indicated by a large number sitting to the left of the line. Example: 1=1”, 2=2”, 3=3”
How to avoid cutting a tape measure too short?
When reading a tape measure, the edge of the object may fall between two lines on the blade. To avoid cutting too short, always round up to the larger measurement. At worst, you will need to measure and cut again, but that is far better than wasting a piece of material that’s 1/16 of an inch too short for your needs.
What is a tape measure?
As you know a tape measure is basically a flexible ruler. They can be made in materials such as cloth, plastic, or metal. Most of the tape measures used in a wood shop are metal. They have different intervals of measurement whether you use the Imperial or Metric measure systems (Some include both).
How long is a tape measure?
Generally, you will see 12 feet or 25 feet, however, on occasion, you will find them even up to 100 feet long. These are of course purpose-driven so you can use them for whatever wood projects you will encounter. The typical tape measure utilizes marks to identify measurements.
How much does a tape measure move?
Actually it is intentional for it to move. When you measure and press the end of the tape measure against a surface it moves in 1/16th of an inch to ensure accuracy. Then when you pull on it to measure it moves out 1/16th of an inch to provide an accurate measurement.
Why use a tape measure marker?
This marker really helps with time and makes it easier for them to get the studs placed correctly and accurately. This is another great feature of the typical tape measure.
What is the biggest mark on a tape measure?
Most tape measures use imperial (On Top) and metric measuring marks (On Bottom). The biggest mark is the inch mark with a number and then the next biggest mark is the half-inch (1/2 inch). The next smallest marks are quarters (1/4 inch), then down to eighth (1/8th) measurements. They also typically include red boxes for marking every 16 inches ...
What color are the markers on a tape measure?
Looking at the tape measure we always see markers in red. Some of them make sense and some of them don’t. We typically see the measurement increments of 16, 32, etc. on the tape measure.
How many halves are there in 1/2 inch?
1/2 – Within an inch, there are two halves. The middles line represents the 1/2 inch measurement and is typically the largest mark. 1/4 – Each inch is also broken down into 4 equal measurements of 1/4 with 4 marks. This would be the next smallest line or mark you see with the large numbers representing the inch.
