
How do you find the length of an inch on a tape?
In order to find the length, add the length of the inch (1) with the space between the second inch mark and the third. In this case, you’d add 1 inch + 1/4 inch to get 1¼ inch, or “one and a quarter inches. For a length less than 1 inch, simply read off the tape measure the length.
How to read a tape measure?
How to Read a Tape Measure 1 Find/read the markings. On a standard tape measure, the biggest marking is the inch mark (which generally has the biggest number, if it has them). 2 As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. ... 3 Read 1 inch. ... 4 Read one-half inch. ... 5 The remaining markings follow a similar pattern. ...
What is 1/8th of an inch on a tape measure?
Even smaller marks then denote 1/8ths and 1/16ths (marked in red) of an inch. 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.
What units are on the top of a tape measure?
Most tapes feature imperial units (inches) on the top row and metric units (centimeters) on the bottom. If you’ve ever measured a table or other hard surface, you’ve likely used the hook at the end of the tape.

How do you read inches on a tape measure?
Put simply 1 = 1", 2 = 2" and so on. Between those numbers are a series of shorter marks which represent fractions of an inch. The mark directly in the middle of the inch denotes a measurment of 1/2" whilst the markings either side of it represent measurements of 1/4" and 3/4" respectively.
Which side of tape measure is CM?
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.
Which side is inch and CM?
On some, the imperial measurements are on the top with the metric (cm) measurements on the bottom. On other tape measure designs the inches might be on one side with the centimetres on the reverse side.
What is the top and bottom of a tape measure?
The top row of numbers are the imperial measurements. The bottom row of numbers are the metric measurements. The line that hits the blade right before the “1” is 1/2 of an inch. The blade indicates zero inches or centimeters.
How many inches is a tape measure?
The most common length of a measuring tape is 60 inches ( or 152 cm), but there are tapes for sale, for example, 100 inches long (254 cm) or even longer 120” (304 cm) which can be useful for measuring longer lengths (like curtains, quilts, and other home decor items).
How do you draw a tape measure?
0:331:37How to draw a tape Measure Real Easy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd draw the hole that it's coming around out of that we're going to come around and down to thereMoreAnd draw the hole that it's coming around out of that we're going to come around and down to there kind of got a image of the corner the bit there that will be around down there.
When using a measuring tape do you start at 0 or 1?
Place the starting end of the measuring tool where it says "0" against the closest edge of the object or distance you're trying to measure. Make sure the starting edge of the measuring tool and the edge of the object are perfectly aligned in order to get an accurate measurement.
What is the triangle on a tape measure for?
Tape measures often use small, black diamond or triangle shapes called black truss marks. They indicate truss layouts of every 19 3/16 inches. This spacing is often used by some engineered joist manufacturers. There are 5 of these marks for every 8 feet.
What are the markings on a tape measure?
There are four generally accepted levels of tape measure accuracy. Class 1 (denoted by the Roman numeral 'I') is the most accurate. Class 2 (denoted by 'II') the second most accurate with Class 3 (III) logically being the third. Unclassified tapes will not feature any marking on their blade.
What's the bottom number on a tape measure?
The tape, also known as the blade, is what you use to get your measurement. Most tapes feature imperial units (inches) on the top row and metric units (centimeters) on the bottom.
What is the red dot on tape measure?
The red indicates 16-inch-on-center spacing. This is a common framing spacing for wall studs, floor joists and common roof rafters. If you decide to space framing at 24-inch centers, the red marks will be at every other foot marking on the tape measure.
Is a measuring tape in cm or M?
Metric measurements on a measuring tape are displayed in Millimeters, Centimeters and Meters whereas Imperial measurements are in Feet, Inches and fractions of Inches.
Is tape measure in cm?
Tape measures are available in both standard or imperial units and in metric units. Standard tapes measure inches and feet. Metric tapes capture centimeters and meters. Some tapes have both.
How do you read CM?
0:010:42Reading a centimeter ruler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd 1/10 as a fraction is the same as 0.1 as a decimal. So if this is 1/10. Then this is 9/10 perMoreAnd 1/10 as a fraction is the same as 0.1 as a decimal. So if this is 1/10. Then this is 9/10 per centimeters we use decimals. So this is 2 and 5 tenths so this is 4.
What are the markings on a tape measure?
There are four generally accepted levels of tape measure accuracy. Class 1 (denoted by the Roman numeral 'I') is the most accurate. Class 2 (denoted by 'II') the second most accurate with Class 3 (III) logically being the third. Unclassified tapes will not feature any marking on their blade.
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 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'.
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 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 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 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 difference between a half inch and a one inch?
Use the bigger marks between two inch markings for half-inches. A half-inch mark is always centered between any two one-inch marks. It almost always has the second-longest marking (after the one-inch marks). There will be one half-inch mark between each one-inch mark, but there are two half-inches per inch.
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 is a tape measure?
They are among the most common measuring tools used today. Generally speaking, the term “tape measure” refers to a roll-up, self-retracting style tape measure that’s designed for carpentry.
What is the biggest marking on a tape measure?
Find/read the markings. On a standard tape measure, the biggest marking is the inch mark (which generally has the biggest number, if it has them).
How to measure length less than 1 inch?
For a length less than 1 inch, simply read off the tape measure the length. If the increments of an inch are not labeled, determine the marking’s increment and add together the respective fractions.
How to find the length of an inch?
In order to find the length, add the length of the inch (1) with the space between the second inch mark and the third. In this case, you’d add 1 inch + 1/4 inch to get 1¼ inch, or “one and a quarter inches. For a length less than 1 inch, simply read off the tape measure the length.
How to measure length?
Measure a length. Put the end of the measure at one end of the item or space you want to measure. When the length stops, take a reading on the tape measure. Find the length. In order to determine the length, you must add the lengths between inches together.
How to find the distance from 2" to 3"?
Let's start simple. The distance from the 2" to 3" marker is, of course, 1". From the inch mark to the ⅛" mark is ⅛". 1" + ⅛" = 1 ⅛".
How to read half inch?
You can think of a half-inch mark as half way between a full inch.
What Are the Different Parts of a Tape Measure?
The tape measure is made of a bunch of different pieces. These parts can be metal or plastic and include:
What is the number on a tape measure?
This four digit number, which is usually 0126, relates to the agency responsible for certifying the tape measure – the National Weights & Measures Laboratory in Middlesex.
What Are the Secret Features of Your Tape Measure?
You already know that your tape measure is good for figuring out length, width, and height. It turns out, though, there are some other hidden tricks that may come in handy during your next project!
What are tape measures made of?
The tape measure is made of a bunch of different pieces. These parts can be metal or plastic and include: 1 Case 2 Case Length 3 Spring and Stop 4 Thumb Lock 5 Blade/Tape 6 Hook 7 Hook Slot 8 Belt Clip
How to stop a tape measure from retracting?
You can stop your tape measure from automatically retracting by pressing the thumb lock down. Push it back up when it’s time to put that tape measure away.
What are the Roman numerals on tape measure?
These refer to different classes, with I indicating a more accurate measurement and III being the least. Most tape measures are designed as Class 1 or 2.
How many inches is a double arrow?
Every 16 inches, you may see a double arrow, a number marked in red, or the word “STUD.” This helps you locate every stud that may run across a wall once you’ve located the first one.
