how to read a measuring tape in feet

The tape measure's 1/2-inch mark is the second-shortest mark, and the 1/4-inch mark is the next-shortest. If the tape measure stretches exactly halfway between the 27 and 28 inch markings, this means that your arm is 27.5 inches long. ", "I was wondering about the little lines and now I know! 3- I recommend a steel bodied tape measure, not plastic. How to read a tape measure with metric markings, in millimetres, centimetres and metres. Often, this little hook is uncooperative about sliding as it should. This eliminates any inaccuracy from the hook. 2 Place your foot firmly on top of the piece of paper. You are going to trace an outline of your foot to measure, so avoid doing this on carpet or any other surface that will be difficult to write on. Last Updated: September 3, 2020 A tape measure is an essential tool for both dressmakers and woodworkers. Reading a ​tape measure is more about combining basic fractions with an understanding of how marks work on today's tape measures. To read a tape measure, think about moving from long marks down to short marks. For this reason, it's usually fine to refer to half-centimetre markings in decimal terms (i.e., 1 1/2 centimetres becomes 1.5 centimetres.). Completely different to an imperial tape measure, it is arguably easier to read a tape measure in metric than imperial; Each small increment is 1mm and there are 10mm that make up one centimetre. Also remember to have your feet sized each time you purchase shoes. When it comes to construction and craftsmanship, taking accurate measurements can be the difference between a great finished product and a subpar one. The whole inch mark is the easiest to read on the tape measure because the number is clearly stated on the tape. For example, "Three and one half inches (or 3 1/2")" or "2 feet, 3 1/2". Understand the Numbers - You need to first familiarize yourself with the tape measure markings, starting with the numbers. In fact, it's very … Pull out the tape along the floor. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. In addition to its length, the 1/2-inch mark is fairly easy to locate because it is exactly halfway between any two whole-inch numerals. Thanks. 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! As we know, 12 inches make up a … Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Place the front of the tape at the start point and extend it until after you reach the stop point. To create this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. ", "Specific steps helped. This article has been viewed 2,909,813 times. These are longer again, and 2/8ths, 4/8ths, and 6/8ths are marked as quarter inches. 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. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Most people still find this a fairly easy mark to read, as the line is relatively long. To learn about the differences between the imperial system and the metric system, read on! 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. The whole inch mark is the easiest to read on the tape measure because the number … Thank you! ", measurements. 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. This way, for example, you do not need to calculate 36 inches as equaling 3 feet. Moasure might not be compatible with all smartphones out there, but we think it’s one of the nicer tape measure apps on… You Don't Need a Brannock Device. It is very easy to explain to the trainees. Your foot: With this one it helps to know your European shoe size: 35 = 9′, 40 = 10″ and 45 = 11″. You can get tape measures in Metric and Imperial measurements depending on your needs and you can find different specialty tape measures as well. An easy read tape measure has the most dimension details on the tape, making the reading of your measurement easier to recognize and quite possibly quicker. Typical tape measures are … In this case, keep in mind that two eighths of an inch make a quarter. 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. The 1/8-inch mark is located between any two 1/4-inch marks. Each inch will then have eight 1/8th of an inch and sixteen 1/16th of an inch marks. If you're looking for how to read the markings on your tape measure, click here. 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. 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. Take your measurement from the tape and then add the 3" for the complete width. If you really need an accurate measurement and you believe that the hook is not moving properly, you can do a simple technique called "burning an inch." Although inches and centimeters are common on both, it is possible to get measuring tapes in "tenths," which measure tenths of a foot and are often used in building and construction. As you may know it, there are two main systems for measuring length – the Imperial System of Measurements where things are measured in yards, feet and inches and the Metric System of Measurement which uses meters, centimeters and millimeters.. Note that, starting with half-inch marks, not all lines may be labeled with numbers. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Try to keep the tape straight to ensure an accurate measurement! A tape that has 31 markings between the whole numbers is a 1/32″ tape and can be confusing when learning how to read a tape measure. Thanks. Even if math was not your strongest subject in school, you may be comforted to learn that this has little to do with mathematical calculations. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. 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. How to read a sewing measuring tape. The flat metal hook attached to the tape at the end with rivets is meant to grab onto the end of an item so that you can extend the tape. The ½ inch is marked with a yet longer hash, and then each inch is marked with a hash that runs across the width of the measure, and a number. Special Notes for How to Read a Tape Measure The typical length between studs in a wall is 16 inches on center. By using our site, you agree to our. They usually come in lengths from 6 feet to 35 feet long. Yet when it is stretched out, a tape measure is a jumble of numbers, marks, diamonds, and other confusing symbols. After the number 17, count four lines, noticing that you stop on the third longest line. This makes it convenient to mark off wall studs or joists, which typically are 16 inches apart. Like rulers, measuring tapes come in a wide variety of different calibrations. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Tape measures usually have a red mark every 16 inches. Why is there an arrow marking on 16, 32, 48, etc. Thank you, wikiHow. Visit us today for the widest range of Measuring Tools products. 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. To create this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. It is a common measuring tool. It is also a common divisor for materials such as plywood (4' x 8'), ceiling heights, and common lumber lengths. This article has 17 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. As the length of the marks progressively shortens, the measurements shorten, as well. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Read-a-Measuring-Tape-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Read-a-Measuring-Tape-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Read-a-Measuring-Tape-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/aid4365-v4-728px-Read-a-Measuring-Tape-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","licensing":"