Read Measuring Tape

The unassuming measuring tape is the world's most normally utilized measuring apparatus, going with a large number of tradesmen and contractual workers to work each and every day.

While the prepared experts amongst you will probably be completely mindful how to peruse the different markings on your tape, there will be beginners, aficionados or those simply beginning off in their professions who aren't yet so proficient. We consistently get posed the question "how would you read a measuring tape". Because of our clients, subsequently, we've assembled this straightforward aide that clarifies only that!

Measuring tape Markings

The most effective method to Peruse a Metric Measuring tape

Above you'll see a photo of a metric/supreme pocket measuring tape. The estimations towards the base of the picture are metric. As such they're in centimeters and milimetres. There are 10mm in every centimeter (appeared by the ten spaces between every cm) and 100cm in every meter. While the centimeters are obviously numbered, to make the cutting edge less demanding to peruse the millimeters are not numbered. Likewise, while a couple tapes show "1m" to show the 1 meter check, the larger part will demonstrate '100cm'.

At the point when taking a gander at the picture over, the first little stamp after the 4cm point indicates an estimation of 41mm. The following little stamp in line would be 42mm, the following would be 43mm et cetera. 41mm can likewise be alluded to as 4.1cm (0.041m) however the dominant part of exchanges the UK do tend to quote estimations in milimetres.

Step by step instructions to Peruse a Royal Measuring tape

While England now authoritatively works a metric arrangement of estimation, our country still sees an inquisitive blend of both metric and royal estimations being utilized on an everyday premise. We measure our tallness in feet and inches, our weight in stones and pounds and our velocity in miles every hour. In spite of this every one of the 21st Century specialized, building or development estimations are cited in millimeters. Most makers have, subsequently, picked to deliver UK-spec measuring tapes with both metric and supreme graduations.

At the point when alluding to the graph above you'll see a progression of expansive numbers stamped 1, 2, 3, and 4. These numbers sit by long vertical imprints which speak to entire inches. Put basically 1 = 1", 2 = 2" et cetera. Between those numbers are a progression of shorter imprints which speak to divisions of an inch. The imprint specifically amidst the inch signifies a measurment of 1/2" while the markings either side of it speak to estimations of 1/4" and 3/4" individually. Significantly littler checks then indicate 1/8ths and 1/16ths (set apart in red) of an inch.

A 16ft measuring tape, for instance, will have sixteen one-foot marks along its length and 192 one-inch marks (12 inches per foot). Every inch will then have eight 1/eighth of an inch and sixteen 1/sixteenth of an inch marks.

1 foot = 12 inches

1 inch = 16 x 1/sixteenth of an inch, 8 x 1/eighth of an inch, 4 x 1/4 of an inch or 2 x 1/2 of an inch.

General Tips

The snare or "tang" of the measuring tape is the little, generally metallic part toward the end of the edge. In pocket tapes (as found in the picture underneath), this is generally a straight bit of metal joined to the sharp edge by various bolts. You will ordinarily discover (on any pocket tape of value) that the snare 'glides'. As such it moves in and out marginally. A few people erroneously think about this as an assembling deformity yet this is not the situation.

At the point when taking inner estimations (i.e. from within edge of an article, for example, between one inside divider and another) the snare can be pushed against the item (e.g. evading board) giving an exact estimation.

At the point when taking outer estimations, be that as it may, the snare can be set around/behind the article and pulled tenderly towards the measurer. Not just does this keep the cutting edge set up while measuring, it likewise ensures a precise estimation by making up for the thickness of the metal snare in the estimation. Make sure to utilize the snare legitimately when utilizing your measuring tape!

Some pocket measuring tapes include a case with a known length (e.g. 7cm) and some more creative ones even consider the length of the tape by making up for the case length on the cutting edge or by utilizing a survey window. Most tapes, notwithstanding, surrender it over to the client to consider the length of the case. At the point when taking an inner estimation, in this way, it is critical to twist the sharp edge at the time when it touches the article you're measuring to. Try not to expect that the tape has considering the case length unless you are utilizing one of the more propelled tapes said above.

Wellbeing Tips

Whatever you do, never permit the cutting edge and snare to return uncontrolled at full speed while rewinding. While the capacity to give back the sharp edge rapidly into the case can appear like a valuable capacity, it can be extremely perilous with various individuals every year being harmed by fiercely thrashing snares. All producers prescribe that clients make utilization of security glasses/goggles while doing any work that requires a measuring tape for precisely this reason.


Besides, measuring tapes (paying little mind to cost or quality) can include steel edges with moderately sharp edges. They may not feel sharp at first but rather it can be an altogether different story when going at rate.

Share this: