#Tape measure reading tricks how to
#Tape measure reading tricks full
#Tape measure reading tricks series

Here is the basic breakdown of a standard tape measure: Anatomy of a tape measure Some may sport fancy features like lasers or magnets, and they come in varying lengths, but they all are designed to do the same thing- measure stuff. See how well you measure up.Īlmost all tape measures are the same.

Here is a break down of the anatomy, basic uses and some tricks for maximizing the handiness of your tape measure. Basic measuring isn’t that difficult, but there are a few features on a tape measure that you may be overlooking. Shop all tape measures for sale from Johnson Level.It’s a tape measure, not rocket science.

#Tape measure reading tricks series

1⁄ 32' less than that = 15⁄ 32'.įor more information on proper tool use, consult the series of how-to guides on levels and tools from Johnson Level & Tool. Find the closest number and put it in terms of 32nds. You know the smallest marks denote 1⁄ 32'. Halfway between these two numbers? 11⁄ 16'. To find the middle of these two numbers, multiply the denominator by 2. Think of this as what's halfway between 5⁄ 8' and 3⁄ 4'? Find the lowest common denominator: 5⁄ 8' and 6⁄ 8'. The distance from the 2' to 3' marker is, of course, 1'. Put your newfound skills to the test! What is the measurement over the range marked by the red lines? Use every technique at your disposal to come up with the answer as quickly as you can. Convert 3/4 to 12/16 for common denominators and add 12/16 + 1/16 to get 13/16 – that’s your length. Taking this knowledge, you simply add the known fractions to find the length. Therefore, the marking is half of 1/8, or 1/16. The marking is half way between 3/4 (6/8) and 7/8.

#Tape measure reading tricks full

We know it’s more than 3/4 of an inch and less than one full inch. As an example, the image below shows a length that goes from the inch mark to an unlabeled marking.If the increments of an inch are not labeled, determine the marking’s increment and add together the respective fractions. For a length less than 1 inch, simply read off the tape measure the length.In this case, you’d add 1 inch + 1/4 inch to get 1¼ inch, or “one and a quarter inches. In order to find the length, add the length of the inch (1) with the space between the second inch mark and the third. For example, the image below has a measurement that goes beyond the space between two inch marks (that is, one full inch). In order to determine the length, you must add the lengths between inches together. When the length stops, take a reading on the tape measure. Put the end of the measure at one end of the item or space you want to measure. This tape divides one more time, down to 1⁄ 32'. Most tape measure markings go as small as 1⁄ 16 '. The remaining markings follow a similar pattern.You can think of a half-inch mark as half way between a full inch. Same principle as reading one inch, only this time the space between the second-biggest mark and the biggest is read. The space from the largest mark to another is 1 inch. For example, ½' has a bigger mark than ¼' which has a bigger mark than ⅛', and so on. As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark.On a standard tape measure, the biggest marking is the inch mark (which generally has the biggest number, if it has them).

#Tape measure reading tricks how to

The guides below for how to read a tape measure and how to measure on a tape measure assume Imperial (American) units for the explanations. Specialized versions can include markings that cover truss lengths for roofing and stud intervals for housing. Tape measures come in both Imperial Units (inches and feet) and metric (centimeters and meters), featuring unit breakdowns for further accuracy. Ferrand’s design was later sold to Stanley Works. It wasn’t until carpenters adopted the Farrand Rapid Rule, patented by Hiram Farrand, that the tape measure became a staple of common usage. The modern idea of tape measures originated in tailoring with cloth tape used to alter or fix clothing. However, the term covers all types of tape measures – even tailor’s tape. The actual tape potion of the measure, called the ‘ribbon,’ is usually constructed from a stiff metallic material that can stiffen when needed but can also roll up for simple use and storage. Generally speaking, the term “tape measure” refers to a roll-up, self-retracting style tape measure that’s designed for carpentry.

They are among the most common measuring tools used today. Tape measures are made from a variety of materials, including fiber glass, plastic and cloth. A tape measure, also called measuring tape, is a type of flexible ruler.