Mastering the Tape Measure: A Comprehensive Guide to Accurate Measurement
Introduction
Are you struggling to read a tape measure and understand the inches and fractions that come with it? Look no further! This guide will walk you through the process of reading a tape measure, demystifying fractions and empowering you with an essential skill for construction, woodworking, sewing, and countless DIY projects. A tape measure, also called measuring tape, is a type of flexible ruler. Tape measures are made from a variety of materials, including fiber glass, plastic and cloth. Generally speaking, the term “tape measure” refers to a roll-up, self-retracting style tape measure that’s designed for carpentry.
Essential Features of a Tape Measure
Let's begin by reviewing the essential parts of an "Imperial" or "English" tape measure:
1. Inch Designations
On a tape measure that uses imperial units - as opposed to the metric system - the most prominent markings are typically the inch marks, designated by long, thin lines and larger numbers. You will see a foot designation marked every 12 inches (sometimes in a box as in the picture, or sometimes the number will be shown in red).
2. Half Inches
Half-inch marks sit between two one-inch marks. Depending on the tape measure, these may not be designated with a number, which means you’ll need the markings on either side to guide you. In other words, the half-inch mark between inches 13 and 14 is read as 13 ½ inches, and sits exactly midway between the markings for those numbers.
3. Fractional Increments (1/4, 1/8, 1/16 inch)
Most tape measures have markings that measure down to 1/16 of an inch. These are smaller, sometimes thinner markings, evenly spaced between the half-inch and inch marks on a tape measure. On some tapes, quarter inch marks are the same size as eighth-inch marks. Remember that two sixteenths of an inch equals one eighth, two eighths of an inch equals one quarter, and 2 quarters equals one half. For example, the second eighth-inch marking after the inch marking is a quarter inch.
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4. Fractional-Read Tape Measures
Some tape measures make it easier to decipher the markings by calling out the fractional equivalents right on the face of the blade. These are known as ‘Fractional Read’ or ‘Easy Read’ blades. Most will show fractions down to eighths of an inch.
5. Metric Tape Measures
On a metric tape you will basically see markings for meters, centimeters, and millimeters. Numbers shown represent meters, decimeters (sometimes shown in red-see example picture), and centimeters. Metric is based on ‘tens’. There are 10 decimeters in a meter, 10 centimeters in a decimeter, and 10 millimeters in a centimeter. 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
Looking at the example, if you measure something past the 28th centimeter marking to the third millimeter, you would say it measures 28.3 centimeters long.
Understanding the Divisions Between Inches
A) Divisions Between 1 Inch and 2 Inch: Halves (1/2)
Between 1 inches and 2 inch, there are several divisions. Let's start with the largest division: dividing the inch in half. This gives us two halves or 1/2 of an inch. This is the first segment of the tape measure and is the easiest to recognize.
B) Divisions Between 1 Inch and 2 Inch: Quarters (1/4)
Moving on to the next segment, we'll divide the inch into fourths, resulting in four divisions. Each division represents 1/4 of an inch. Now we have 0, 1/4, 2/4 (which simplifies to 1/2), 3/4, and the full inch. With some practice, you'll be able to identify these divisions with ease.
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C) Further Divisions: Eighths (1/8)
Let's divide the inch into even smaller sections. By cutting the 1/4-inch sections in half, we'll reach the 1/8 line, with eight segments within our inch. These segments are 1/8, 2/8 (simplified to 1/4), 3/8, 4/8 (simplified to 1/2), 5/8, 6/8 (simplified to 3/4), 7/8, and 8/8 (simplified to 1). This can be a bit trickier, but you'll get the hang of it with practice.
D) Even Further Divisions: Sixteenths (1/16)
Finally, we'll reach the smallest mark on our inch, which is 1/16. There are sixteen separate lines within this section, each representing 1/16 of an inch. These segments are: 1/16, 2/16 (simplified to 1/8), 3/16, 4/16 (simplified to 1/4), 5/16, 6/16 (simplified to 3/8), 7/16, 8/16 (simplified to 1/2), 9/16, 10/16 (simplified to 5/8), 11/16, 12/16 (simplified to 3/4), 13/16, 14/16 (simplified to 7/8), 15/16, and 16/16 (simplified to 1). With enough practice, you'll become more comfortable reading these smaller fractions.
Tips to Remember the Divisions
To easily remember the order of these divisions, keep in mind that the largest line is half an inch, followed by the 1/4-inch line, then the 1/8-inch line, and finally the 1/16-inch line. Practice using the tape measure and figuring fractions to become more comfortable with reading measurements. With time and practice, you'll be able to read a tape measure and figure fractions with ease.
Reading the Markings
As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark.
Reading 1 Inch
Identify the longest marks on the tape measure. These represent whole inches and are typically numbered.
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Reading One-Half Inch
The one-half inch mark is the next longest mark, falling exactly halfway between two inch marks.
Reading One-Quarter Inch
¼" is half of ½". Find the mark that falls halfway between the inch mark and the one-half inch mark.
Reading One-Eighth Inch
⅛" is half of ¼". Find the mark that falls halfway between the inch mark and the one-quarter inch mark.
Reading One-Sixteenth Inch
Most tape measure markings go as small as 1⁄16;". These are the shortest marks on the tape measure.
How to Measure a Length
1. Positioning the Tape Measure
Put the end of the measure at one end of the item or space you want to measure. When using a retractable tape measure, you’ll have a small metal hook at the end of the tape, which you can use to grab onto the edge of what you are measuring to hold the blade in place. If you aren’t measuring something you can latch onto - the distance across a door frame, for example - press the hook against one side to ensure an accurate reading. With the hook pressed in place, pull the tape blade out until it spans the distance you’re measuring.
2. Ensuring Accuracy
Keep the tape straight. If it sags, your measurement will be off. Tape measure blades have a natural curve to them, and that can be kind of annoying when you’re trying to read your measurement. To deal with it and get an accurate measurement, roll the blade until its edge is against your material.
3. Finding the Length
Once you’ve gotten the tape where you need it to be, take the measurement directly from the tape. In order to determine the length, you must add the lengths between inches together. 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 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. As an example, the image below shows a length that goes from the inch mark to an unlabeled marking. We know it’s more than 3/4 of an inch and less than one full inch. The marking is half way between 3/4 (6/8) and 7/8. Therefore, the marking is half of 1/8, or 1/16. Taking this knowledge, you simply add the known fractions to find the length.
Special Markings on Tape Measures
1. Stud Markings
Every 16 inches (16, 32, 48…), there’s a bold, red, or colored-in mark that’s different from the others. These markings are specifically for contractors and relate to stud placement in construction.
2. Truss Markings
Then there’s the mysterious floating black diamond. The measures aren’t on an exact inch like the stud markings. These are at 19 3/16, 38 3/8, 57 9/16, and 76 3/4. They’re for setting trusses. Specifically, they’re for setting six trusses on an 8-foot span-the length of a sheet of plywood.
Additional Tips for Accurate Measurements
1. Understanding the Hook
The hook slides back and forth at the front of the blade and that’s intentional. It slides the exact width of the hook so whether you’re pushing it against material or pulling from the side, you get an accurate measurement.
2. Marking Techniques
Even if you read your tape measure correctly, it doesn’t do you much good if you mark your material inaccurately. If you’re marking the dead-center of the measurement, make a carrot mark with the point right on the correct blade marking. There’s a different technique if you’re making super-accurate cuts and making a left-of-measure or right-of-measure cut (usually to account for blade width). Start by making a mark straight out from the measurement you’re making. Then, add a second that angles out to the side you want to cut on as an indicator. No matter which method you’re using, plan to make multiple marks across the material. For small boards, it might be just one mark on either side. For sheet goods, you might want to mark every foot or two. Once you have all your markings in place, you can use a straight edge to line them up and make a solid cut line.
3. When to Replace Your Tape Measure
Even the best tape measures eventually come to the end of their useful lives. Sometimes, it’s an issue with the housing or spring after too many drops. Often, it’s the blade paint coming off or the markings begin to look like they’re rubbing off. When that starts to happen, there’s no stopping it, and it’s best to go ahead and replace your tape measure. After all, if you can’t read it, it’s not a very helpful tool.
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