Note that lines marking a quarter of an inch sometimes aren't any different in size from eighth-inch marks. Step 2 Use the number you calculated in step 1 to count hash marks. marks, 1/8-in. How do you read millimeters on a tape measure? Thank you! The eTape16 Digital Tape Measure takes the guesswork out of reading the spaces in between the markings on a standard tape measure. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Make sure the tape measure is evenly aligned for an exact measurement. Third quartile. In the case of an imperial tape measure, there are generally 16 marks to the inch, meaning you can measure up to 1/16 of an inch. Look at the tape and see the last number before the stop point, for example, 17. Learning how to read tape measures properly is a crucial but easy skill for anyone taking on DIY projects. and I believe that this is the best outline on how to read a tape measure. To find our measurement, we need to add: Since there are two eighth-inches in a quarter-inch, we can rewrite this as: Adding fractions like 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and so on can be tricky. For example, let's say that we want the answer above in metres. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Since the metric system of measurement is based upon tens, it is easier with which to work. Dear Twitpic Community - thank you for all the wonderful photos you have taken over the years. Need an amortization calculator, date calculator or unit conversion calculator? The pictures made it really easy to follow and, "The uncomplicated layout of the measuring tape, indicating the number range, was very helpful. 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. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Special Notes for How to Read a Tape Measure. The 9 Best Cordless Drills of 2021. The longest lines represent the number of inches from the beginning of whatever space is measured. Learn how to read a tape measure and discover how that small, sturdy hand tool can improve the accuracy of your project measurements. Use the same pattern for recognizing these miniscule measurements. Multiply the decimal portion of your number times 16 to calculate a fraction of an inch. An accurate tape measure is a key part of any tool kit. Part of the problem with manual tape measures is that they're most useful for measuring only short differences because you have to be able to hold the zero end in place while you move the other end into position. Let's say that we measure past the 33 centimetre mark to the sixth millimetre marking. Find decimal equivalents in 1 ⁄ 64 ” increments, including 1 ⁄ 2 “, 1 ⁄ 4 “, 1 ⁄ 8 “, and 1 ⁄ 16 “, and 1 ⁄ 32. For instance, let's say you hold one end of a tape measure in the tips of your fingers and stretch the other end all the way to the crook of your armpit to determine how long your arm is. Standard tape measures and pocket tape measures usually have the following features: Tip: Stay accurate by measuring the indicator lines themselves, not the numerals on the tape. 2. With contractor measuring tapes, used for measuring large areas, you often cannot get a measurement using just the tape, as the body or case of the measuring tape gets in the way. The chart also shows hints on the markings sizes found on a tape measure or ruler. In early times, people who did not have tools used parts of their bodies (like their thumbs) to measure. To make paper calculation quicker, you could combine steps 2 and 3, multiplying by 8.085. Science is based on observation and experiment—that is, on measurements. Mark the starting and ending points with a piece of string or a cone. Change decimal measurements to fractions to easily find them on your tape measure. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. If you need to measure beyond your reach, you can try keeping the zero end of your tape measure in place with a weight or getting a friend to help. And fractions of an inch remain allow it to snap back can the! 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