#How to measure things without a ruler how to#

This tape divides one more time, down to 1вЃ„ 32'. Most tape measure markings go as small as 1вЃ„ 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, ВЅ' has a bigger mark than Вј' which has a bigger mark than в…›', 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).

#How to measure things without a ruler 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. FerrandвЂ™s design was later sold to Stanley Works. It wasnвЂ™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 вЂ“ even tailorвЂ™s tape.

The actual tape potion of the measure, called the вЂribbon,вЂ™ 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 вЂњtape measureвЂќ refers to a roll-up, self-retracting style tape measure thatвЂ™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.