Sewing tape measures are flexible tapes that don’t have a case. These are very useful tools for sewing and similar projects but are also handy for taking body measurements, measuring items with curved surfaces, or general measuring tasks around the home. The most common length for a sewing tape measure is 5 feet, but there are some as long as 12 feet. On the bottom part, the smallest division reading that can be written is 1 mm, while the largest division reading that can be written on the tape is 1 m. Steps to Measure Using a Measuring Tape The above image gives the measurements in centimeters and millimeters at the bottom. Since 1 centimeter equals 10 millimeters, there are 10 divisions between each cm. Each small division corresponds to 1 mm. When examining the provided picture, the first little mark after the 5 cm marking indicates a measurement of 51 mm, which is also known as 5.1 cm. Division Markings in Inches

The tape is the long metal strip you pull out when taking a measurement. It is curved to make it rigid when it's stretched out. The main markings on the tape are the lines. There are all different sizes, and the size of the line corresponds to the size of the measurement it represents. So, the bigger the line, the bigger the section of measurement. When it comes to choosing a tape measure, don’t automatically assume that the longer, the better. The most common length for a cased tape measure is 25 feet, which is long enough to measure the average room’s walls or floors, yet not so long that it’s unwieldy or overly heavy. But there are shorter tape measures for those only needing the tool for small tasks like measuring a piece of furniture, looking for the right spot to drive a nail to hang a picture, or centering a television. And of course, there are also much longer tape measures that come in handy when measuring floors or walls in large rooms or outdoor areas. Other than 25 feet, the most common sizes are 12, 16, 30, and 35 feet.

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A measuring tape also known as a tape measure is a versatile tool used to measure length. The tape is manufactured with fiberglass, cotton, plastic, and metal ribbon or strip material. Here's an easy to read diagram that shows the tape measure fractions. You can see that in comparison, millimeters and the metric system are a lot easier to understand!

Also, be careful not to let your fingers get close to the edges of the tape as it is retracting. The edges are not super sharp, but enough that they can leave a cut! How to Use the Nail Notch Aside from a hammer and screwdriver, a tape measure is probably the most reached-for item in your toolkit. Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling, says “I use tape measures all the time and store them in multiple locations throughout my home. You’d be amazed at how much you have to measure—especially now that we’re all relying more heavily on online shopping. Think about it; when you’re physically at a store and you’re looking at a piece of furniture, you can easily gauge with your eye whether or not it’s going to fit in your space or if it’ll even fit through your doorframe. But you can’t determine that as easily online."The dimensions at the top are in inches. The huge digits 1, 2, 3,... marked adjacent to the long markings correspond to full inches. There are small divisions between the numbers that represent fractions of an inch. There is a 'foot' mark after every 12 inches since 12 inches equals 1 foot. The tape measure shown above goes down to the 1/32nd of an inch, but most only show lines for 1/16th and larger. If you're not sure about yours, count the lines between one and two inches (including the 2" mark). 32 lines = 1/32" spacing. 16 lines = 1/16" spacing. 8 lines = ⅛" spacing.

You will notice there is a little slit in the metal tab. This is so you can hook it over the head of a nail or screw to get an accurate measurement from a point in the middle of the board. Just be careful not to put a nail where the hole will be noticed! Some tape measures have a magnetic hook, which is useful when measuring steel or other magnetic metal items but can potentially be a nuisance, as the magnet can attach itself to various nearby metal items other than what you want to measure. The DEWALT Tough Series has a removable magnetic tip, so you can take it off when not needed. The metal tip of a cased tape measure is called the hook or the tang. The hook lets you “catch” the end of the tape measure in place to keep it steady while you extend it. A good hook is large enough to hold in place when required, but not so large that it catches where you don’t want it to. Additionally, hooks with upright points are more likely to catch on items other than what you are measuring. Take a look at the side of your tape measure, near the belt clip. You will find a measurement listed there. This shows you the length of your tape measure's housing.

Suggested Tape Measures from Toolstop

It also helps to roll the tape so that the side you're measuring on is flat against the board. Place the tip of your pencil on the tape at your measurement, then slide it off onto the workpiece for the best results. Burn an inch As for the blade width, around 1 inch is best. Thinner than that, and the blade can be flimsy. Wider, and you may find the tape measure too bulky or difficult to retract.

On the end of the tape, there is another little metal tab. This has two functions: First, it keeps the tape from retracting all the way into the housing. Second, it gives you something to hook over the end of the piece you are measuring, so you don't have to hold the tape in place at both ends. Still, this tape measure has a lot to recommend it. Most tape measures just have small lines to indicate fractions of an inch, but that can be tough to read. If you need very precise measurements without the bother of squinting at tiny lines, you'll appreciate this tape measure as much as we do. Unlike most other options, this one has a fractional scale—that means it actually has the fractions printed right onto the nylon blade—so you can see clearly indicated 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2-inch numerals, plus small lines to indicate 1/16ths of an inch. When you hook it over an edge for an outside measurement, the tab is pulled out so the measurement can start from the inside edge of the tab that's actually touching the board. What are the marks on a tape measure? The dual-sided hook helps keep the blade in place when measuring without an assistant. The belt clip easily attaches to a belt or strap, but this measuring tape is a bit bulky for the designated tape measure holder on some tool pouches. Overall, we found this to be a very accurate, durable, and useful tape measure for professionals, DIYers, and around-the-house users alike.You can easily read a tape measure by recognizing the whole inches and fractional markings. The middle mark indicates ½ inch, with ¼ and ¾ inches on either side. Smaller marks represent ⅛, 1/16, and 1/32 inch increments for precise measurements. Lines Our testers then evaluated every tape measure for standout, which is the distance the unsupported, extended blade of the tool can remain rigid before bending towards the floor. Each tape measure was extended to its full length while the tester held it at various angles and noted the point at which the tape measure could no longer remain straight. The most important part of your tape measure, the blade (or metallic ribbon) is what gives you your accurate measurements. Imperial units are usually on the top row and metric measured markings on the bottom. More on the tape itself later... Hook