How To Read A Tape Measure

By Author: Kenny Leones
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You do not need to be a sewer or anyone related to such an industry to need to learn how to read a tape measure. As you must know, this is a simple yet valuable skill that you can learn in a hassle-free manner. Sometimes it is taught in school but if it was not in yours, do not fret. We are sure you can learn how to read a tape measure in a snap.

As you can see, tape measures are like rulers and other measuring instruments. They are characterized by lines and numbers. To learn how to read a tape measure, therefore, is all about reading between those lines. Here is a helpful guide:

Step 1: The big numbers on the front part of the tape measure are in inches. On the flip side, they are usually in centimeters. Use the metric system you are more comfortable using and let the tape measure face you accordingly. If you need your measurements in another unit other than those two, you can seek help from a metric conversion method to solve the problem. More often than not, people prefer to use the inch side so we will concentrate on that in the succeeding steps of this how to read a tape measure guide.

Step 2: Put ...
... the tape measure on top of the material. Make sure that you hold it firmly. The foremost side of the tape measure should meet the start off point of the material. The big number that is nearest to the mark you are reading is the amount of inches you are measuring. If the length goes beyond the point where the number is, you will have to count the number of lines to make the accurate measurement.

Step 3: Read the lines. Some tape measures divide each inch into 16 or eight parts. Depending on that fact, you must count the lines from beyond the nearest number to the mark you are reading.

Step 4: Make the final reading. After counting the numbers and the lines leading exactly to the point of your measurement, you will get the final reading, which is most likely in a combination of whole numbers and a fraction of inches.

Step 5: Simplify the measurement. This involves simple math that is taught in grade school. Once you get your measurements, you must convert it into the simplest terms or in another metric unit if you need so.

Remember: practice how to read a tape measure every so often. That way, you will get the hang of the whole process.
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