We Found the Best Tape Measures for Any Project

What to Look for In a Tape Measure

Type

There are three common types of tape measures: cased, reel, and sewing.

Cased tape measures are the most familiar type. They have a retractable blade marked with imperial or metric measures, and a case that’s made of plastic or metal. This type of tape measure is a must-have in your toolkit and is useful for most measuring tasks around the home. 

Reel tape measures are most often used by surveyors and others needing to measure large stretches of open space. These tools typically have a very long blade—some are several hundred feet long—but instead of an enclosed case, the blade is retracted onto a reel by turning a hand crank. While most DIYers don’t need this type of tape measure, it’s useful if you need to measure a large flat space, such as a deck or long fence.

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.

Material

Typically, a cased tape measure has a blade made of steel or fiberglass, often coated with nylon or a similar material for durability and water-resistance. The case might be plastic or metal. If plastic, it should be heavy enough to withstand regular use and occasional drops. Metal cases are heavier, but sturdier. Either material is often covered at least partly with a rubberized coating to add extra grip and to help the tool withstand drops without cracking.

Length

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.

As for the blade width, around 1 inch is best. Thinner than that, and the blade can be flimsy. Thicker, and you may find the tape measure too bulky or difficult to retract.

Markings

All tape measures have markings to indicate increments of length. Most tape measures sold in the US have only imperial measurements, meaning inches and feet. There are some, however, that also have metric measurements, so if that is important, be sure to check before you buy. 

Most commonly, tape measures have numerals for inches and feet, and small lines to indicate fractions of inches. There are some, however, that actually indicate the fractions with numerals rather than lines, which can be much easier to read.

Clip

Most cased tape measures have some sort of clip so you can easily carry the tool on your belt or toolbag. A steel clip is the most durable. The clip should be thick enough so it won’t snap or bend, but not so thick that it’s bulky or hard to use. A rounded design won’t snag or wear on your clothing.

Hook

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. 

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.

Standout

The standout of a cased tape measure is the distance the unsupported blade can extend before it bends or sags. As a general rule, a tape measure’s standout should be at least 7 or 8 feet, although many go further.

Autolock

Most cased tape measures have a small toggle that locks the extended blade in place with a push of your thumb, preventing the blade from retracting before you are done with it. There are some, however, that automatically lock the blade in place as it is extended, and do not release the blade until you push the button to retract it. Neither option is superior; it’s mostly a matter of preference.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of tape measures, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and feedback from customers.

Additional reporting was done by Nadia Hassani, a master gardener with over 20 years of gardening experience. And Glenn Wiseman, RASDT, RHDT, Sales Manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services and Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling offered further advice.