How to Use a Digital Tape Measure

Almost everyone has had the opportunity to use a tape measure, and there doesn’t seem to be anything to it. You just stretch it out, place the start of the tape on one end, and look at the measurements on the other. But in reality, tape measures aren’t that easy to use. If you need to take a long measurement and there’s no stable point to which you can hook the tape measure, you’ll need someone else to hold it in place so the tape can stay where it is and take the measurements you need. And what if you need to measure the ceiling for light installations? You’ll need a ladder to do that, and everyone knows how scary an extended tape measure can be when you’re trying to retract it. Not to mention, the obstacles you can run into (such as furniture and posts). A tape measure is useless in these situations, because they can block the path from the starting point to the end of what you want to measure.

A digital tape measure is an improvement from the old tape measure. It doesn’t remove any of the basic functions of a good measuring tool. It just eliminates some of the tape measure’s limitations — all while adding some features that make measuring easier. A laser tape measure is designed to measure the distance between two points by emitting a pulse of light to a target. It uses the time it takes for the beam to reflect back to the device to make a distance measurement. And because it uses light, it removes the limitations of a physical tape measure. In fact, it has the following advantages:

Can measure long distances without the need for a second person, as long as the laser can reach the end point.
Can measure ceilings and other high places without the need for a ladder.
Can measure through tight spaces, as long as there’s a way for the laser to reach the target.

Most digital tape measures are accurate to within 1/8 of an inch for up to 300 feet. And in some cases, it can measure up to 650 feet. This makes a laser tape measure an ideal tool for people who work in construction, but it’s also great for any homeowner to have in his or her toolbox.

Turning the Device On

The first and most obvious step is to turn the device on. You can turn it on by pressing the appropriate key, and some models will automatically turn off after it has been idle for three minutes.

Setting Up the Device for Measurement

Before you can use a digital tape measure, you need to check the settings. Otherwise, your measurements will be off. Choose your preferred unit of measurement by cycling through the options (such as meters, feet, and inches). You can even change the units either during or after measuring. So if you change your mind, there’s no need to worry. You also want to determine from what part you want the laser tape measure to start. You can switch between measuring from the rear or front of the device, but the default reference will most likely be from the back. Using this setting will mean that the rear of the unit will be part of the measurement.

Continuous Measurement

Once you’re ready to take measurements, just turn on the digital tape measure and press the appropriate button. The distance will be measured from the reference edge to the end of the laser beam. You can use this process for any type of basic distance measurement (such as the distances to a wall). If you put it in continuous measurement mode, you can scan any area or corner. And while you’re scanning, the laser tape measure will also record both the maximum and minimum values. A secondary display will show the maximum and minimum, while the main display area will show you the real-time measurement value.

Adding and Subtracting Multiple Measurements

There may be times when you’ll need to add or subtract multiple measurements. If you’re standing in a room and need to measure the distance between two opposing walls, you can measure the first wall and turn around to face the other one so you can take your second measurement. If you do this with the “Addition” function, it will add these two numbers and will give you the total distance from one wall to the other. You can even keep going by pressing the appropriate key. If you need to subtract measurements, the subtraction function will work the same way. Just press the appropriate key, and take the measurements you need to subtract from your total.

Area Measurement

To measure area, simply set the digital tape measure to the appropriate mode and measure the first distance (length). After you have measured the second distance (width), the laser tape measure will do all the hard work. It will calculate the area based on the two measurements, which is useful for the following applications:

Floor layouts.
Carpeting.
Floor covering measurements.

It can also be useful in any similar applications.

Volume Measurement

Volume measurements work the same way as area calculations, except it works in three dimensions. Simply put the device into the appropriate mode, and measure the three distances (length, width, and height). The digital tape measure will automatically calculate the volume based on those three measurements and will display it in cubic meters, cubic feet, or cubic inches (depending on your selected measurement unit).

Volume measurements are useful in any of the following applications:

HVAC coverage computations.
Ventilation requirements.
Measurement of large volumes of water (such as pools and aquariums).

Both area and volume measurements allow for both the addition and subtraction of subsequent measurements, which can be useful features.

Indirect Measurements

You might want to measure the height of a wall without a ladder, or you may need to measure the height of a building without getting on the roof. A laser tape measure is a great solution for these otherwise impossible situations. You can make indirect measurement calculations by taking advantage of the Pythagorean Theorem, which deals with the properties of a right triangle — that the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the square of the sum of the other two sides. Using this method will require you to measure the hypotenuse and at least one of the right-angle measurements.

Reviewing Historical Data

If you took an important measurement and forgot to write it down, most laser tape measures will store a certain amount of historical data and will even keep it after the device has been turned off. To look at these stored values, press the appropriate button on your device and scroll through the historical data until you find the one you need.

If you want to find the best tape measure for your specific needs, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is a laser tape measure?

Most laser tape measures will be accurate to 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch. For basic estimating, a digital tape measure with a 1/8-inch accuracy will be enough. But if you need something more precise, you can find models with a 1/16-inch accuracy.

How does a laser tape measure work?

A digital tape measure will determine the distance between two points by looking at the time it takes for a laser beam to travel to a specific target and back to the device. And because it uses light, it removes any limitations that come with using a physical tape measure.

How do I read a digital tape measure?

To use a laser tape measure, simply turn the device on before selecting the mode and unit of measure. From there, you can point the device to your desired target. It will measure the distance based on the measurement mode on which you have set the device (whether from the front or from the rear).

Is a digital tape measure dangerous?

Most laser tape measures use a Class 2 laser, so they can be harmful to your eyes. You should never stare directly into the beam. And while protecting your eyes can be as simple as averting them or blinking, you should avoid pointing the laser tape measure from people’s faces.

Where can I find the best tape measure?

If you want to find the best tape measure, Engineer Supply has a broad selection of tools that can be used in the construction industry. All of our products are from top-rated manufacturers, and we can offer them to you at a reasonable price. Feel free to look at what we have in stock, so you can find a product that will meet your specific needs.