How to Use Your Laser Tape Measure

Blog How To Use Your Laser Tape Measure

Laser measuring tools look at the time it takes for a laser pulse to reflect off a target and to be sent back to the device so it can determine its distance. This is known as the “time of flight” principle, which is based on the fact that laser light travels at a constant rate. A simple computer can calculate the target’s distance with a great deal of accuracy, which is why a laser tape measure is a popular tool for professionals who need to make a variety of measurements.

Lasers are focused beams of light that stay a specific frequency. They can travel at much longer distances without experiencing the weakening and spreading out of the beam, which can reduce the effectiveness of a laser distance meter. Laser light is also less likely to disperse than ordinary white light, which is what allows laser beams to travel farther without losing their intensity. And unlike white light, a laser beam will keep most of its intensity when it’s reflected off a target. This is an important feature when it comes to calculating the distance of an object.

The accuracy of laser measuring tools will depend on what was returned to the device. While laser beams are narrow and have high energies, they can be affected by the same atmospheric distortions as normal white light. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate distance reading, especially if it’s near greenery or is more than a kilometer away in desert terrain. Different materials will reflect light at different degrees. Some of them tend to absorb or scatter light (called “diffusion”), which can make it less likely for the original beam to be reflected back to the device for an accurate calculation.

Setting Up a Laser Tape Measure

Before you can start measuring, you will need to check the unit’s setting. Otherwise, your measurements will seem way off. Find your preferred unit of measure by cycling through the different options (meters, feet, or inches). You can change the units in between or even after measuring. So if you decide on a different unit later on, there’s no need to worry. You will also need to determine which part of the laser distance meter you want to measure from (either the back or front edges). You may need to turn the back light on if you’re working in a dark area. You can even put the device on “continuous measurement mode,” which allows you to scan an area or corner. It will even record both minimum and maximum values.

How to Add and Subtract Multiple Distance Measurements

You may run into a situation where you’ll want to add or subtract multiple distance measurements. If you’re standing in a room and want to measure the distance between two opposing walls, you would face the first one and take your first measurement. Then, you would turn around to face the other wall so you can take your second measurement. If you do this while using an addition feature on your laser distance meter, you can add these two numbers so you can get the total distance from one wall to another. The added result will appear as a smaller number, while the individual measurements will show up as smaller ones. You can subtract distances in much the same way, and you can even use them interchangeably as you measure.

Measuring Area and Volume on a Laser Tape Measure

You can use a laser tape measure to calculate area and volume. When you’re in the appropriate mode, measure the first distance (length). And from there, you can measure the second distance (width). The laser distance meter will give you an area calculation based on your previous two measurements, which is something that can’t be done with a traditional tape measure. Area measurements are useful for floor layouts, carpeting and floor covering measurements, as well as a variety of similar applications.

To measure volume, get into the appropriate mode and measure the first distance (length). From there, you can measure the second distance (width) as well as the third (height). The device will calculate the volume, which it will display in cubic meters, cubic feet, or cubic inches (depending on your selected unit of measure). Volume measurements are useful for several applications, which can include but may not be limited to:

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

Both area and volume measurements can be added and subtracted, which are also useful features.

Making Indirect Measurements on a Laser Tape Measure

If you want to measure the height of a wall without a ladder or to determine the height of a building without climbing onto the roof, you can let a laser distance meter do the climbing for you. You can make measurements indirectly by using the Pythagorean Theorem, which deals with the dimensions of a right triangle. It states that the square of the hypotenuse (which is the side that’s opposite the right triangle) is equal to the square of the sum of the other two sides. You can perform this operation with any of the following methods:

Measure the hypotenuse of the triangle, followed by one right-angle edge.
Measure the hypotenuse of one triangle, followed by the right-angle edge of a second triangle. Then, measure the hypotenuse of the second triangle while pointing downward.
Measure the hypotenuse of one triangle before measuring one right-angle edge of two more triangles.

If the measurements you took meet the requirements for the Pythagorean Theorem, the calculated height will be displayed as a large number on the screen.

Reviewing Historical Data on a Laser Tape Measure

If you took a series of measurements and forgot to write them down, many laser measuring tools will store any recent measurements you have taken. And in some cases, they will keep the data after they have been turned off. Just press the appropriate button to pull them up on your laser tape measure.

If you’re looking for a laser distance meter or any other laser measuring device, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a laser tape measure?

Blog How To Use Your Laser Tape Measure

A laser tape measure uses a laser beam to measure the distance between two points, with each one having its own accuracy and range. But you want to get a model that will give you more accuracy while still giving you enough range for different applications.

How do I use a laser tape measure?

Once you have turned on the device, select the mode you need before aiming the beam to the point from which you want to measure. Depending on the mode you have chosen, you should be able to see the distance measurement from where you’re standing to the other object.

What's the difference between a rangefinder and a laser tape measure?

A laser rangefinder is often used over longer distances and when accuracy isn’t that critical. People who use this tool want to determine the approximate distance between two points that are far apart. They’re typically used by hunters, golfers, and some foresters. Each model will have its own specific range, with most of them going up to even 1,000 yards. A laser tape measure is primarily used on shorter distances and when accuracy is of utmost importance.

What are the best target surfaces for a laser tape measure?

To use a laser distance meter or any type of laser measuring tool, you must be able to see the red dot on the object you want to measure from a distance. So, opaque surfaces will give you the best results. Transparent targets might make it hard to get an accurate distance measurement.

How can dust affect a laser tape measure?

Like any other electronic device, laser measuring tools can be affected by dust. So if you want to keep them working properly, you will need to clean them on a regular basis. If there’s too much dust around the laser beam, you will have a hard time getting an exact reading on the object you want to measure. And the same is true for taking measurements in extreme dust conditions.

If you’re looking for a laser tape measure or any other laser measuring device you can use on your next project, be sure to look at what we have in stock.