How to Read a Tape Measure
Step 1: Learn What the Tape Measure Markings Mean
Here's the main markings we'll be looking at: (notice that if you're writing the measurement of inches or feet in number form, you put ' for feet, and " for inches.
- The foot (e.g. 1', 10')
- One inch (1")
- Half inch (1/2")
- Quarter inch (1/4")
- Eighth inch (1/8")
- Sixteenth inch (1/16")
Step 2: Learn How Many "markings" Are in an Inch
The above guide shows you that you can look at the second number in the marking (example: 1/8" or "one-eighth of an inch) where the "8" is the second number (1/8). That means that once you've learned Step 1, and know what the 1/8" marking looks like, you know that there are eight 1/8" marks in that inch.
Step 3: Read Your Measurement
Read the picture above to walk through the process step by step. Remember: you want to read from the biggest measurement to the smallest. For example, "Three and one half inches (or 3 1/2")" or "2 feet, 3 1/2".
Bonus Life Skill:
Works for Majority of Fittings, a few exceptions may apply such as Propane fittings, if in doubt look at the threads.
*Also not everything needs to be torqued, such as torch controls or items that are controls.
*Also not everything needs to be torqued, such as torch controls or items that are controls.