What Are The Different Types Of Tape Measures?

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Here’s a bit of trivia for you… James Chesterman created the measuring tape in Sheffield, England, around the year 1829.

Back then the tapes cost $17 - pretty steep if you ask us - when sold in the United States, but they weren’t a success until the 1940s, which is no wonder, considering the price.

The tape’s design was enhanced in 1868 by New Haven, Connecticut resident Alvin J. Fellows, and pretty much that’s what we’re still using today.

Unsurprisingly, similar to how there are numerous hammers, screwdrivers, and drills available, there are numerous types of tape measures on the market as well.

Considering how invested we are in tools, we put together a handy little list for you about the types of tape measures and their use, so check them out below.

What Is A Tape Measure?

Let’s start with that everyone should have at least one tape measure in their toolbox. It is a practical tool with many applications in the construction, upkeep, and repair of houses, as well as the manufacturing industry, but it is also a necessity for domestic use.

In layman’s terms, the tape measure is a portable measuring tool used to determine an object’s size or the separation between two things. Along the tape’s edge, measurements are marked in inches and fractional inches, usually in quarter, eighth, and sixteenth-inch steps. On the other side, certain tape measures have markings in millimeters, centimeters, and meters, to keep the rest of the world happy about their metric system.

The most popular lengths for tape measures are 12, 25, and 100 feet long. In most instances, buying a 12-foot tape measure is certainly sufficient.

Now, if you’re in construction, the 25ft fella is your guy. Known as a builder’s tape, the 25-foot length is measured in feet and at 16-inch intervals. This helps to make measuring the distance between wall studs simpler.

The 100-foot tape, which is often made of reinforced cotton, is used for establishing property lines and other outdoors measurements.

Types Of Tape Measures

Different types of measuring tapes are used across a range of industries and they have their own purpose.

Fabric Tape Measure

A fabric measuring tape is a necessary purchase if you plan to sew and need to measure the fabric. This kind of sewing tape measure is a long, flexible piece of material often just 60 inches long that is intended for measuring the body and of fabric.

Though if you set out to measure some colossal curtain material, it is possible to get specialized fabric measuring tapes that are close to 120 inches long. Nothing is impossible when crafting a gown for a giraffe, perhaps.

Pocket/Spring Return Tape Measure

Now, the majority of people visualize these kinds of measuring tapes when they hear of a pocket tape measure. The actual tape is contained in a sturdy casing that coils up until you need it; at that point, you may simply extend it out.

While different varieties of pocket measuring tapes have various features, the majority incorporate both a locking mechanism and a spring return.
This makes it simple for one person to freely measure objects and distances and return the retractable tape measure to its container without any issues. Oh, and also to play immature pranks on a job site. Happens more often than you think.

The tape itself will be somewhat flexible but firm, and it will be somewhat curled on both sides. They come in a wide range of sizes, with smaller ones often being between one and fifteen feet long and larger ones reaching up to 35 feet, to suit the variety of jobs.

Surveyor Tape Measure

You better order online the surveyor’s measuring tape if you’re going to measure significant distances on open terrain and need to determine how far away things or locations are.


This is an extremely long tape and perfect for making land maps, determining neighborly boundaries, and even calculating the angle or separation between two places. These tape measures are very flexible, accurate, and available in incredible lengths, like 500 feet.

Digital Tape Measure

Digital tape measures, also known as laser tape measures, are most commonly used by electricians and plumbers who need to measure long distances without moving. They are painstakingly accurate and display their measurement on an LED screen.

Bit pricier, but worth the hype.

Features Found On Tape Measures

If tape measures are your thing, and you’re still with us, then we must talk about specific tape measure features.

These features are additional and not always available, but sure as hell they make using and working with them a lot easier.

Magnetic

You should choose a magnetic tape measure if you are an electrician who will be measuring from conduits or if you are a builder who wants to be able to connect your tape measure to a piece of metal and measure distances.

Magnetic tape measures use extraordinarily powerful magnets that can hold the weight of the tape measure while it is in use. 

Rust-Resistant

Choose a rust-resistant tape measure if you plan to use it in wet conditions, or if you are concerned that it will be continuously exposed to the elements while you are working outside.

While the promise of rust-resistance doesn’t guarantee that your tape measure won’t ever be damaged if you leave it out in the rain, there is a significantly lower likelihood that your tape measure will sustain any harm and life-long injuries if it is exposed to water.

Locking

Whenever you’re working alone and need to ensure that your measurements are precise, you should invest in a locking tape measure.

With this, you may stretch the tape’s length and lock it so that it won’t return back into the case, and as an added bonus, now you have a free hand to quickly mark and calculate the length by laying the tape down where you want to measure.

Tape Measure Materials

At this point it is safe to say, you’re a big fan of tape measures, so we must press on the topic, and discuss the material.

You will find that tape measures are constructed from a variety of materials. Usually, on the exterior, they have a plastic or metal case, which are both very durable. Warning, if you are keen on the metal case, you may have to splurge a bit of extra. On some tape measures, they will also have a rubber grip. This allows you to comfortably hold and use the tape measure.

When it comes to the inner material, tapes are usually made of fiberglass. Fiberglass tapes are not only exceedingly lightweight and robust, they’re also made to last, making it a great option for outdoor use.

As for pocket tape measures, they will usually be made from durable metals. Though you better watch out for that spring return mechanism to avoid injuries. Sharp edges, anyone?

Final Thoughts

Our awesomely extensive blog introduced four main types of tape measures that you can use. They have various functions, features, and are available for a range of occasions. All in all, we sincerely hope that this post converted you into a true tape measure fan.

If you feel like this is just the start, and want to know more about tools, check out our other posts, too.