The six best tape measures for all your DIY projects

Image of hands holding the Stanley PowerLock tape measure against a piece of wood, best tape measure 2022

Stanley
  • All-time tape measure overall
  • All-time budget-friendly tape measure
  • Best compact record measure
  • Best heavy-duty tape measure
  • Best like shooting fish in a barrel-to-read tape measure
  • Best laser tape measure
  • What else we considered
  • Tape measure research methodology
  • Record measure FAQs
  • Cheque out our other great DIY guides

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If something is worth measuring, it's worth measuring correctly. Luckily, tape measures arrive extremely easy to brand quick and accurate measurements. These valuable tools are also relatively inexpensive. And cheers to their compact size, they are convenient to go along in your pocket, on your belt, or in a drawer.

And tape measures aren't just for heavy-duty tasks like cutting lumber for a woodworking project or marking out where you lot're putting a new bedroom window. In that location's practically no terminate to the list of household jobs that would benefit from a tape measure out. Desire to make certain that the mirror you're hanging is centered before you drill an anchor pigsty? What about accurately listing that kayak on Craigslist? Or ordering the correct size child motorcar seat for your car? A reliable record measure volition ensure that these tasks are completed quickly and won't result in frustrating issues downwardly the road.

As a onetime commercial and residential carpenter, I've used dozens of tape measures, from the cheap ones you get for gratuitous at the lumberyard to higher-end options designed for maximum immovability. I've also used these in a variety of workspaces, including construction sites, residential apartments in NYC, and my apartment for everyday personal projects effectually the business firm. I used this experience to assemble this list of the five all-time options you can purchase.

Learn more nigh how Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.

Hither are the six best tape measures for any project in 2022:

Best tape measure overall: Stanley 25-Foot Fatmax Tape Measure, $22.97 at Home Depot
This Stanley tape measure combines immovability with ease of use and, thanks to an impressive 14-pes achieve, is convenient to use lonely.

All-time budget tape mensurate: Stanley PowerLock 25-Foot Tape Measure out, $10.97 at Home Depot
If y'all're on a tight upkeep, the Stanley PowerLock is a quality production at a low cost.

Best meaty tape mensurate: Komelon 4110CS Key Chain Record Measure, $6.85 on Amazon
Despite its small size, the Komelon 4110CS still provides 10 feet of tape, and information technology's perfect to accept on hand at all times.

All-time heavy-duty tape mensurate: Milwaukee 25-Pes Blade Magnetic Tape Measure, $29.97 at Abode Depot
The Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure is tough enough for heavy-duty use, and a convenient magnetic hook makes information technology easy to utilise without a helper.

Best piece of cake-to-read tape measure: Komelon SM5425 Gripper Measuring Tape, $9.80 on Amazon
The fractional increments on the Komelon SM5425 make information technology easy to read, whether you're a first-time user or professional.

Best light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation tape measure out: Bosch Blaze Pro GLM165-40 Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation Distance Measurer, $69.99 at Ace Hardware
The Bosch Blaze Pro will provide accurate measurements to within 0.0625 of an inch and has a much longer range than a traditional tape measure out.

Best tape measure overall

The Dwelling house Depot

The Stanley 25-Pes Fatmax Tape Measure out combines durability with ease of use and, thanks to an impressive 14-foot attain, is convenient to apply solitary.

Pros: Heavy-duty cover, durable construction, like shooting fish in a barrel to grip

Cons: Might be likewise large for some users

I've been using Fatmax tapes for years, and this 25-footer is my favorite of the bunch. It's durable enough to take a serious pummeling on a job site. Nigh importantly, it's simple to read and make quick calculations from.

My favorite feature of this record is its rubber instance, which provides a nice grip and reduces the chances of dropping it. It also makes this tape neat for indoor utilize, where more rugged tapes could potentially scratch floor if dropped. The durability extends to the blade also. The get-go 6 feet of the tape has a coating that gives an actress bit of protection on the most frequently used section of the tape.

The wide tape has extra-large numbers, then it'due south easier to read from far away. I too appreciate that you can apply it without aid. The long reach and multi-catch blade hook make this record convenient to apply alone, especially when measuring in awkward or tight spaces.

Keep in listen that this Fatmax tape is, as the name indicates, pretty mesomorphic. It might not be a slap-up option for those who want more than of a compact tape. This thing nigh feels like a baseball in your manus, which I honey, simply others might find too bulky.

Fatmax tapes come in a range of sizes, as well, including 16- and 35-footers.

Best budget-friendly tape measure

The Home Depot

If you're on a tight budget, the Stanley PowerLock 25-Foot Tape Measure is a quality product at a low toll.

Pros: Low price, solid construction

Cons: Lacks the actress protection of higher-end tapes, curt standout

Despite its low cost, the Stanley PowerLock 25-Human foot Record Measure out doesn't feel inexpensive. There's no reason why it can't be used as a primary record measure, even for a professional. The tape provides stud middle markings, so it's suited for framing jobs as well.

The PowerLock characteristic ensures that the bract lock grips the tape, so you don't take to worry about it creeping back into the example and affecting your measurements. The standout is relatively brusque compared to the other tapes on our listing, meaning information technology simply stretches 7 anxiety before bending.

The primary drawback with this model is that it lacks the safety casing that more than expensive tapes have. It makes information technology a petty more of a challenge to hold onto when it's wet or when I'm using it outside with gloves on. This also makes the Stanley PowerLock a flake less durable than other options, although its case even so provides an impressive amount of protection. (I've dropped this tape off of a moving pickup truck and found it to be in perfect working order, apart from some cosmetic scratches.)

The toll of this tape is impressively depression. It's a great gift for a new homeowner who's simply starting their tool drove or for a DIYer to go on in their glove box or toolbag.

Best meaty record measure

Amazon

Despite its pocket-sized size, the Komelon 4110CS Fundamental Chain Tape Measure yet provides x feet of tape, and it'southward perfect to have on hand at all times.

Pros: Affordable price, includes carabiner prune

Cons: Also short for long measuring tasks

I'm a big fan of compact primal-chain tapes like this one. If you're anything like me, you'll probably find yourself using it a lot more than you think. They're great for those times that y'all wouldn't accept idea to bring your primary tape mensurate, like walking past a garage auction with a potential slice of piece of furniture.

The carabiner prune is my favorite feature of the Komelon 4110CS. Go along information technology hooked on your belt, cardinal chain, or haversack for quick admission. Yous tin use the aluminum pocket prune to proceed it on your hip at all times. It weighs just 2 ounces, and so you'll barely notice you lot're wearing it. I've found that this calorie-free weight also contributes to its immovability. It'southward made it through some impressive drops that heavier tapes wouldn't have survived.

I also love the neon green color of this tape, which makes information technology easier to spot in your toolbox or a cluttered desk-bound drawer.

Although its 10-pes length is suitable for a broad range of measuring tasks, it wouldn't exist practical for large-scale projects. Y'all even so probably want a 25-footer for your chief tape.

Best heavy-duty tape mensurate

The Dwelling house Depot

The Milwaukee 25-Pes Blade Magnetic Tape Measure is tough enough for heavy-duty apply, and a convenient magnetic hook makes it easy to use without a helper.

Pros: Extremely durable, magnetic tip, iv-sided hook

Cons: Somewhat expensive, bulky

If durability is your main priority, this Milwaukee option is a perfect selection. The record itself is rugged. Its impressive width and protective, anti-tear nylon coating make information technology well-suited for everyday utilize.

The feature that I actually love well-nigh the Milwaukee 25-Pes Wide Blade Magnetic Tape Measure is that it includes measurements on both sides of the tape. A lot of Milwaukee tapes utilize this double-sided tape, which can come in handy when measuring above your head.

This rugged tape is also designed to be easy to use by yourself, thanks to its 17-human foot reach. A magnet allows you to proceed it continued to metal studs or other items while measuring. The magnet is gear up flush with the hook of the tape, so you lot won't accept to worry about information technology affecting your measurements. The claw extends out on all four sides, allowing it to catch in whatsoever orientation, unlike most hooks that merely extend downwards.

The cutout on the lesser of the tape lets you use your finger to terminate the tape whenever yous like. This is convenient for those quick measurements when you don't want to disengage the tape lock every few seconds.

I'm also a large fan of the 16-foot version of this record, which could be a good selection if this one looks too beefy.

All-time easy-to-read tape measure

Amazon

T he fractional increments on the Komelon SM5425 Gripper Measuring Tape brand it easy to read, whether y'all're a outset-time user or professional.

Pros: Partial graduations, ergonomic safety grip, low cost

Cons: Fractions may be distracting for those used to typical tape measures

Accuracy should trump all other factors when it comes to gathering measurements, and this Komelon is designed to be read correctly. Instead of traditional tapes that simply label their inch markings, this one includes the ⅛- and 1/iv-inch increments equally well. The white tape also features a non-glare finish, making it easier to read, especially from far abroad.

Information technology'south up to you whether or not you adopt this fractional layout to be helpful or not. I've known people who are too used to a traditional tape to use this 1, only I discover information technology helpful, especially when doing lots of measurements for a specific projection.

The touch-resistant example makes this tool durable, and the record itself uses an acrylic coating to aid stand upwards to regular article of clothing and tear. This updated model of the previous Komelon Gripper still features the ergonomic rubber grip that made the original so popular. I'm a large fan of this grip and take found it comfortable to bear, and it reduces the chances of accidental drops.

Best laser record mensurate

Bosch

The Bosch Blaze Pro GLM165-forty Laser Distance Measurer will provide authentic measurements to inside 0.0625 of an inch and has a much longer range than a traditional tape mensurate.

Pros: Long range, authentic digital display, 10 measurement memory

Cons: Cannot measure flat surfaces, requires batteries, expensive

Although it's not technically a tape, this laser measure is just as accurate. Bosch is well-known for its accurate and piece of cake-to-apply lasers measures. I've used this model when on a ladder measuring betwixt ceiling rafters to cut drywall pieces. It'due south a task that would have been about impossible to accomplish lone using a record measure.

The real-time display is some other useful feature. It continuously adjusts every bit you move the unit of measurement dorsum and forth. It can keep up to x measurements stored in its memory, which tin come up in handy when yous don't have a pencil and paper. Plus, you don't have to worry almost you or anyone else misreading any handwritten measurements.

The main drawback of this model (and all light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation measurers) is that the light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation needs to jump off of a surface to work. This does limit its overall usefulness, so you'll still desire a standard tape measure to ensure you accept all your bases covered.

What else we considered

FastCap PSSR16 16 FastPad Standard Reverse Measuring Tape: Left-handed users will love this FastCap tape, thanks to its reverse tape measurements: No more reading upside down! With measurements on either side of the tape, you lot'll go a clear wait, regardless of the orientation. It also features a pencil sharpener and a user-friendly notepad for jotting down measurements as you go. I'chiliad a big fan of FastCap tapes, and they've proven to be just every bit reliable equally college-end options. If you're a lefty and want a high-quality tape at a reasonable price, this is a peachy choice.

Record measure research methodology

Jenny McGrath/Insider

When selecting the tape measures for this listing, I relied on my personal experience using record measures equally a residential and commercial carpenter in New York Metropolis, a job that required daily record measure use. This first-hand knowledge allowed me to get together a drove of nearly a dozen options, all of which I knew to be both high-quality and made by reputable brands.

I and so compared and evaluated these options using iv basic factors: durability, accuracy, ease of use, and cost, which made it easier to avert redundancies in my selection process. I somewhen landed on the half-dozen options above, confident that they represented the best record measures available today.

Record measure FAQs

How do you use a record measure?

Once you empathize how the components of a tape measure out piece of work, there's non much to it. The tape itself is rolled up inside the case (the large piece you agree in your hand), and you unfurl information technology past pulling on the hook (the small metal slice that's protruding from the example).

A bound inside the instance will retract the tape every bit soon as y'all end pulling information technology, and the thumb lock (a apartment, textured slider on the front of the instance) will permit you to lock the record in place. Whenever you lot're ready to take a measurement, pull the hook out to extend the tape.

The tape is segmented into unlike increments, commonly inches, ane/4s, 1/8s, and 1/16s. This might seem like overkill for rough measurements, just it comes in handy for precise work, like when hanging a picture in the exact centre of your wall. Calculation up multiple measurements can exist intimidating, but fifty-fifty if you're non swell at math, yous can go the hang of it with a little practice. Stan Stallings has a cracking video hither.


What material should my tape measure be?

This all depends on how you're going to use your tape and how oftentimes. To measure the occasional couch or closet, you lot tin can get away with a plastic case and metallic tape. Plastic-and-metallic tapes aren't known for their durability, simply they're usually more compact and don't add unnecessary majority to your tool drawer.

If you plan on using your tape measure frequently and for heavy-duty jobs where it will go banged around or dropped a lot, then you lot'll want something a bit more rugged. Go for a higher-end selection that features a condom grip that adds an extra layer of protection. As for the tape itself, you'll want to make sure that information technology features a protective blanket, at least on the starting time 6 inches or then.


What are standout and attain?

A record measure'south standout is the length yous tin can pull it out to and take information technology stand up rigid. Extend it further, and it will bend without someone or something supporting it. Wider tapes commonly take longer standouts, like the Milwaukee'south 14 feet.

For the accomplish, some manufacturers add an extra iii anxiety to the standout. They're essentially factoring in the standout plus an arm's length.


Are laser tape measures accurate?

Yeah, lasers are a bang-up way to take measurements, specially when measuring long distances that would exist a challenge for a single person to exercise alone with a traditional tape. Y'all will need something for the laser to bounce off of, so they aren't applied for measuring boards or other flat objects.

Since they also provide a digital readout of the result, there's less chance of your reading information technology wrong or misinterpreting the fraction, which tin improve accuracy as well.