The top edge of a measuring tape typically contains the imperial measurements. These are divided into feet, inches and smaller increments. Each numbered mark i.e. 1, 2, 3 are set an inch apart with red marks typically representing each 12 inches with a foot mark. Past the ‘1ft’ mark each inch is marked with a smaller marking i.e. 1-5 to inform that the mark is 1 foot and 5 inches.

Each inch is broken down into sixteenths of an inch with the eighth of inch mark being longer than the sixteenth, the quarter of an inch mark is longer than both and the half inch mark is the longest of all. This helps make it easier to identify the different marks.

The metric scale along the bottom of the tape works in a similar fashion. This is divided into millimetres, centimetres and metres. The scale is marked at every centimetre with every 10 cm (100mm) marked in red. Each 100 cm (1000mm) is marked – typically in red – to indicate each metre. Each centimetre is divided into 10 millimetre marks with the half a centimetre (5mm) mark being longer than the other marks.

Millimetres is the typical choice for tradesmen when measuring up. For example, kitchen units typically come in 150mm, 300mm, 600mm etc sizes, while different types of radiators usually range from 500mm – 600mm in height and 300mm – 1800mm in width.

When looking for a new tape measure you will notice that the majority of them in the UK will have a mixture of imperial and metric measurements. Though you will find metric and imperial only, these are not as common.

Including both helps keep down manufacturing costs and accommodates those who still like to work in imperial, but also need to work with metric measurements. It also gives the tape more universal appeal with Europeans typically working in metric while the US typically works in imperial.

How accurate is my tape measure?
Tape measures are divided into three classes of accuracy, EC Class I, EC Class II and EC Class III, with Class I and II being the common options found on UK and European tape measures.

Tape measures that adhere to the standard will have a mark i.e. I or II, representing its accuracy. Class I is the most accurate, these have a 0.001% margin of error, or 1.1mm on a 10m tape. Class II is not quite as accurate having a 0.002% margin of error, or 2.3mm on a 10m tape.

Cheaper tape measures often don’t have an accuracy marking, but are generally still good enough for DIY projects where you don’t need definitive accuracy.

What is the metal end of a tape used for?
The metal end on a tape measure is known as a hook and gets its name from the fact that it hooks onto the end of a surface allowing you to pull out the tape so you can measure and mark where needed.

While the hook performs the same task it will differ slightly from brand to brand. You may see a hole in the hook, which allows you to grab the head of a nail or screw, ideal when there isn’t an edge to hook onto. Others have teeth which allow you to scribe the surface if you don’t have a pencil to make a mark.

The hook is also loose, this isn’t a manufacturing error, it is meant to be like this. The tape is short by a sixteenth of an inch, which is the width of the metal hook. When you measure the inside of a surface – like measuring the the inside of a window for blinds after you have just finished painting a bathroom – the hook pushes up against the tape to get an accurate measurement. When you measure the outside of a surface you pull the tape which extends the tape by a sixteenth of an inch.

There’s a lot of mental arithmetic involved in converting imperial to metric or vice versa. But if you are up to the challenge, converting inches to centimetres is easier – in our opinion. An inch is approximately 2.5 centimetres, so you simply multiply by 2.5. For example, 4 x 2.5 = 10, so four inches is ten centimetres. To convert centimetres to inches divide by 2.5.

But for complete accuracy you need to multiply by 2.54 inches, which makes the mental arithmetic a little more stressful. A quicker option is to use the calculator on your phone, or use an online conversion tool like this Centimeters to Inches Converter