How to Read an Open Faced Reel Measuring Tape

Open faced reel measuring tapes are used for measuring large distances. They can be used to measure a plot of land or to mark out a football field. They range from 50 feet to 300 feet in length. The tape on these reels is not enclosed in any kind of housing. It is wound on a center reel which has a handle attached to it, so you can wind the tape up after use. An assistant is often required when measuring large distances with this type of tape measure.

• 1

  Determine what type of units are on your tape measure. Most tape measures will display inches and centimeters, but some may only display one or the other. One set of numbers will run along the top of the tape and another across the bottom if both units are used.

• 2

  Put the end of your tape measure at the point you want to start measuring from. Have someone else hold it firmly in place. Walk to the point you wish to measure to.

• 3

  Pull your tape measure taught. Open faced tape measures are not as stiff as smaller tape measures. Your measurement will not be accurate if there is slack in the tape.

• 4

  Check every 12 inches to see if feet are notated on the tape or if only the inches are listed. Feet may be listed in large numbers every 12 inches. Alternatively, there may be a red indicator, arrow or box around every inch marker which signifies a new foot.

• 5

  Note the first number to the left of the point you are measuring to.

• 6

  Determine which types of divisions are marked between inch marks on your tape measure. Count how many lines are between the inch markers. If there are 16, you can measure to 1/16 of an inch accuracy. You can measure to the nearest 1/32 if there are 32.

• 7

  Count to the line nearest your mark. Combine the feet or inches you determined in the earlier step with the number of marks you counted. If you count 25 feet, 7 inches and 15 lines on a tape measure with 1/16 divisions, you have measured a distance of 25 feet, 7 inches and 15/16.

• 8

  Phrase your measurement in the simplest terms possible. If you counted eight lines on a tape measure where the inches are divided into 16 increments, you have measured to a 1/2 inch, not to 8/16.