Avoid costly redos down the road with one of these recommended models.
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Regardless of your skill level or DIY aspirations, a tape measure is one of the most important tools to have in your home toolkit. These compact instruments are cheap, easy to use, and unlike rough eyeball measurements, provide dead-on accurate results. Tape measures are useful for a wide range of tasks too, from heavy-duty framing or remodeling projects to day-to-day household jobs like hanging a picture properly. Considering the importance of accurate measurements in these tasks (and the time, energy, and money they can save by eliminating frustrating issues later on) a reliable tape measure is an invaluable investment. This buying guide covers everything you need to know before shopping, along with the best tape measures we stand by and recommend.
Best Tape Measures
- Best Overall: Stanley 25-Foot Tape Measure
- Best Lighted Option: Komelon LED Light Tape Measure
- Best Auto-Lock: Komelon SL2825 Self-Lock Power Tape
- Easiest to Read: FastCap PSSR-16 Standard Reverse Measuring Tape
- Best Compact: Klein Tools 9516 Tape Measure
What to Consider
Length
Tape measures are available in a range of lengths, from 6-foot keychain versions to 100-foot “long tapes” for home appraisals and construction use. Twenty-five-foot tape measures are the most common, and provide a good balance of functionality and usability for the average user. That said, if you have a specific task in mind that a 25-foot tape measure just isn’t practical for, or just want something lighter and less bulky, a shorter-length tape measure is a fine option.
Durability
While all tape measures are naturally sturdy, some are more durable than others. Consider where and how you plan to use your tape measure and look for features designed to stand up to that kind of abuse. If you work on busy job sites, are in the middle of a home remodel project, or just want to make sure your tape measure lasts a long time, look for models with thick rubber coverings that absorb drops and falls. Some heavy-duty tape measures also feature a protective coating on the end (the most-used portion) of the blade to help extend its lifespan. On the other hand, if you just want a tape measure to keep in your junk drawer for occasional use, spending extra on these features is probably overkill.
Readability
Tape measure blades use different number sizes, widths, and increments to display measurements, so look for the one that is the easiest for you to read. If you prefer larger digits that are clearer to make out from further away, look for the widest blade you can find. Or, if you have trouble calculating fractions from increment markings alone, choose a blade that has 1/16, ⅛, and ¼ fractions printed directly on it (these are especially useful for beginners, especially if they have to call out measurements to someone across a job site). Some tape measures even have built-in LEDs to illuminate the blade in low-light conditions.
Standout and Reach
The further a tape measure’s blade can extend on its own without collapsing, the more useful it is for measuring longer distances (particularly when you’re working alone). This distance is known as the “standout” and helps compare the rigidity of one blade versus another. A tape measure’s “reach” is another common term advertised by tape measure brands, which is simply the standout number plus the average distance a user can use their arm to extend the standout (usually about 3 feet). Understanding these terms is important when choosing a tape measure specifically for longer-than-average workpieces or spaces.
How We Selected
As a former residential and commercial carpenter, a tape measure was easily my most commonly used tool, and after years on job sites and workshops, I’ve been through a considerable amount of models, shapes, and sizes. This experience has given me, along with my colleagues, the insight to confidently assemble this list of the best tape measures you can buy. We made sure to populate this list with brands we have come to associate with quality, reliable products, like Stanley, Komelon, and Klein Tools, while still including enough variety to cover a range of potential skill levels and use cases.
Pros
Extremely durable rubber case - Mylar film protects blade
- Wide blade is easy to read
Cons
- May be too bulky and heavy for some users
Stanley Fatmax tape measures are wildly popular among pros and amateurs alike and set the standard for both usability and durability. They’re not cheap, but thanks to a thick rubber case and protective blade coating, they’re designed to absorb a serious amount of wear and tear before needing replacement.
The rubber cover also ensures you maintain a sturdy grip while using it, which reduces the chances of dropping it in the first place. A double-sided hook on the end of the blade grabs onto the edge of whatever object you’re measuring, regardless of the tape’s position.
The large numbers and wide, 1.25-inch blade are easy to read from far away, and the 25-foot length is a nice sweet spot for most homeowners.
Pros
- LED lasts for 120 minutes per charge
- No-glare white color
- Double-sided blade
Cons
- The blade is not as sturdy as heavy-duty options
This Komelon tape measure features a bright, front-facing LED, clearly illuminating the tape and ensuring accuracy in low-light conditions. It powers off after five minutes too, so it won’t drain the battery if it’s accidentally turned on in your toolbox or junk drawer. The included micro-USB cord allows for easy charging as well.
I found the placement of this light’s power button (on the bottom of the case) to be more convenient to reach than other lighted tape measures, and the textured rubber is easy for my finger to locate and press when extending the blade.
Key Specs
| Length | 25 ft |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb |
| Standout | 7 ft |
Pros
- No locking mechanisms to deal with
- Ergonomic retract button
- Nylon-coated blade
Cons
- Single-sided blade
Not only is this Komelon tape measure surprisingly affordable, but its self-locking feature conveniently stops the blade as far as it’s pulled out—and retracts at the push of a button. This ergonomic control button is comfortable to press and its hi-visibility color scheme is also easier to locate in a cluttered workshop or dark toolbag. I find the neon green color more effective than darker-colored buttons to locate and use.
Thick rubber covers the sides and corners for maximum grip and protection, and a nylon coating adds extra durability to the blade’s surface.
Key Specs
| Length | 25 ft |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb |
| Standout | 7 ft |
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4
Easiest to Read
FastCap PSSR-16 Standard Reverse Measuring Tape
Now 55% Off
Pros
- Blade measurements face left and right side
- White blade for greater contrast
- Erasable pad for recording measurements
Cons
- Experienced users may prefer a blade without fractions
With fractional measurements on both the left and right sides of the blade, this FastCap tape measure is about as easy to read as it comes. The high-contrast white color of the blade makes digits and fractions clearly stand out.
But what differentiates all FastCap tape measures from the competition—and makes them so useful—is that their cases double as an erasable notepad. That means you can jot down measurements and run quick addition or subtraction calculations as you work, instead of trying to remember as you fumble for a pencil and paper. This model even has a handy built-in pencil sharpener on board.
Key Specs
| Length | 16 ft |
|---|---|
| Weight | .6 lb |
| Standout | N/A |
Pros
- Convenient to store and carry
- Double-sided tape and double-hook
- Nylon-coated blade
Cons
- 16-foot length may not be practical for larger projects
Despite the compact size of this Klein Tools tape measure, it provides just as much functionality as the big boys. The double-sided blade is easy to read in any position or orientation, and unlike many smaller tape measures, features a double hook for securing to top and bottom edges.
A handy finger brake helps control the retraction speed too, minimizing wear and tear on the blade and increasing overall safety. A five-point reinforced housing, rubber grip, and nylon-coated blade also make this tape measure durable enough for frequent use.
At well under a pound and less than 3 inches long, it’s comfortable to carry around on all-day jobs and convenient to store in a toolbox or jacket pocket.
Key Specs
| Length | 16 ft |
|---|---|
| Weight | .62 lb |
| Standout | 10 ft |
Pros
- Green on black markings are easy to read in low-light
- Wide1 ¼-inch blade
- Magnetic double-hook blade
Cons
- May be overkill for the occasional user
- Heavier than most tape measures
It’s not cheap, but considering the high-quality construction and variety of useful features, this Crescent tape measure delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
The most distinctive is the ultra-high-visibility blade, which uses a matte black finish and neon green markings to maximize readability in a range of lighting conditions. The beefy 1 ¼-inch blade width—the same as the Stanley Fatmax—allows for oversized numbers and markings, increasing readability even more.
You’re also getting a vertical scale on the back of the blade, a helpful feature when measuring overhead or in awkward spaces. The bolstered case protects against drops and dings, and a steel tether point keeps it safely secure when working on a ladder or rooftop.
Key Specs
| Length | 35 ft |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.6 lb |
| Standout | 17 ft |
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Pros
- Very easy to use
- Durable steel case
- Three-rivet hook ensures accuracy
Cons
- Limited standout
- Not as functional as higher-end options
Bells and whistles are nice, but sometimes you just want a straightforward tool that you don’t have to think too much about. This Stanley Powerlock is about as bare-bones as they come, with a one-sided blade and a simple lock button for setting the distance.
The yellow blade provides clear inch increments and stud center markings if you want to tackle a framing project. Despite its minimal design, the Stanley still prioritizes accuracy, using three rivets to ensure the hook has enough movement for inside and outside measurements. The precise 3-inch length of the case also makes it easy to calculate the distance inside cramped areas (instead of trying to bend the tape against an interior edge).
Key Specs
| Length | 25 ft |
|---|---|
| Weight | 14 oz |
| Standout | 7 ft |
Alex Rennie
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
