The 6 Best Tape Measures of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Without a good tape measure in your tool kit, getting an exact measurement for your home improvement project would be nearly impossible.
“A tape measure is one of the most important tools you can have in your home and can keep you from making a lot of purchasing fails,” says Kimberly Greenwell, a home education expert and host of the TV show My Southern Home. “It will allow you to make sure the sofa fits perfectly against the wall and the dishwasher slides perfectly into the cabinetry. A DIYer who wants to install hardwood floors in their home will need a tape measure to accurately determine the room’s square footage, to calculate the price, and keep them on budget.”
To come up with this list, we tested 34 tape measures in our Des Moines lab and assessed them on ease of use, accuracy, durability, and overall value. In addition to Greenwell, we also spoke to Ryan Jantz, co-founder of Proteus Homes, on the key factors you should look out for when choosing a tape measure.
Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Dual-Sided Tape Measure at Walmart
$37
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It has extra-large numbers and is easy to use.
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It's a bit bulky.
The Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure is our best overall pick because it earned a perfect five-star score during our tests. We appreciate its extra-large numbers and long-reaching 13-foot standout that make it incredibly easy to use, even if you’re working alone. (The standout of a measuring tape is how far it can extend before it bends—this makes measuring convenient, especially if you don’t have anyone else around to help out.) We tested the 16- and 25-foot versions and found that the standout for the latter was slightly less—around 12 feet.
We think the bright yellow blade and black numbers have a nice contrast, which makes this tape measure very easy to read. Plus, this pick has identical markings on the top and bottom of the blade, so you can easily get the measurements you need—even if you are in an awkward position.
Overall, this tape measure performed well on all tests. There was no visible or measurable damage after we dropped this tape measure onto a concrete floor, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally losing your grip. (That being said, dropping it from the top of your ladder may not be the best thing for it if you plan to keep it for a long time.) Another thing to keep in mind is that this tape measure is on the bulkier side, so it felt quite snug in our tool belt. Those seeking a compact option would be better off with another pick from our list.
Blade Length: 16 feet, 25 feet, 30 feet, 35 feet | Blade Width: 1.25 inches | Blade Material: Steel | Weight: 1.5 pounds
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![Hand measures piece of metal on table with a Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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![Person doing measurement through Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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![Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measures displayed with pencils on a white surface]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Henry Wortock
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![Person wearing Irwin Strait-Line Measure tape with hip belt]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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