Top 6 Tape Measures: Expert Evaluations and Reviews

Top Pick

The Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure stands out as our top choice, having achieved a flawless five-star rating in our evaluations. Its oversized numerals and impressive 13-foot standout make it exceptionally user-friendly, even for solo projects. (The standout refers to how far the tape can extend without bending, which is particularly useful when working alone.) During testing, we compared the 16-foot and 25-foot models, noting that the latter had a slightly shorter standout of about 12 feet. 

The vibrant yellow blade paired with black numerals offers excellent contrast, ensuring this tape measure is highly legible. Additionally, the identical markings on both the top and bottom of the blade allow for effortless measurements, even in challenging or awkward positions. 

This tape measure excelled in all our tests, showing no signs of damage after being dropped onto a concrete floor, making it a reliable choice even if you accidentally lose your grip. (However, dropping it from significant heights, like the top of a ladder, may affect its longevity.) It’s worth noting that this model is slightly bulky, fitting snugly in our tool belt. If portability is a priority, consider a more compact option from our recommendations.

Blade Length: 16 feet, 25 feet, 30 feet, 35 feet | Blade Width: 1.25 inches | Blade Material: Steel | Weight: 1.5 pounds

Top Budget Pick

While it lacks some advanced features found in other models, this Milwaukee tape measure is a reliable choice for budget-conscious home renovators. With an average standout of 8 feet, 9 inches, it may not be groundbreaking but is sufficient for most household projects. The clear 1/8-inch markings enhance readability and ensure precise measurements.

Our testing revealed that this tape measure is user-friendly, particularly due to its ergonomic grip, which allows for easy one-handed operation. However, the 25-foot version’s blade lock switch proved challenging to engage with a single hand. Additionally, the stiff belt clip made it less convenient to carry, especially when trying to attach it to a belt with one hand. Despite these minor drawbacks, it remains a dependable option for those who don’t rely on these features.

Overall, this tape measure delivered accurate inside and outside measurements, complemented by a smoothly retracting blade. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking durability at an affordable price. However, if a longer standout is a priority, consider exploring other models on our list.

Blade Length: 12 feet, 16 feet, 25 feet, 30 feet | Blade Width: 0.9 inches | Blade Material: Steel | Weight: 0.63 pounds

Most Legible

The DeWalt ToughSeries Tape Measure is an excellent choice for home renovation projects. Its standout features include a bright yellow blade with bold, dual-sided markings, ensuring excellent readability. While the manufacturer claims it can withstand drops from up to 100 feet, we conducted our own tests from heights of 12 to 15 feet. The tape measure demonstrated impressive durability, sustaining only minor scuffs during the process. 

This tape measure delivers precise results, though it was slightly off during inside measurements (by a mere 1/64 of an inch). However, this minor discrepancy is unlikely to cause issues in most scenarios. The blade includes standard diamond markings for 19.2-inch truss or joist layouts, making it easy to identify stud placements. Be cautious when retracting the blade, as the recoil is notably strong.

Overall, the DeWalt is an excellent choice for regular use due to its high readability. However, for occasional DIYers, its heavy-duty design might feel excessive.

Blade Length: 16 feet | Blade Width: 1.25 inches | Blade Material: Steel | Weight: 1.51 pounds

Top Double-Sided Pick

The Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Tape Measure is a robust, dual-sided tool designed for durability, as its name "Shockforce" suggests. Ideal for those who find measurements challenging, it features a yellow blade with glossy black markings, including on the underside for easy reading in tight spaces. While the blade has 1/16-inch markings along its entire length, we recommend smaller increments (like 1/32 inch) for the first foot for enhanced precision.

Both the 16-foot and 25-foot models exceeded our expectations with standout lengths of 11 feet and just over 13 feet, respectively. It proved accurate for both outside and inside measurements, which are often tricky to get right. Overall, this double-sided tape measure is a dependable choice for homeowners seeking a compact, easy-to-read tool for smaller projects.

Blade Length: 25 feet, 35 feet | Blade Width: 1.18 inches | Blade Material: Steel | Weight: 1.21 pounds

Top Auto-Locking Pick

For those who value efficiency in taking measurements, an auto-lock tape measure is a must-have. The Milwaukee Compact Auto-Lock Tape Measure stands out with its spring-loaded thumb button, which replaces the traditional switch for locking. This feature also provides better control when retracting the blade.

During testing, we found that the numbers on the blade smudged when extended, which, while cleanable, could become a hassle over time. Despite this, the tape measure delivered precise measurements consistently. It has less rubber overmolding compared to others but still held up well in drop tests, showing only minor scuffs.

Blade Length: 16 feet, 25 feet | Blade Width: 0.5 inches | Blade Material: Steel | Weight: 0.95 pounds

Top-Tier Professional Choice

For a top-tier professional choice, the Stanley FatMax Tape Measure stands out. It’s perfect for frequent use, particularly in metal stud framing tasks. The blade features a protective coating to prevent wear and tear. Additionally, its one-handed functionality allows easy operation of the lock and belt clip. While we found the grip excellent, individuals with smaller hands might find it less comfortable. 

The Stanley FatMax offers a satisfactory standout for most projects, though it fell slightly short of its advertised claims. During testing, the 16-foot model achieved a standout of about 10 feet, 6 inches, while the 25-foot version reached 12 feet, 6 inches. Its smooth recoil ensures controlled retraction, though pausing and restarting the recoil proved somewhat challenging.

Blade Length: 16 feet, 25 feet | Blade Width: 1.25 inches | Blade Material: Steel | Weight: 1.7 pounds

Final Assessment

The Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure earns our top recommendation for its clear, easy-to-read markings and impressive standout, making it ideal for solo measurements over large areas. For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Milwaukee Compact Tape Measure is a solid choice. Despite its shorter reach and fewer features, it’s perfectly suited for most small DIY tasks.

Our Evaluation Methodology

To compile this list, we gathered 34 tape measures and rigorously tested them in our lab. Where available, we evaluated both the 16-foot and 25-foot versions of each model. Accuracy being critical, we conducted inside and outside measurements across four increments, ranging from 4 to 24 inches. We assessed the readability of each measurement and evaluated the ease of one-handed operation.

To determine each tape measure’s standout (the distance the blade can extend without bending), we fully extended the blade three times at varying angles. We recorded where bending occurred and compared these results to the manufacturers’ claims. We also tested the recoil and lock mechanisms by retracting the blade at maximum length, 10 feet, and 5 feet, assessing whether the recoil was smooth or difficult to manage. 

We examined the belt clip of each tape measure, evaluating how easily it could be attached one-handed or without looking. Additionally, we tested each model’s fit in a tool belt pocket, finding that some were too bulky for practical use. 

Finally, we conducted drop tests, dropping each tape measure from a step ladder (12 to 15 feet high) onto a concrete floor. We inspected for damage to the body, blade, hook, or belt clip and checked if the tape measure remained functional. After all tests, we considered each model’s price and performance to determine its overall value.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Tape Measure

Blade Length

When selecting a tape measure, the blade is a critical factor to evaluate. “The blade is the component that displays the measurements,” explains Jantz. “It’s essentially the ‘tape’ in a tape measure.” Brands offer blades in various lengths, with 25 feet being the standard. Other options include 16 feet, 35 feet, and even 100 feet. Think about the projects you’ll tackle and select a blade length that suits your needs.

Blade Width

Blade width plays a crucial role in ensuring precise measurements. Jantz highlights that a wider tape measure is easier to read and offers better standout, reducing the likelihood of snapping or bending when extended (more details below). 

Blade Material

Tape measure blades come in various materials, including fiberglass, steel, and stainless steel. Steel is the most popular and, according to Greenwell, the “best all-around material for a tape measure.” This is due to its durability and resistance to rust, even when exposed to corrosive substances.

However, Greenwell considers fiberglass tape measures to be the “most versatile.” She notes that they are lightweight, flexible, and easy to handle, making them simple to wind and unwind. Additionally, they can endure temperature changes, making them suitable for storage in various environments.

Standout

The standout of a tape measure refers to how far the blade can extend without bending or collapsing, as Jantz explains. For tasks like measuring long distances or high ceilings, a tape measure with a longer standout is highly advantageous. It’s particularly useful for solo work, as Jantz notes, “It enables one person to measure extended distances without needing a second person to hold the other end.”

Units of Measurement

Tape measures come in two primary unit systems: imperial and metric. In the U.S., imperial units are standard, with measurements typically displayed in feet and inches. In contrast, most other countries use the metric system, which measures distance in meters and centimeters.

Features

Tape measures vary by brand and often include features designed to enhance precision. For instance, some models feature auto-locking mechanisms to prevent the tape from retracting, while others have magnetic hooks that attach to metal studs. 

Blade markings also differ—some tapes display fraction marks, while others use line markings. Additionally, digital tape measures with built-in lasers are available, ideal for long-distance measurements or when higher accuracy is required.

According to Jantz, “auto-locking and a large standout are typically the most useful features for most users.” If auto-locking is a priority, we recommend the Milwaukee Compact Auto-Lock Tape Measure.

Additional Tape Measures Worth Exploring

Craftsman Pro Reach Tape Measure: This Craftsman model excelled in our evaluations, offering a standout length of 11 inches and a compact design that fits easily into standard tool belt pouches. However, its recoil mechanism was inconsistent, often failing to retract smoothly.

Milwaukee Compact Magnetic Tape Measure: We appreciated this tape measure’s clear markings and its unique method of displaying fractions with increasing length indicators. The magnetic tip is a handy feature for attaching to steel studs. That said, the narrow blade may compromise its long-term durability.

Common Questions Answered

Are tape measures completely accurate?

While tape measures are highly practical, achieving 100% accuracy is unlikely. That said, for most DIY and construction tasks, careful and precise measurements should yield sufficiently accurate results.

Which tape measure is the easiest to read?

Jantz suggests that digital tape measures, which show measurements on an LED screen and allow unit conversion between metric and imperial, or double-sided tape measures with markings on both sides, are the most user-friendly. Models with bold markings and larger numbers, such as the DeWalt Tough Series Tape Measure, are particularly easy to read, making them a great choice for clarity. 

Trust Our Recommendation 

This piece was authored by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Mytour with two years of expertise in crafting product reviews and home and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we rigorously tested 34 tape measures, evaluating aspects like blade length, width, and material. We also examined standout performance, measurement units, and additional features. Nor’adila sought insights from Ryan Jantz, co-founder of Proteus Homes, and Kimberly Greenwell, a home education specialist and host of the TV show My Southern Home, to identify the key qualities of an excellent tape measure.