Buzz
Sometimes, it's important to know your height, especially when purchasing clothes. If no one is around to assist you, follow these instructions to measure your height on your own.
Steps
Use a measuring tape
Prepare the tools you need for the measurement. Make sure you have at least one of the following items:
- Measuring tape, a long ruler, or a folding ruler
- Mirror
- Pencil
- Small box or thick book
Choose a suitable spot to measure freely. The selected area should meet the following criteria:
- Select a flat, spacious floor area next to a wall.
- Choose a spot where you can lean your back against the wall.
- Pick a spot where you can mark the wall with a pencil.
- Stand on a concrete, tile, or hardwood floor. Avoid standing on a carpeted surface.
- Look for a spot near a door or in a corner to help you measure easily with the tape measure.
- Choose a location directly across from a large mirror so you don't need a handheld mirror.
Get ready to measure your height. Remember to do the following:
- Remove your shoes and socks. You should only measure when barefoot, as flip-flops, indoor slippers, and even socks can affect the accuracy of the measurement.
- Take off everything from your head. Do not wear a hat, clip your hair, or tie it up. It's best to comb your hair straight.
- Stand with your back against the wall, feet together. Keep your knees straight, with your back, shoulders, and head touching the wall. Chin down, and eyes straight ahead.
Follow the instructions below to measure your height by yourself. Be sure to have everything ready so you can easily access them during the measurement.
- One hand should hold a small box, while the other holds a mirror and a pencil.
- Place the small box on your head and press it firmly against the wall.
- Look in the mirror to ensure the box is parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the wall, forming a right angle. Avoid tilting the box, as it will cause incorrect measurements.
Mark the position above your head on the wall with a pencil. Be sure not to move the box or your fingers while doing this.
- Mark the base of the box on the wall. Keep the box in place and step back if possible.
- Place your finger at the base of the box and hold it steady as you step back.
- You can still mark the position on the wall without stepping away from the box.
Use a tape measure to measure from the floor to the marked spot on the wall. Keep the tape measure straight along the wall.
- If your tape measure is too short to measure your height, continue measuring to the highest point your tape can reach and mark it on the wall.
- Record the height.
- Continue measuring until you reach the marked height.
- Add up all the measurements to get your total height.
Using a makeshift ruler
Create a ruler using paper money, string, tape, and a marker. Measure your height using a makeshift ruler if you don't have a tape measure or regular ruler.
- Use this method if you need to know your height immediately and don't have time to find a proper measuring tool.
- Keep in mind that this method is only approximate.
Use paper money to make a ruler. Creating a ruler from paper money is easier since, for example, US bills are all 15cm in length.
- Place the paper money next to the string. Keep both the bill and string flat on the floor.
- Mark the length of the bill on the string with a marker and repeat until you reach a length of 1.8 meters.
- You can use any bill you have on hand.
Use the makeshift ruler as you would a regular one. Tape the string to the wall.
- Be careful not to break the string.
- Stand upright with your feet and back against the wall.
- Mark the top of your head on the string.
- Look at the string to see your height.
Using a standing ruler
Find a standing ruler to help you measure your height. You can find standing rulers at a doctor's office or in a gym.
- Choose an electronic standing ruler. An electronic ruler will provide more accurate results.
- Choose a ruler with markings and a horizontal slider at the top, so you can adjust it precisely to the top of your head.
- Consider asking your doctor to help you measure your height with a standing ruler.
Prepare yourself for the height measurement. Make sure to do the following:
- Remove your shoes and socks. Only measure your height when barefoot, as flip-flops, slippers, and even socks will affect the accuracy of the measurement.
- Take off any items from your head. Do not wear hats, pins, or tie your hair. Press the slider on the standing ruler to the top of your head.
- Stand on the ruler with your back against the wall and your feet together. Stand straight, ensuring that your heels, back, shoulders, and head are in contact with the wall. Keep your chin down and eyes straight ahead.
Adjust the slider on the standing ruler to align it properly with your head. Remember that you can move the slider up and down.
- Ensure that the standing ruler is in good condition before measuring your height.
- You may need to fold or rotate the slider so that it is perpendicular to the floor.
Check your height on the standing ruler. Step away from the slider after adjusting it, and check your height.
- Your height will be displayed on the ruler.
- Look for the arrow indicating your height just below the slider.
- The electronic standing ruler will show your height on a small screen.
Advice
- Measure your height in the morning. Our spine compresses over the course of the day, causing us to shrink. Measuring in the morning gives you the most accurate and full height measurement.
