Precise measuring and marking are part of the most fundamental know-hows in carpentry.
Brush up on your skills (or learn!)
with our easy-to-follow guide.
Credit: Shaun Sullivan
Knowing how to measure and mark lumber is essential toall other carpentry skills.
The success of many DIY projects will depend on accurate measurements and markings.
Luckily, this doesn’t require complicated or expensive equipment.
Credit: Dave Toht
You just need the correct tools and concentration.
For starters, if you don’t already own a quality tape measure, buy one.
The wide blade extends a long way without buckling.
Credit: Larry Johnston
If possible, get a tape measure that doesn’t have the first few inches divided into 32nds.
These fine markings are rarely needed in carpentry projects and can be distracting.
Learn to spot the 1/4- and 1/8-inch markings instinctively.
Credit: Larry Johnston
They’re good benchmarks for other measurements.
Be sure to take on-site measurements even if you’ve drawn precise plans ahead of time.
Your plans might be perfect, but the work site might not be.
Credit: Larry Johnston
Use our guide below to learn how to measure and mark lumber for successful DIY carpentry projects.
This is less accurate, especially if the back of the case is not square.
Always keep the tape straight and at a right angle to the surfaces you’re measuring.
Credit: Larry Johnston
Tapes don’t always agree, so your measurements might not match.
To keep all your measurements consistently accurate, always use one tape on a project.
Step 1: Check for square and mark.
Credit: Larry Johnston
Before cutting a board, confirm the end that you won’t cut is square.
If it’s not, cut it square and remeasure.
Mark the measurement with a V, not a straight line.
Credit: Larry Johnston
Step 2: Mark the waste side.
Mark a straight line to indicate when you’ll cut.
Draw a large X to signify the waste side of the cut.
Step 1: Snap chalk line.
Mark the width of the cut on both ends with a tape measure or square.
Hook a chalk line tightly on the marks and snap the line.
Step 2: Mark the length of the board.
Draw the square and pencil down the length of the board to mark the cut line.
How to Mark Miter Cuts
Miter cuts are angled crosscuts, which most often measure 45 degrees.
Draw the cut line.
It features a swinging blade that can be adjusted to any angle and tightened in place for tracing.
Then move the tool to the piece you want to cut, and mark the line along the blade.
How to Measure Lumber On-Site
Mark actual length measurements on-site whenever possible.
No matter how accurately you take measurements with a tape measure, there’s no substitute for on-site measurements.
Any number of factors can throw a measurement off, and even a small discrepancy can make a difference.
Remember that lumber dimensions might not be exact.
