Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Tackle your next DIY project with these top picks.
Credit:Irwin / Lowe’s
For beginners, thats probably the best thing to look for in a tape measure.
No matter what your next project is, these tape measures have the features you need for precise measuring.
For more on how we tested tape measures, seeour testing processbelow.
Credit: Lowe’s
Its a bit bulky, so it might be a tight fit for a tool belt pouch.
The Irwin Strait-Line tape measure is our top pick for the best tape measure.
The bright yellow blade features large numbers and double-sided markings.
We liked the ability to control the speed of the blade as it fed out and retracted.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
The tape measure has stud markings that are conveniently placed every 16 inches.
This 16-foot tape measure is also available in a 25-foot option for longer measurements.
After dropping it on concrete in our testing lab, our testers found it didnt have any visible damage.
The brand also claims the tape measure can survive up to an 80-foot drop.
However, our testers could easily use the belt clip to attach it to their belts instead.
The tape blade is a little flimsy, making for a lower standout measurement.
During testing, this tape measure earned perfect scores for its durability and accuracy.
The tape measure features a nylon-coated blade with a bright color for high visibility.
It also features double-sided printing on the blade with nail sizes and decimal equivalents for quick conversions.
Coupled with a dual-ended hook, the double-sided blade is versatile for all kinds of measuring and conversions.
Our testers noted that the recoil was smooth and quick, and the auto-lock feature made one-handed measurements effortless.
Testers found both inside and outside measurements to be precisely accurate with this tape measure.
If you stop it during a recoil, it may have difficulty returning to its case without the assistance.
The fully coated blade adds to the durability and extends the life of the tape measure.
However, it had difficulty recoiling when the tester stopped it during a long or full-length recoil.
It clips easily onto a tool belt or pocket with only one hand.
And if you dont like the belt clip, it removes easily without the need to unscrew it.
The belt clip is overly stiff and difficult to use one-handed.
For those looking for a compact measuring tape, this Milwaukee tool is the best option.
The tape blade even features a fractional scale to makereading and converting your measurementseven simpler.
This tape measure doesnt compromise on durability despite its small size.
Wear-resistant nylon also protects the blade and offers greater durability and longevity.
The blade also retracted carefully without an aggressive recoil.
It had a standout of 8 feet and 10 inches, which is 10 inches more than advertised.
However, we recommend the Milwaukee Compact because of its modest price, portability, and comfort.
The belt clip is very difficult to operate.
The Milwaukee Compact Magnetic tape measure is the best if you prefer a magnetic option.
The fraction increments of this tape measure are easily distinguishable on its yellow tape blade.
However, the thin and narrow width of the blade caused it to still whip around as it recoiled.
This tape measure was relatively durable, suffering only minor scuffs on the body after being dropped three times.
Credit: Lowe’s
With the magnetic tip and compact size, this tape measure is an affordable option for anyDIY project.
The large size may be cumbersome for people with smaller hands.
This sturdy 16-foot model from DeWalt is the best option for people who are tough on their tools.
The Komelon tape measure has a slightly long body and is a bit harder to clip onto a tool belt.Credit: Dera Burreson
This tape measure was unphased by our drop test, with testers describing it as rugged and well-made.
The increment markings are large, bold, and easy to read against the high-visibility yellow tape.
A double-sided print with identical markings on the top and bottom of the blade makes for clear overhead measurements.
It had a strong recoil without whipping around aggressively.
This tape measure also has a removable hook magnet that is useful for working with metal.
It can get caught on the retraction when it is fully extended.
The Crescent Lufkin Shockforce stood out among the best tape measures for its easy-to-read double-sided tape.
The back of the tape features vertical markings to accommodate difficult overhead measurements.
This tape measure also had the highest standout during testing.
Testers found it had an impressive standout of 13 feet and 5 inches.
The nylon-coated blade extends the durability of the tape measure and reduces glare.
During testing, the blade had a smooth recoil that was effortless to control.
The tape is a bit flimsy, so its not the best for long-distance measurements.
Many tape measures feature an auto-lock that makes one-handed measuring much easier.
The auto-lock feature on the Milwaukee Compact Autolock tape measure conveniently locks the blade into place for quick measuring.
The tape measure also features a wear-resistant nylon blade coating and a reinforced frame.
However, they noted the body was a slightly awkward length that made for tricky math for inside measurements.
Testers said the belt clip was somewhat stiff but still workable.
The recoil was smooth and easy to control using the retraction button.
After three drops, it suffered minor scuffs to the body and over-molding, but its performance was unaffected.
Our testers closely examined each tape measure to determine the accuracy of the measurements.
Each tape measure was retracted to evaluate the spring loading and recoil of the blade.
Markings
All tape measures have markings to indicate each length increment.
Tape measures can use imperial or metric measuring units, or both.
Credit: Courtesy by Acme Tools
A tape measures standout should be at least 7 to 8 feet, but further is even better.
However, standouts can be impacted by the angle at which you hold the tape measure.
Autolock
Many tape measures have a sliding mechanism that locks and unlocks the tape.
The 10-foot standout made it possible to take many measurements with a single person, rather than needing assistance.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Other tape measures feature an auto-lock, which automatically locks the tape in place when it is pulled out.
It also lacked durability and became deformed after our drop test, affecting its accuracy on certain measurements.
It was prone to kinking and bending much more than other tape measures we tested.
Overall, we chose not to include it on the list because it lacked durability.
Stanley Leverlock 30-812
We decided theStanley Leverlock 30-812wasnt worth purchasing because it broke during testing.
Additionally, the tape measure had a mediocre standout measurement of only 5 feet and 9 inches.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the easiest tape measure to read?
Tape measures with standard scales rather than metric scales are easiest to read.
Markings on both sides of the tape will be easier to read than markings on only one side.
Look for high contrast between the color of the tape blade and the markings on the tape.
What tape measure has the longest standout?
The standout is the distance a tape measure can extend from the case before it bends.
How much do tape measures cost?
Tape measures are generally inexpensive, even for higher-end models.
The median price of the tape measures we tested was $19.
The cost of all tape measures we tested ranged from $4 to $37.
Who We Are
Molly Blancois an editorial apprentice for Dotdash Meredith.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Credit: The Home Depot
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Looking for more products that have earned ourBHG Recommends seal of approval?
The Milwaukee Compact sustained minor cosmetic damage during the drop test, but the reinforced frame ensured performance was not impacted.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
Credit: Home Depot
The magnetic tip of the tape measure held firmly to a stud at a distance of 14 feet.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit: Home Depot
The rubber-coated body makes the DeWalt Tough Series Tape Measure and especially rugged option.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit: Walmart
The Crescent Lufkin tape measure can easily be attached to a belt or pocket with one hand.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Credit: The Home Depot
We like how the autolock feature on this tape measure allows you to lock the blade in place for quick measuring.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
