A typical tape measure will not always be effective for measuring distance.
Measuring distances is an important skill that most students learn in early elementary school. Students may find it difficult to measure distances because of different measuring tools and varying units of measurement. This difficulty may be compounded when students measure very short, vertical distances. Short horizontal distances can often be easier to measure, as a ruler or other measuring tool can lay flat next to whatever is being measured. Measuring vertical distances may require an extra hand since someone will usually have to hold the measuring device.
Instructions
1. Measure with a standard ruler. Place the ruler adjacent to the distance you have to measure. Align the object or distance you will measure with the first visible line on the ruler, not the edge of the ruler, since a standard ruler has a small amount of length before its zero mark. Record the distance being measured. If you start you measurement on the ruler's first line, the measurement will be identical to the numerical indication on the ruler. If you start the measurement anywhere else, you will have to use subtraction to determine the actual distance. For instance, if your distance measurement starts at "2" on a metric ruler and ends at "6 on the ruler, the distance is four centimeters.
2. Place a 6-inch rule directly against a surface and hold it vertically. Unlike a standard 6-inch ruler, a 6-inch rule is exactly six inches long; so a 6-inch rule can be placed directly against a surface without compensating for extra distance at the ends of the rule. Record the number at the end of the distance you are measuring.
3. Extend a tape measure along the distance to be measured. A standard metallic tape measure may be difficult to use for very short vertical distances. You may need a more flexible tape measure that can easily hang down vertically or even be held in place exactly along the distance being measured. Read the measurements in the same way that you read measurements on a standard ruler.
4. Measure distance with calipers if you are measuring an object that the calipers jaws can grip. Tighten the caliper jaws around the object and read the measurement on the calipers. Reading that measurement will vary according to the type of calipers you use. Dial calipers show a measurement on a dial on the side of the calipers. Other calipers may indicate measurements directly on the side of the calipers and digital calipers provide an exact measurement on a digital screen.
5. Measure with a depth gauge if you have to measure a vertical distance inside of an opening or in another area where the edges of the depth gauge can lie flat. Rest the edges of the depth gauge along the outer edges of the item being measured. Push the top of the depth gauge down until it bottoms out, or touches the bottom of the item being measured. Read the distance on the depth gauge. The measurements may be indicated on different areas depending on what type of depth gauge is being used. For instance, a simple tire-type depth gauge will show readings on the top of the device, while a sophisticated, calibrated, digital depth gauge shows measurements on an electronic screen.
Tags: depth gauge, being measured, tape measure, 6-inch rule, standard ruler, vertical distances, against surface