Standard steel tape measures typically vary in width depending on their design and intended use.
Typical Tape Measure Width
According to the provided reference from Wikipedia, a steel tape measure is made of steel ribbon varying in width from 6 mm to 16 mm.
This range covers the common widths you would find in standard measuring tapes used for various tasks, from household DIY projects to professional construction.
Why Do Widths Vary?
The width of the tape measure ribbon can impact its rigidity and length.
- Narrower Tapes (e.g., 6 mm): Often found in shorter, pocket-sized tapes. They are flexible but may kink more easily when extended far without support.
- Wider Tapes (e.g., 16 mm and wider): Common in longer tapes (like 25ft, 30ft, or 50ft/10m, 30m, 50m as mentioned in the reference). The extra width provides rigidity, allowing the tape to extend further horizontally ("standout") without bending or collapsing.
Here is a summary based on the reference:
| Tape Material | Width Range |
|---|---|
| Steel Ribbon | 6 mm to 16 mm |
While "standard" doesn't pinpoint a single measurement, this range represents the typical widths encountered for steel tape measures.
