Reading a metric tape measure is straightforward once you understand the markings: you find the main centimeter mark and then count the smaller millimeter divisions.
Reading a metric tape measure involves identifying the main centimeter marks and then determining the number of millimeters that follow.
Understanding the Markings
Metric tape measures use the metric system, primarily measuring in centimeters (cm) and millimeters (mm).
- Centimeters (cm): The large, bold markings on a metric tape measure indicate centimeters. These are often numbered (e.g., 1, 2, 3...). There are typically 10 millimeters in each centimeter.
- Millimeters (mm): The smaller, unnumbered lines between the centimeter marks represent millimeters. There are usually ten of these smaller lines between two consecutive centimeter marks.
- Half-Centimeters (0.5 cm or 5 mm): Often, the long mark in the center between two centimeter marks indicates a half-centimeter point (or 5 millimeters). This helps in quickly locating the 5 mm mark within any given centimeter.
Steps for Reading a Measurement
To accurately read a measurement on a metric tape measure, follow these steps:
- Locate the Start Point: Place the beginning of the tape (usually the metal tab) at the starting point of what you want to measure.
- Find the End Point: Extend the tape measure to the end point of your measurement.
- Identify the Whole Centimeter: Find the nearest whole centimeter mark before the end point you reached. The large, bold numbers help you quickly identify these.
- Reference Note: Find the nearest whole centimeter to the end point.
- Count the Millimeters: Examine the remaining indicator lines after the last whole centimeter mark and before your end point. Count these smaller lines. Each line represents one millimeter.
- Reference Note: Examine the remaining indicator lines to see how many millimeters are left over.
- Combine the Measurement: The total measurement is the number of whole centimeters plus the number of millimeters you counted.
Example:
If your end point is past the '7' centimeter mark and lands on the third small line after the '7', your measurement is 7 centimeters and 3 millimeters. This can be written as:
- 7 cm and 3 mm
- 7.3 cm (since 1 mm = 0.1 cm)
- 73 mm (since 1 cm = 10 mm)
Common Metric Equivalents
Understanding the relationship between cm and mm makes reading easier:
| Unit | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 Centimeter | 10 Millimeters |
| 0.5 Centimeter | 5 Millimeters |
| 1 Millimeter | 0.1 Centimeter |
By following these steps and understanding the markings, you can accurately read any measurement on a metric tape measure.
