The 10 Best Tape Measures of 2023

The Stanley PowerLock tape measure is a bright-colored model coated in a rubbery material. The PowerLock has a strong locked-in-place hook, and the blade is made from rust-resistant steel. This tape measure we tried out is very lightweight, making it easy to hold for long periods.

Its sturdy, chrome-plated case and Mylar-coated blade stand up to even fairly rigorous use. The blade lock lets you set a stopping point on the measuring tape right where you want it. The compact size easily fits your hand or tool belt, and it’s small enough to take on the go.

This tape measure also has a Stanley’s Tru Zero hook, starting the measurements at the beginning of the tape, giving you better accuracy when measuring long distances. Measurement markings go down to 1/16 inch, but this tape measure doesn’t include metric measurements.

The Stanley PowerLock Tape Measure and the Komelon Tape Measure are both basic tape measures that are suitable for measuring small to medium-sized objects. However, the Stanley PowerLock Tape Measure is more durable and has a longer blade, while the Komelon Tape Measure is less expensive and has a thinner blade.

If you’re looking for a tape measure with not only excellent features but a bright and unique color, the Komelon power tape can be the right choice. Other than being the best tape measure, it comes in green color. Thanks to its lightweight and mobile size, this tape measure we tried out is also easy to carry.

The professional extends up to 12 feet and is imprinted with both imperial and metric measurements down to 1/16 inches. Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand, and the attached belt clip allows you to keep it within reach. There’s a lock to keep the nylon-coated, metal blade extended to where you want it. Once released, the blade automatically retracts back into the sturdy plastic housing.

Comparing the Komelon Tape Measure and the Stanley FATMAX Magnetic Tape Measure, both mid-range tape measures that are suitable for measuring larger objects. The Komelon Tape Measure is more affordable and has a smoother blade, while the Stanley FATMAX Magnetic Tape Measure has a stronger magnetic hook and a wider blade.

With a strong magnet on the end of the hook, the Stanley FATMAX attaches securely to studs and other metal surfaces. And since you don’t have to hold it in place on one end, thanks to its auto-lock feature, you can complete various jobs single-handedly.

The auto-lock also provides precision and control during the tape blade extension, measurement, and retraction. If you don’t want to use the auto-lock, you can use the manual mode for speed marking. Reading and taking measurements is easy due to the large size of the number.

It has a cushioned, slip-resistant design that fits comfortably in your hand and an easy-to-use blade lock. This tape measure has only imperial measurements and not metric measurements. The hook can be stored inside the tape measure when not used, so it doesn’t snag on anything.

Compared to another option we evaluated, the Stanley FATMAX Magnetic Tape Measure and the DEWALT Fiberglass Long Tape Measure are both heavy-duty tape measures that are suitable for measuring large distances. The Stanley FATMAX Magnetic Tape Measure has a wider blade and a more powerful magnetic hook, while the DEWALT Fiberglass Long Tape Measure has a longer blade and is made of more durable materials.

The DEWALT Fiberglass Tape Measure is a heavy-duty tape measure that stands up to daily use. It’s made from fiberglass that can stand up to high impact and pressure. This tape measure has a blade armor coating, which helps resist water and other liquid corrosion. The rubber coating on the outside of the tape also makes it easy to grip and hold in wet conditions. The blade is rust-resistant, making it a great choice for use in damp conditions.

The side crank rolls up the tape measure quickly and easily and is ergonomic for comfort when you’re finished measuring. There’s also a professional-grade stake hoop for convenient outdoor measuring and a carabiner so you can clip the tool to your belt or toolbag.

After testing both the DEWALT Fiberglass Long Tape Measure and the Ryobi Tape Measure with Overmold and Wireworm Belt Clip, both are heavy-duty tape measures that are suitable for measuring large distances. The DEWALT Fiberglass Long Tape Measure has a longer blade and is made of more durable materials, while the Ryobi Tape Measure is more affordable and has a belt clip that makes it easy to carry.

The Wireworm Tape Measure we tested is an excellent choice for contractors who need to take measurements in the field. The blade is made of rust-resistant stainless steel and has a rubber casing protector to keep it free of damage when you’re carrying it in your tool belt or out in the elements.

The tape casing has a reinforced rubber over mold for impact resistance and comfortable grip, plus a wear-resistant nylon coating over the blade. Unlike other tape measures, this measure has fractions of an inch indicated with numerals and not small lines. It measures in imperial units only and not metric. There are seven feet of standout meaning, you won’t need somebody else to hold the blade in place up to that point.

The Ryobi Tape Measure with Overmold and Wireworm Belt Clip and the Stanley PowerLock Tape Measure are both mid-range tape measures that are suitable for measuring smaller to medium-sized objects. The Ryobi Tape Measure is more affordable and has a belt clip for easy carrying, while the Stanley PowerLock Tape Measure is more durable and has a longer blade.

Weighing less than four ounces, this is considered one of the lightest tape measures on the market today. The blade retracts smoothly and easily back into its protective casing with the help of an internal spring. If your work includes measuring curved shapes, this is one the best tape measures for you.

The non-deforming, soft plastic material we evaluated allows superior material consistency and prevents it from stretching unnecessarily. The metal tabs on each end of the tape make it easy to place the tape against the item to be measured. This tape measure is versatile and convenient for needlework, clothes making, tailoring, taking your body measurements, and small measuring tasks around the house.

Most tape measures have small lines to indicate fractions of an inch, but that can be tough to read. If you need precise measurements without squinting at tiny lines, Milwaukee auto-lock is the right choice. Unlike any of the other best tape measures, this one has a fractional scale, meaning it has the fraction printed right onto the nylon blade so that you can see indicated 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2-inch numerals.

This 25-foot tape has a 12-foot standout and automatically locks into place for quick, accurate readings before retracting back into the case. This tape measure we tried out measures only in imperial units and not metric.

The BOSCH Blaze Laser tape measure is one of the best tape measures you can find. With the click of a button, this professional-grade tool projects a laser beam as far as 65 feet with an accuracy of up to 1/8 inch. This makes it easy to measure large spaces and allows you to get a precise reading without assistance.

You can set the device to metric or imperial measurements. It’s also much faster than using a standard measuring tape. This portable tool we tested fits your pocket or tool belt, and the wrist strap frees up your hands between measurements. The backlit screen also allows you to see your measurements at night or in poorly lit spaces.

This tape measurer we tested has great features, making accurate measurements for carpenters and non-carpenters alike. With both standard and metric measurements on the tape measure, you won’t have to switch up depending on what you need measurements for.

The dual locking system allows the tape to stay in place, but some have found the retract mechanism could use some work, making it easier to manually push it back in. With a built-in pencil sharpener and an erasable notepad, you can write down your measurements to remember them.

The high-contrast tape also makes taking accurate measurements quick and easy. The heavy-duty belt clip is also a huge plus because not only is there a thumb lever to pinch the hook open to attach to thick belts or pants pockets, but it also has two holes so that it can be mounted to a wall or workbench. So, if you’re building your own house, this is the tape measure for you.

This measuring tape is for you if you’re an engineer or an architect. This tape has a powerful magnetic hook attached to its end to keep it in place while taking measurements.

This measuring tape we tried out has a high-impact ABS case with a top-grade rubber covering, which increases durability.