The longest tick mark usually indicates 1 inch
The next longest tick mark usually indicates 1/2 inch
Slightly shorter tick marks usually indicate 1/4 inch
Smaller tick marks usually indicate 1/8 inch
Very small tick marks usually indicate 1/16 inch
On some tape measures, even smaller marks indicate 1/32 inch
Count the spaces between inch marks to identify the fraction
Read the number next to the nearest full inch mark
Add the fraction shown by the tick mark after that inch mark
Use the printed fraction labels if your tape measure includes them