Find the inch marks on the tape
Identify the longest lines for whole inches
Count the smaller lines between whole inches
Read the fractions based on line length
Use 1/2 for the middle-length line
Use 1/4 and 3/4 for quarter-inch marks
Use 1/8 for eighth-inch marks
Use 1/16 for the smallest common marks
Start from the zero mark
Read the number at the end of the measurement
Combine whole inches and fractions
Check the tape direction before measuring