Find the longest marks for whole inches
Count the spaces between whole-inch marks
Use the smaller marks to identify fractions of an inch
Half-inch marks are the next longest after whole inches
Quarter-inch marks are shorter than half-inch marks
Eighth-inch marks are shorter than quarter-inch marks
Sixteenth-inch marks are the smallest common marks
Read from left to right starting at zero
Add the fraction to the whole inch number
Match the mark to the nearest labeled fraction if present
Use the tape’s printed numbers as inch values
Check whether the tape measure starts at zero or a hook end
Keep the tape straight for an accurate reading
Record the measurement as inches and fractions of an inch