Counting up just like a standard tape, these don’t have indicators for feet, but every 10th centimeter is red or has some other way to stand out. Metric tape measures break down into 10 millimeters for every centimeter.

If you’re learning how to read a tape measure in millimeters, things change a bit. For example, it might show you that 22 inches are also equal to 1 foot, 10 inches. Some tapes have an additional smaller number that goes with the last foot mark you hit. Once you get beyond 1 foot, the inch markings keep going up with 13, 14, 15, etc rather than starting over at 1. Starting at the hook, it has number markings for every inch, followed by additional numbered markings for every foot. These are the clearest, boldest markings you’ll see. Tape measures do their most basic work in inches and feet. How to Read a Tape Measure in Inches and Feet Overmold: rubberized material on the housing that adds comfort and drop protection.Clip (or Belt Clip): a metal piece on the side that clips the tape to your belt, pocket, or bag.Lock: the sliding piece on the front of the tape that stops it from coming back in when you press it down.Housing: the plastic or metal case that the blade rolls back into.Blade: the “tape” in a tape measure that has the measurements printed on it.Hook: the end of the tape that grabs or pushes against material.Tape measures may differ in how some of these parts and features look, but most fall into these general categories:

Before we look at reading the tape measure, let’s go over some of the basic parts.

Funny tape measure reading pics