How to Measure into a Corner with a Tape Measure

Using the Casing

• 1

  Unroll the tape slightly and press the metal tip of the measuring blade at the point where you wish to begin the measurement. Please note that in certain cases you can hook the metal end on the end of a baseboard or other piece of molding, but most of the time the best method is to apply gentle pressure so the metal edge rests firmly against the starting point. In some cases an assistant may be necessary to hold the tape edge at the exact point.

• 2

  Uncoil the tape and at the same time move the tape housing until you reach the inside corner.

• 3

  Butt the outside edge of the housing tight into the corner and make sure that there is no slack in the tape.

• 4

  Lock the tape. Nearly all tape measure tools have a locking device, usually a large plastic sliding button, that moves in a downwards direction and prevents the tape from moving in either direction.

• 5

  Lift the tape and read the measurement on the tape at the point, where it enters the housing.

• 6

  Add the length along the base of the housing to the measurement for your final calculation. This length of the tool should be clearly printed on the casing (or housing) that holds the tape.

• 7

  Recoil the tape blade into the housing. Do this carefully so as not to tear the thin strip of metal that displays all the numbers.

Make Two Measurements

• 8

  Make a mark near the center of the length that you wish to measure. Only one mark is needed and it does not have to be exactly in the center of the linear distance.

• 9

  Measure from the inside of the wall to the mark that you just made. Be sure you press the end of the tape into the wall so that the metal tip is in the compressed position.

• 10

  Make a measurement in the opposite direction that runs right up to the mark. Please note that in this case there are many possible places that you could be measuring, such as inside corner to inside corner; outside corner to inside corner; window to inside corner; or, doorway to inside corner.

• 11

  Add the two measurements together.