How to Measure the Width of a Ditch

Ditches are long, uniform depressions commonly found along roads and highways, especially in rural areas. Ditches can be used to drain water from surfaces and channel it elsewhere, or serve as a system of irrigation, such as on a farm. By design, ditches slope inward to direct the flow of water and thus will measure different widths at different points.

Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Place the start of the tape measure at the top of one side of the ditch. If possible, have another person hold the end of the tape measure in place exactly where the ditch starts. Pull the tape measure to the opposite side of the ditch width-wise so the tape measure is level to the ground. Read the tape measure at the exact point where the ditch begins on your side. For example, you may measure a width of 6 1/4 feet.
- 2
  Step into the ditch to measure the width at approximately its middle. For example, if your ditch has a depth of 4 feet, measure the width at a depth of 2 feet. Have your helper hold the starting end of the tape measure on one side of the ditch and extend the tape measure across the ditch so it is parallel to the top. Read the tape measure at the point where it touches the opposite side of the ditch. For example, you might get a measurement of 3 feet.
- 3
  Find the width of the very bottom of the ditch. Hold the starting end tape measure and extend it to the opposite side, again parallel to the top of the ditch. Read the tape measure at the point where it touches the other side of the ditch. For example, you may get a reading of 9 1/2 inches.

How Deep to Install Sprinkler Pipes

How to Kill a Mayday Tree

Lawn Maintenance