Our testers have been side-to-side testing numerous tape measures for seven years, getting hands on more than 50 options in the market. For this review, we purchased 10 of the top-rated models to figure out the best performers in different workplaces. Read on to find the most accurate tape measure to meet your needs!
Here are the most accurate tape measures you can buy in 2024:
- Sturdy (Classic Tape Measure): DAYOU 40% Thicker Nylon Wrap Blade Tape
- Easy To Read (Classic Tape Measure): Klein Tools 9225KLE
- Easy To Release (Classic Tape Measure): HEIKIO T19005
- Longest Range Measurement (Laser Tape Measure): Tavool Tackvool LDM-50
- Quick Measuring (Laser Tape Measure): LEXIVON LX-207
- Durable (Laser Tape Measure): PREXISO PLT40L
| 6 Most Accurate Tape Measures | ||
|---|---|---|
Sturdy | DAYOU 40% Thicker Nylon Wrap Blade Tape
| |
Easy To Read | Klein Tools 9225KLE
| |
Easy To Release | HEIKIO T19005
| |
Longest Range Measurement | Tavool Tackvool LDM-50
| |
Quick Measuring | LEXIVON LX-207
| |
Durable | PREXISO PLT40L
| |
Sturdy: DAYOU 40% Thicker Nylon Wrap Blade Tape
- Able to stay 157” upright – the thickened blade
- More wear-resistant than nylon-coated tape measures - nylon wrap design
- Long-lasting – the upgraded high-performance spring
- Wish the quick stop button was stronger
- It has a pungent plastic scent
The DAYOU 40% Thicker Nylon Wrap Blade Tape is one of the few made with thickened blades to be exceptionally sturdy.
It is not only suitable for those who want a tape measure that lasts but also comes in handy if you want it to stand upright as much as possible. With this one, it is able to stay 157” upright.
The upgraded spring and nylon wrap are two practical features making this tape more durable. It is proven to last twice longer than normal spring and 10 times more wear-resistant than those tapes with nylon coating.
| DAYOU 40% Thicker Nylon Wrap Blade Tape Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | Plastic |
Measuring Range | 25 Feet |
Smallest Mark Printed | 1/8” |
Highlight Features | the thickened blade nylon wrap design upgraded spring |
The DAYOU 40% Thicker Nylon Wrap Blade Tape stands out for its unparalleled sturdiness. If you treat it nicely, it should offer you many years of use.
Easy To Read: Klein Tools 9225KLE
- Easy to read – an extra-wide blade, three-phrase layout guide, and enlarged numbers
- Easy to attach to ferromagnetic objects – a very strong magnetic hook
- A little pricey
The Klein Tools 9225KLE is a great option for those who find seeing the numbers is the most important part of a tape measure.
It features an extra-wide blade with enlarged numbers and uncluttered bold lines so that everyone can easily read to the smallest mark printed. There’s no glare on the yellow blade, which is a great plus.
The magnet is a lot stronger than other magnetic tape measures that we’ve tested.
| Klein Tools 9225KLE Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | PC-ABS with TPR Overmolding, Steel Blade & Steel, & Plastic Case |
Measuring Range | 25 Feet |
Smallest Mark Printed | 1/8-Inch |
Highlight Features | an extra-wide blade, three-phrase layout guide, and enlarged numbers a very strong magnetic hook |
We find the Klein Tools 9225KLE to be the easiest to read of the classic tape measures because of its enlarged numbers and uncluttered bold lines
Easy To Release: HEIKIO T19005
- Easy to release – strong and secure double stop buttons
- Ideal for measuring larger objects – the 33’ measuring range
- Compact and feeling good in hand
- The magnet could be sturdier
We like the HEIKIO T19005 for its strong and secure locking mechanism. Featuring double stop buttons, it engages and releases well to quickly and precisely stop the blade at the desired length with no risks of bruised fingers.
The strong lock also comes in handy when you want to bend the tape into a corner.
The extended 33’ measuring range is perfect for bigger projects. Despite the added length, the tape measure itself still feels quite good in hand and not too heavy like some.
| HEIKIO T19005 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | ABS cover, rubber cover, & steel tape blade |
Measuring Range | 33 feet |
Smallest Mark Printed | 1/8-Inch |
Highlight Features | strong and secure double stop buttons the 33’ measuring range |
The HEIKIO T19005 is a great option to consider if you want an accurate, easy-to-release classic tape measure
Longest Range Measurement: Tavool Tackvool LDM-50
- Suitable for measuring extra-large objects - Able to measure up to 165 feet with extreme accuracy of ±1/16 inch
- Multifunctional – Pythagoras measurement & volume and area calculation
- Convenient to use - multiple preset modes, mute function, auto-shutoff, and data memory
- Vague manuals
- Probably complicated to use for beginners
Of all the laser tape measures that we’ve tested, the Tavool Tackvool LDM-50 provides the longest range measurement – up to 165 feet - at an incredibly affordable price.
This laser tape can measure distance as small as 1/16 inch and give you the result after only 0.3 second thanks to the quality PC optical curved lens. It is also able to measure Pythagoras, and calculate volume and area, making your projects more effortless and productive.
There’s more, you’ll benefit from its wide array of add-ons like multiple preset modes, mute function, auto-shutoff, and data memory.
| Tavool Tackvool LDM-50 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 7.8 ounces |
Materials | Metal |
Measuring Range | 165 ft. |
Accuracy | ±1/16 inch |
Highlight Features | Able to measure up to 165 feet with extreme accuracy of ±1/16 inch Pythagoras measurement & volume and area calculation multiple preset modes, mute function, auto-shutoff, and data memory |
The Tavool Tackvool LDM-50 is a real rock star that provides the longest measuring range up to 165 feet at a comparatively affordable price.
Quick Measuring: LEXIVON LX-207
- Quickly switch between two measuring types – a switch lock
- Fast measuring – the strong pressure button
- Wish the tape release button was on the bottom of the tape
For small home projects, the LEXIVON LX-207 is the best choice due to its lightness, ease of use for quick measuring, and durability.
You can effortlessly change between the classic tape measure and laser measure through a switch lock. And there’s a pressure button to keep the blade at the desired length quickly. They all help cut off the total time for measurement up to 70%.
| LEXIVON LX-207 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 10.2 ounces |
Materials | ABS |
Measuring Range | 16 Feet |
Accuracy | 5/8” |
Highlight Features | a switch lock the strong pressure button |
If you wish to tackle multiple measuring tasks in a shorter timer, the quick-measuring LEXIVON LX-207 is a dream-come-true.
Durable: PREXISO PLT40L
- Durable & strong - hard ABS housing & thickened, nylon-coated blade with 8.2’ standout
- Efficient & easy to read in low light conditions - inverted backlit color display
- Long-lasting – offering 5000 laser measurements per charge
- The laser function doesn’t measure anything shorter than 1’
- Not auto-lock the tape measure when you extend it
This laser tape measure is probably the most expensive in today’s review list, but definitely well-worth if you need something heavy-duty for contractors or a job-site.
It features an ultra-strong blade with an 8.2'stand. The nylon coating holds up against wear pretty well while the hard ABS housing provides great protection from shock and collision.
It’s exceptionally efficient. Per full charge, the laser measuring function lasts 5000 measurements. The inverted backlit color display consumes very little energy.
| PREXISO PLT40L Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 0.49 ounces |
Materials | ABS |
Measuring Range | Tape: 16 Feet Laser: 135 feet |
Accuracy | 1/8 inch |
Highlight Features | hard ABS housing & thickened, nylon-coated blade with 8.2’ standout inverted backlit color display offering 5000 laser measurements per charge |
We find the PREXISO PLT40L 100% worth the price for superior durability and accuracy in measuring.
How To Choose The Most Accurate Tape Measure?
Purpose Of Use
There's no useless tape measure!
Even an unclassified tape measure found in a bargain bin of your local DIY superstore or hardware store is accurate enough for some certain measurements.
The key here is to determine your purpose of use and budget to find the right one.
Unclassified tape measures are incredibly affordable and accurate enough for rough measurements - commonly garden projects or home use - while the classified ones are best for cases where you need the absolute accuracy to the fraction of an inch.
Then, classified tape measures are divided into three groups:
- Class I - which is the most accurate and expensive in the market. It is accurate to ±1.1mm at 10m (equivalent to 43/1000" at 32.8') at a pulling force of 50 Newtons and 20°C.
- Class II - which is accurate to ±2.3mm at 10m at the same condition as stated above.
- Class III - which is accurate to ±4.6mm
Speaking of the application, C1 tape measures are commonly used for sensitive industry and precise trades; C2 tape measures are for engineering professionals, constructions, and trade people; C3 tape measures are for machine construction.
Type Of Tape Measure
There are two types of tape measure:
- Classic (or traditional) tape measures
- Laser (or digital) tape measures
Highlight Features | Limitation | Best for | |
Classic tape measure | More affordable Durable Extremely compact and lightweight | Short measuring range (commonly around 30-40 feet) Potential risks of broken metal hooks, faded markings, and kink blade | Home use or DIY projects |
Laser tape measure | The maximum measuring ranges are up to 165 feet The most accuracy Providing a clear digital readout | Bulkier and heavier Expensive | Constructions and job-site projects |
Note: There are many hybrid tape measures these days built with a classic tape measure and a laser measure to meet multiple measuring needs. However, they’re heavier, bulkier, and costlier.
Markings
The accuracy of a tape measure also depends on how clear its markings are. Not saying that too small or cluttered layout makes the readout more difficult.
Which Brands Make The Most Accurate Tape Measure?
Klein Tools
With over 160 years of expertise in hand tool manufacturing, it's no strange that Klein Tools has been the world's best brand and is the reliable stop for global customers for the finest tapes and the best customer service.
HEIKIO
HEIKIO provides the best tapes for everyone, from hobbyists, DIY-ers to professionals with the highest quality and most user-friendly design at the best prices.
Tavool
Tavol is dedicated to manufacturing premium measure and inspect tools, meaning that all of their products are rigorously tested based on the international standards for superior accuracy, durability, and innovative design. They are one of the most reliable worldwide distributors and gain huge market share in many countries and regions.
FAQs
Is a tape measure more accurate than a ruler?
Yes, it is. A tape measure is not only more accurate especially in measuring longer or bigger objects but also faster than a ruler.
How accurate is a Stanley tape measure?
All Stanley tapes are class II accurate, meaning that they are accurate to ±2.3mm at 10m at a pulling force of 50 Newton and 20°C
Are cheap laser measures accurate?
Most cheap laser measures are accurate to 1/8” or 1/16”.
How do you read a laser tape measure?
To learn to read a laser tape measure, please watch this tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQJbzVHuaB4
Can you use a tape measure to measure your waist?
Yes, you can. Place a tape measure at the level of your belly button, hold the metal hook while pulling the tape all the way around your waist. Keep it straight and not too tight. Don’t hold your breath, either.
Conclusion
Our recommendation of the most accurate tape measure in this review fills the needs of common measuring tasks. They all offer a balanced blend of quality and accuracy. Hopefully, you find this post to be helpful in your decision-making process. Thanks for reading!
