How can I be sure that I am reading a tape measure correctly?

Answer by  Stephen (123)

First, you must be sure that you place the end where the numbers are lowest at the beginning of the object you are trying to measure. With that end held firmly in place, you then take your measurement of distance or length from the other end.

Answer by  pyritejenny (347)

There's a saying in the construction industry: "Measure twice, cut once." This doesn't necessarily mean you only measure twice. It means you check your measurements from different directions, say from left to right and then from right to left,until they agree. Otherwise, you might waste materials and/or time.