Whether you’re a handyman, DIY-er, plumber, or carpenter, having a good tape measure with fractions is critical. Our expert team has spent hours, days, and months to test over 50 top-rated in the market to finally find out these 8 best tape measures with fractions for you:
Here are the best tape measures with fractions you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Small Home Projects: Home Planet Gear Where's My Tape Measure
- Best For Quicker Measurement Reading: Crescent Lufkin QRL625MP
- Self-Locking: CRAFTSMAN CMHT37216S
- Ultra-Compact Design: Spec Ops-SPEC-TM25
- Durable: MulWark 26ft Measuring Tape Measure
- Easy To Read: Century Drill & Tool 72833
| 6 Best Tape Measures With Fractions | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Small Home Projects | Home Planet Gear Where's My Tape Measure | |
Best For Quicker Measurement Reading | Crescent Lufkin QRL625MP | |
Self-Locking | CRAFTSMAN CMHT37216S | |
Ultra-Compact Design | Spec Ops-SPEC-TM25 | |
Durable | MulWark 26ft Measuring Tape Measure | |
Easy To Read | Century Drill & Tool 72833 | |
Best For Small Home Projects: Home Planet Gear Where's My Tape Measure
- Compact yet not easy to lose – bigger size than other brands & eye-catching colors
- Perfect for small home projects – 10-foot max tape measuring & 1/32” of the smallest mark printed
- Inexpensive
- The print is crowded & a bit hard to read
If you plan to use a tape measure with fractions just for small home projects, this 10-foot model is the best you can find on the market.
It comes in a pack of three and the price is surprisingly inexpensive.
But don’t worry, all of them are full-on quality. Featuring non-slip grips, a strong yet flexible blade, and durable housing. The fraction is up to 1/32” and all the numbers are printed clearly.
The size of this tape measure is slightly bigger than other brands and the colors are eye-catching so that you’re less likely to lose it that easily.
| Home Planet Gear Where's My Tape Measure Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | Nylon polymer bonded flexible stainless steel |
Measuring Range | 10ft |
Smallest Mark Printed | 1/32” |
Highlight Features | bigger size than other brands & eye-catching colors 10-foot max tape measuring 1/32” of the smallest |
In head-to-head accurate and quality testing among the top-rated tape measure with fractions for small home projects, the Home Planet Gear Where's My Tape Measure is unbeatable.
Best For Quicker Measurement Reading: Crescent Lufkin QRL625MP
- Quick to read – vertical number layout
- Easy to measure from either side - numbers, and fractions set sideways to the tape
- The plastic case feels a bit cheap
The Crescent Lufkin QRL625MP sets itself apart from the competition for the highly logical display of numbers and fractions.
Instead of using a horizontal layout that often makes the print crowded, they are oriented vertically - along with reasonable size - so that you can read the measurement a lot quicker.
The numbers and fractions that are set sideways to the tape make them never upside down to hence be easy to measure correctly whether pulling from the right or left.
The feet-and-inches markings are enough although the emphasis is on inches, which is a great plus.
| Crescent Lufkin QRL625MP Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | ABS |
Measuring Range | 25 Feet |
Smallest Mark Printed | 1/16 |
Highlight Features | vertical number layout numbers and fractions setting sideways to the tape |
Whether you get stuck on reading rulers or have problems with presbyopia, then pick the Crescent Lufkin QRL625MP for quick measuring reading.
Self-Locking: CRAFTSMAN CMHT37216S
- Allow for locking the tape measure in place if needed – self-locking function
- Avoid mis-operation when locking/unlocking the tape measure – clearly labeled toggle button
- A bit bulky
For those who usually have to measure and/or calculate large footage alone, this is a great tool.
It’s accurate, easy to read, and particularly controllable.
Featuring a handy auto-lock function, it can lock down or release with just a flick of the thumb.
But different from other self-locking counterparts, this one features a lock mode rather than friction self-lock. It is also clearly labeled with “release” and “lock” toggle buttons on the top to help you avoid mis-operation every time.
We really liked the way that all the fractions are displayed: the black 1/8” marks are lower than the red 1/4, 1/2, & ¾ ones.
| CRAFTSMAN CMHT37216S Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | Rubber, ABS |
Measuring Range | 16 Feet |
Smallest Mark Printed | 1/16 |
Highlight Features | self-locking function clearly labeled toggle button |
Highlighting a unique auto-lock function with a clearly labeled toggle button, the CRAFTSMAN CMHT37216S becomes the shiniest contender when it comes to the best self-locking tape measure with fractions.
Ultra-Compact Design: Spec Ops-SPEC-TM25
- Easy inside measurements - 3.12 x 2 x 3 inches in size
- Allow for lock/unlock precisely - speed lock
- High visibility - double-sided markings and high visibility white blade
For easy inside measurements, you should opt for a tape measure with compact design, like the Spec Ops - SPEC-TM25.
Featuring a modest case that is 20% smaller than usual, it is only 3.12 x 2 x 3 inches in size – which is also one of the most compact tape measures with fractions on the market.
But don’t worry, it is still easy to read thanks to the double-sided markings and high visibility white blade.
Another notable feature is its speed lock that can quickly lock or unlock with great precision.
| Spec Ops-SPEC-TM25 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | Military-Grade Composite |
Measuring Range | 25 Feet |
Smallest Mark Printed | 1/16 |
Highlight Features | 3.12 x 2 x 3 inches in size speed lock double-sided markings and high visibility white blade |
The Spec Ops - SPEC-TM25 is unparalleled for its ultra-compact design, which makes it a perfect choice for easy inside measurements
Durable: MulWark 26ft Measuring Tape Measure
- Rust proof & impact resistant – made of high-grade materials
- Convenient to use – able to stay 13” vertically and 7” horizontally without snapping
- Easy to measure longer distances – magnetic hook
- Wish the case was bright colors
- The print is a little bit crowded
If you usually use a tape measure in harsh conditions, then we highly recommend the MulWark 26ft Measuring Tape Measure for its next-level durability.
Unlike other low-end products, this one is rust-proof, impact-resistant, and strong enough to stay vertically on its own up to 13’ and 7’ horizontally without snapping or collapsing. Besides, no chemical smell is found.
The quality of this tape measure is backed by the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty, which really convinced us.
Another interesting feature is the magnetic hook, which keeps the blade stable when measuring a long distance.
| MulWark 26ft Measuring Tape Measure Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | ABS, Metal |
Measuring Range | 26ft |
Smallest Mark Printed | 1/32 |
Highlight Features | made of high-grade materials able to stay 13” vertically and 7” horizontally without snapping magnetic hook |
Speaking of the most durable tape measure with fractions without breaking the bank, the MulWark 26ft Measuring Tape Measure is always our top pick.
Easy To Read: Century Drill & Tool 72833
- Able to measure larger areas - the 33-foot measuring range
- Easy to read - 1-1/4” blade width & large numbers and fractions
- Strong – resistance to drops and tough conditions
- A bit pricey
To some people, the ease of reading overweighs the bulkiness of a tape measure. If you’re one of them, then don’t miss out on the Century Drill & Tool 72833.
Despite the larger size – which might feel slightly cumbersome in your pocket, it boasts a wider 1-1/4” blade and a bigger number (and fraction) size so that reading the measurement is super-easy and quick.
The unit is also known for its superior strength to other counterparts as it can hold up well against tough conditions and drops. Additionally, the 33-foot length makes it ideal to measure a longer distance.
| Century Drill & Tool 72833 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | rubber & metal |
Measuring Range | 33-Foot |
Smallest Mark Printed | 1/16 |
Highlight Features | the 33-foot measuring range 1-1/4” blade width & large numbers and fractions resistance to drops and tough conditions |
If you are in need of an easy-to-read tape measure with fractions for larger areas, then the Century Drill & Tool 72833 is a good choice.
How To Choose The Best Tape Measure With Fractions?
Markings
Clear and easy-to-read printing on the blade is exactly what you should consider when it comes to choosing a tape measure.
As measurements are the most crucial factor, opt for a tape measure with foot, inch, and fraction markings. If you plan to measure a piece of furniture imported from another country, we recommend choosing a model that also has metric markings.
Stud marks - red bars indicating 16-inch intervals - are also a worth-considering feature to enhance the ease of reading.
If you are a mason who has to ensure that freshly erected walls meet building requirements, a tape measure with stud marks comes in handy.
Or, hanging pictures and mounting shelves becomes considerably simpler thanks to the presence of stud markings.
To make it easier to read, many models are printed with black diamonds in the center of the studs.
Blade
When the blade of a tape is stretched, it should remain straight and solid without dipping or denting in places.
Steel or fiberglass are two reliable material options for the blade of tapes. Stainless steel blades with nylon coating are the most long-lasting and adaptable.
Bonus: To make the tape highly visible from a distance, opt for a standout blade that can be seen from at least ten feet away.
Auto-Lock
When working alone or in confined spaces, a tape measure that automatically locks when pulled out is extremely useful. It's easy to get a precise reading when you're measuring something like the interior of a cabinet since the blade locks into place automatically.
Retracting the blade is as simple as pressing a button and letting go of your finger.
Which Brands Make The Best Tape Measure With Fractions?
Home Planet Gear
This 2015-founded family owned business is based in the USA, known for offering quality, inexpensive, and durable tapes for daily use, whether at work or at home.
Crescent
This is one of the most reliable names in the world’s hand tools and storage industry and belongs to Apex Tool Group – one of the biggest international hand tool manufacturers. Crescent was founded in 1907, which means it has over a 100-year history of performance, quality, and innovation.
Century Drill
Century Drill has been a trusted brand in offering prime-quality hand tools and power tool accessories for DIY-ers, commercial automotive shops, professionals working in the trades, and contractors since 1940.
FAQs
What does M mean on tape measure?
The letter M found on many tape measures means Measuring Instruments Directive and the number following after it means the year that the blade was stamped.
Is everybody's measurement by tape measure the same?
No, it isn’t. The measurement by a tape measure of everybody isn’t the same, but varied due to their needs.
For example, some carpenters who make small furniture will want to get accurate reading to 1/32” while others just want it to 1/8”.
What does the line on a tape measure show?
In most cases, there are 16 markings on a tape measure for every inch, which implies you can measure up to 1/16”.
Precision is determined by the number of lines between the inch markers.
What is the red dot on a tape measure?
The red dot on a tape measure is for 16”-on-center spacing.
Can my phone replace a tape measure?
Yes, you can. Once your smartphone is installed with iOS 12, it provides you with an app called “Measure”, which can act as a physical tape measure.
Conclusion
The best tape measure with fractions is the one that’s small enough to stay neat in your palm or pocket but also big enough to not be lost that easily plus easy to read. Besides, it should be sturdy and last long. That’s our standards and the 6 options above all surpassed our tests.
