Measuring tape into corners can be a tricky task, but it’s essential for getting accurate measurements for projects like installing trim or laying flooring. Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks you can use to make this task easier.
One way to measure tape into corners is to use a carpenter’s square. Simply place the square against the corner, with the long edge of the square aligned with one of the walls. Then, hold the tape measure against the other edge of the square and extend it to the desired length. The measurement you read on the tape will be the distance from the corner to the end of the tape.
Another way to measure tape into corners is to use a piece of scrap wood. Cut a piece of wood to the desired length, and then hold it against the corner. Mark the wood at the point where it meets the other wall. Then, measure the distance from the mark to the end of the wood. This measurement will be the distance from the corner to the end of the tape.
Measuring from an Inside Corner
To obtain an accurate measurement from an inside corner, follow these steps:
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Fold the Tape at the Corner
Align the zero mark of the tape measure with one side of the corner. Fold the tape sharply at the corner and extend it along the other side.
Step Description Image 1 Align the zero mark with the corner 
2 Fold the tape at the corner 3 Extend the tape along the other side -
Mark the Corner
Make a small mark on the tape at the corner.
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Measure from the Mark
Extend the tape or use another measuring tool to measure the length of the side from the corner mark.
For example, if you are measuring from an inside corner to a wall 5 feet away, you would:
- Fold the tape at the corner and extend it along the wall.
- Mark the corner on the tape.
- Measure from the corner mark to the end of the tape (which is 5 feet away).
Measuring from an Outside Corner
Step-by-step instructions on measuring from an outside corner using a tape measure:
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Position the Hook
Extend the tape measure and align the zero mark with the outside corner. Hook the end of the tape over the edge of the inside corner.
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Measuring the Diagonal
Hold the outside corner steady and pull the tape measure taut. Measure the distance from the outside corner to the point where the tape meets the inside corner (the “diagonal measurement”). Record this measurement.
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Calculating the Length
Use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the length of the outside corner. The formula is: Length = √(Diagonal Measurement² – Inside Measurement²)
Example:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Diagonal Measurement | 10 inches |
| Inside Measurement | 6 inches |
Calculation:
Length = √(10² – 6²) = √(64) = 8 inches
Using a 45-Degree Angle
Option 1: Marking the Edge
Measure the width of the corner (A) and mark it on one side. Measure the depth of the corner (B) and mark it on the opposite side. Draw a line connecting the two marks, forming a 45-degree angle with the edges of the corner.
Option 2: Using a Protractor
Place a protractor at the corner, aligning the straight edge with one of the sides. Mark the 45-degree point on the other side of the corner. Use this mark as the starting point for your measurement.
Option 3: Using a Tape Measure with a 45-Degree Angle Mark
Some tape measures have a built-in 45-degree angle mark. Simply align this mark with one of the sides of the corner and measure the tape’s length from the mark to the opposite side. This method is the most accurate and convenient.
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Marking the Edge | Measure and mark width and depth, connect with a line |
| Using a Protractor | Place protractor, mark 45-degree point, start measuring |
| Using a Tape Measure with 45-Degree Angle Mark | Align mark, measure length from mark to opposite side |
Compensating for the Thickness of the Tape
When measuring into corners, it’s important to account for the thickness of the tape measure. Otherwise, you may end up with an inaccurate measurement.
The easiest way to compensate for the thickness of the tape is to hold it against the inside of both walls. This will ensure that the measurement is taken from the inside edge of the corner, which is the most accurate point.
If you are unable to hold the tape against the inside of both walls, you can use a small object to mark the corner. Simply place the object in the corner and then measure from the object to the desired point.
Another option is to use a tape measure with a “hook” on the end. This hook can be placed on the inside edge of one wall, and then the tape can be pulled tight to measure the corner.
The following table summarizes the different methods for compensating for the thickness of the tape when measuring into corners:
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Hold the tape against the inside of both walls | Hold the tape measure against the inside of both walls and read the measurement from the outside edge of the tape. |
| Use a small object to mark the corner | Place a small object in the corner and then measure from the object to the desired point. |
| Use a tape measure with a hook | Place the hook on the inside edge of one wall and then pull the tape tight to measure the corner. |
Accuracy Considerations
Measuring into corners using a tape measure requires precision and attention to detail to ensure accurate results. Several factors can affect the accuracy of the measurement:
Measuring the Inner Corner
To measure the inner corner, align the zero mark of the tape measure with the corner’s apex. Ensure the tape is taut and follows the corner’s curvature closely. Read the measurement at the point where the tape touches the opposite wall or surface.
Measuring the Outer Corner
For the outer corner, measure from the outside edge of the corner. Align the end of the tape measure with the corner’s outer edge and measure the distance to the opposite surface. Ensure the tape is straight and doesn’t follow any curves.
Measuring Irregular Corners
Measuring irregular corners requires a more precise approach. Divide the irregular corner into smaller right angles and measure each segment separately. Add the measurements together to obtain the total distance.
Avoiding Parallax Errors
Parallax errors occur when the reader’s line of sight is not perpendicular to the tape measure. To minimize parallax errors, ensure you are looking straight at the tape measure while reading the measurements.
Using a Digital Tape Measure
Digital tape measures offer increased accuracy and ease of use. They typically feature a laser pointer or LED indicator that precisely points to the measuring point, eliminating parallax errors.
| Measuring Error Sources | Accuracy Mitigation Strategies |
|---|---|
| Parallax error | Perpendicular alignment, digital tape measures |
| Curvature in corners | Closely following the curve |
| Tape stretch or sag | Ensure tape is taut |
| Irregular corners | Divide into smaller angles and measure segments |
| Incorrect starting or ending point | Careful alignment with corner apex or outer edge |
Measuring Diagonally
Measuring diagonally is sometimes necessary to find the distance between two points that are not directly across from each other. To measure diagonally, follow these steps:
1.
Place the zero end of the tape measure at the first point.
2.
Extend the tape measure in the direction of the second point.
3.
Position the tape measure so that it forms a straight line between the two points. This may require holding the tape measure at an angle.
4.
Read the measurement on the tape measure where it reaches the second point.
For example, if you want to measure the diagonal distance of a square, you would place the zero end of the tape measure at one corner, extend the tape measure to the opposite corner, and then read the measurement where it reaches the opposite corner.
The Pythagorean theorem can be used to find the diagonal distance of a rectangle. The theorem states that the square of the hypotenuse (the diagonal distance) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. For example, if the length of a rectangle is 10 feet and the width is 8 feet, the diagonal distance can be found using the following formula:
“`
Diagonal distance = √(10² + 8²)
Diagonal distance = √164
Diagonal distance = 12.8 feet
“`
The following table shows the diagonal distances of some common rectangles:
| Length | Width | Diagonal Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 10 feet | 8 feet | 12.8 feet |
| 12 feet | 9 feet | 15.0 feet |
| 15 feet | 12 feet | 19.2 feet |
Mark the correct measurement.
To get an accurate measurement, you need to ensure that the tape measure is correctly marked. Here are some tips:
1. Extend the tape measure and hold the zero-end against the starting point of the measurement.
2. Ensure that the tape measure is straight and taut.
3. Read the measurement at the point where the tape measure meets the ending point of the measurement.
4. Be careful not to parallax error, which can occur when reading the measurement from an angle. To avoid parallax error, ensure that you are looking directly at the tape measure when reading the measurement.
5. Round the measurement to the nearest appropriate unit.
6. It is important to use the correct type of tape measure for the job. For example, if you are measuring a curved surface, use a flexible tape measure.
7. If you need to measure a distance that is longer than the length of the tape measure, you can use the following steps:
a) Extend the tape measure to its full length.
b) Mark the measurement on the surface using a pencil or chalk.
c) Move the zero-end of the tape measure to the mark you made in step b.
d) Repeat steps a-c until you have measured the entire distance.
e) Add up all the measurements to get the total distance.
8. Measuring Around Corners with a Folding Ruler
For tighter corners or situations where a tape measure is impractical, a folding ruler can be used. Here’s how:
a) Fold the ruler at the desired angle and mark the point where it touches the corner.
b) Unfold the ruler and measure the distance from the corner to the mark.
c) Repeat step b) on the other side of the corner.
d) Add the two measurements together to get the total length around the corner.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Compact and portable | Limited measuring range |
| Suitable for tight corners | Requires multiple measurements |
| Easy to use | Not as accurate as tape measures |
Tip: When using a folding ruler around corners, ensure it is held firmly against both surfaces to ensure an accurate measurement.
Mark the Corner
Before you begin measuring, mark the corner you want to measure. This will help you keep track of your measurements.
Use a Square
If you have a square, you can use it to ensure that your tape measure is perfectly aligned in the corner. This will give you the most accurate measurement.
Hold the Tape Measure Tightly
Make sure to hold the tape measure tightly against the corner. This will prevent it from slipping and giving you an inaccurate measurement.
Read the Measurement Carefully
When you’re reading the measurement, be sure to read it carefully. It’s easy to make a mistake, especially if you’re not paying attention.
Measure Both Sides of the Corner
If you want to be extra sure that your measurement is accurate, measure both sides of the corner. This will give you two measurements that you can compare to each other.
Use a Laser Measuring Device
If you want to get the most accurate measurement possible, use a laser measuring device. These devices are very accurate and easy to use.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for measuring tape measure into corners:
Use a Measuring Tape with a Hook
A measuring tape with a hook will make it easier to measure into corners. The hook can be attached to the corner, which will keep the tape measure in place.
Use a Measuring Tape with a Magnetic Tip
A measuring tape with a magnetic tip will also make it easier to measure into corners. The magnetic tip will attract to metal surfaces, which will keep the tape measure in place.
How to Measure Tape Measure into Corners
Measuring into corners accurately can be a challenge, but with a few simple tricks, you can get the job done easily. Here are the steps to follow:
- Mark the corner on the outside of the material.
- Hold the end of the tape measure against the mark.
- Bend the tape and align it along one edge of the corner.
- Pull the tape taut and read the measurement.
People Also Ask
How do you measure from the corner of a picture frame?
To measure from the corner of a picture frame, place the end of the tape measure against the corner and extend it to the desired length. Mark the measurement on the tape, then remove the tape measure and read the mark.
How do you measure a room with a corner?
To measure a room with a corner, measure the length and width of the room separately. Then, use a tape measure to measure the distance from the corner to the other two walls. Add the three measurements together to get the total perimeter of the room.
