How to Measure Someone With a Measuring Tape

There are many ways to measure someone from head to toe, but one of the oldest and very reliable methods is by tape. A standard measuring tape is 60 inches in length. Increments are marked from 1/8 of an inch up to 1 inch, and one side of the tape is usually shown in the metric system. Originally made for and used by tailors, these flexible tapes have long been the choice for all-over body measurements. According to an article by G. Bruce Boyer on the history of tailoring, measuring tapes were were first used in the year 1297.

Things You'll Need

• Standard tape measure
• Straight pins
• Pencil
• Paper

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Instructions

• 1

  Have the person stand straight and still, without shoes on. If you want to record the person's height, have him stand with his back to the wall, and place the end of the tape at the bottom of the heel. If the he is taller than 60 inches, place a pin or make a pencil mark where the tape ends, whether at the shoulder or head. Begin again from that mark. Convert your inches total to feet and inches, remembering that 1 foot equals 12 inches.

• 2

  Wrap the tape around the upper arm about 4 inches from the shoulder. Read the number where the metal end of the tape rests on the marks. From there, take the bust or chest measurement in the same way. Have the person lift his arms and wrap the tape around the chest. Move down to the waist, about 2 inches above the navel, and record that number.

• 3

  Place the tape around the hips, about about 3 to 4 inches down from the navel. Measure the right leg at the thigh, about 3 to 4 inches down from the hip. Wrap the tape around the larger portion of the calf, about 3 inches below the knee.

• 4

  Circle the tape around the wrist at its narrowest part. At the ankle, repeat the process. Many people monitor body measurements once per month, especially if trying to lose weight or checking for certain health problems that may cause swelling.