Measuring Tool Buying Guide

In this section, we list the popular types of measuring tools to measure distances, angles and levels in a variety of situations. There are measuring tools to suit different budgets, professionals and DIYers.

Laser levels

Laser levels emit strong light beams to project straight lines across large surfaces such as walls and floors. They give users a highly accurate reference point to ensure their work is level and straight without marking a physical line.

A wall laser level is useful for many applications, such as hanging pictures and cabinets or as a laser for tiling. You can also use lasers for floor levelling and laying floor tiles, laminate, etc. Unlike other measuring tools, laser levels don't take actual measurements such as lengths and angles. 

Different types available:

• Automatic laser levels - Have an inbuilt self-levelling compensator which means they automatically create a level line without input from the user. They are the best laser levels for accuracy and can produce vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines.

• Cross-line laser levels - Produce horizontal and vertical laser lines, either individually or simultaneously, to mark a cross shape on a surface.

• Floor laser levels - Project laser lines horizontally along floors at a 90° angle. They are useful when laying floor tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or PVC.

• Multi-line laser levels - Produce three laser beam lines: a horizontal line and two vertical lines. They are useful for fitting kitchens and bathrooms, carpentry, electrical fit out and tiling.

• Rotary laser levels - Are an advanced type of laser level that spins a beam of light fast enough to create an optical illusion of a solid line. They can produce horizontal and vertical lines.

• Spot laser levels - Produce a spot of light rather than a line (although most models give you the option to produce both). They are used to transfer points of reference from one surface to another and are commonly used in plumbing and electrical work. 

Top things to consider:

Visibility: Standard laser beams are difficult to see outdoors in full sunlight beyond a few metres.

Beam colour: Green beams are generally easier to see. Red beams are usually more affordable and have better battery life.

Spirit levels

A spirit level is used to determine whether a surface is 100% vertical or horizontal. It's a plastic or wooden rod with a liquid-filled vial in the centre. Two vertical lines are drawn on the vial, and an air bubble is inside. To read a spirit level, place it on the surface to be checked. The surface is level when the air bubble is centred between the two lines. 

Spirit levels don't take actual measurements such as lengths and angles. Instead, they simply check whether a surface is level or not. Uses include aligning shelves, cabinets, curtain poles, tiles, basins, deck and fence posts, ceiling joists and much more.

Different types available:

• Box beam levels - Get their name from their shape and construction. If you were to cut the level in half and look at the cut end, it’s in a rectangular box shape and is usually hollow.

• Post levels - Are short, two-sided levels designed to fit around the top of 2x4 fence or decking posts at a 90° angle. They are used to check whether posts are both vertical and horizontal at the same time.

• Scaffold levels - Are specialist spirit levels with a magnetic base designed to stick to metal. For this reason, they are primarily used to erect scaffolding but can also be used by plumbers and other trades working with metal surfaces.  

• Torpedo levels - Are small spirit levels (approximately 165 to 250mm in length) with a tapered end and three vials to determine vertical, horizontal and 45° angles. They are designed to fit into small spaces.

Top things to consider: 

Length: Spirit levels range from around 65mm to 1830mm. For the best results, choose the longest level that fits the surface.

Accuracy: For precise work, look for a spirit level accurate to ±0.5mm per metre (0.029°) or better.

Laser measures

Laser measures (also known as laser tape measures), use laser light beams to accurately measure long distances, area, volume and Pythagoras function. A laser measure works by shooting a light pulse at a surface and calculating the length based on how long it takes for the beam to reflect back. The measurement is displayed on a digital screen.

Laser measures are ideal for plumbers and electricians who work alone and are also used by builders, landscapers and surveyors. They are the best tools to measure long distances but cannot measure angles or tell you whether a surface is level or not.

Different types available:

Laser measures differ by the range of distance they can measure and their accuracy. Some models can only measure distance, while others can also measure area, volume and Pythagoras function. 

Top things to consider: 

Measuring range: Choose a laser measure based on the distance you need to measure. Up to 15m is suitable for most indoor home use, while some models can measure up to 80m for longer outdoor distances.

Accuracy: For precise measurements, look for a laser measure with an accuracy of ±1.5mm or better.

Tape measures

A tape measure is a flexible ruler usually consisting of a curved metallic ribbon wrapped around a reel for storage, although some types are made from fabric. It has linear-measured markings along its length, usually covering metric and imperial measurements.   

Tape measures are the most recognised and popular type of measuring tool as they have multiple uses for DIYers and professionals. They are best for measuring distances on flat surfaces but can also bend around corners. They are an excellent alternative to a laser measure when you need to measure a long distance but don't have a surface from which to bounce a laser beam.

Different types available:

• Retractable tape measures - Have blades which automatically retract into their casing using a spring. They make putting the tape measure away quick and easy.

• Non-retractable tape measures - Have a hand crank which you wind to draw the tape back into its case. These tape measures come in longer lengths.

• Surveyor’s tape measures - Usually come in an open reel and feature a ground hook so they can be spiked into the ground while you pull the tape's end to the required distance. They are the best tape measures for surveyors as they can measure very long distances. 

Top things to consider: 

Useful features: Look for a belt clip, auto-lock function, and magnetic hook for easier and more secure measuring.

Measuring length: Tape measures range from around 5m to 100m. Choose a length suitable for the distances you need to measure.

Accuracy: Tape measures are rated Class 1, 2 or 3. Class 1 offers the highest accuracy, while Classes 2 and 3 are suitable for less precise work.

Squares

Squares are used to gauge the accuracy of an angle between two surfaces. Most gauge angles of 90°, but some can also measure 45°. They are essential tools for a variety of building, woodworking, metalwork and construction tasks where the accuracy of angles is critical.

Different types available:

• Framing squares - Are L-shaped rulers with metric and imperial markings used to keep right angles as accurate as possible. They are essential tools for carpentry tasks such as cabinet assembly.

• Try squares - Have a wooden handle and a thin metallic blade which are at right angles to each other. The metal blade has metric and imperial markings. Like framing squares, they’re used to check the trueness of a right angle.

• Combination squares - Consist of a metal ruler blade with an adjustable head attached at a right angle. The head, which often has a built-in spirit level, slides along the blade and locks, allowing you to transfer a distance accurately from one piece of material to another. They are used to check 90° and 45° edges and flat surfaces.

• T-squares - Consist of a metal ruler blade with a wooden head set on the end in a T-shape. They’re used for testing and drawing perfect right angles and are an essential tool for cutting and installing drywalling.

• Rafter squares (also called speed squares) - Are triangle-shaped tools used for marking and cutting perpendicular areas. One side of the triangle acts as a base which butts up against a workpiece, allowing you to mark out a square or 45° angle. Their uses include laying out rafters, roof trim and stair angles.   

Top things to consider: 

Easy-to-read markings: Choose squares with embossed, colour-contrasting measurements for better visibility.

Scribe feature: For combination squares, look for a removable pointed scribe for accurately marking measurements.

Angle finders

Angle finders are used as tools to measure angles with ease. Their design can vary, but they typically consist of two metal, or plastic rods joined together at one end on a pivot. As the rods are moved apart, the angle they stop at is displayed at the pivot point. 

They have many uses and are a must-have tool for plumbers, builders, joiners and DIYers. They can be used to measure and mark down known angles or measure unknown angles so they can be transferred to another surface.

Different types available:

• Digital angle finders - Have a digital display on their pivot, which displays the angle on a screen. They rely on gravity to read angles, so they give accurate readings even if the workpiece is uneven. 

• Protractor angle finders - Are analogue gauges with either a 180° or 360° protractor at the pivot point. The range of angles is marked on the surface of the protractor. 

Top things to consider: 

Angle range: Choose an angle finder that can measure the range you need, some measure up to 360°, while others are limited to 180°.

Accuracy: For precise work, look for a digital angle finder with an accuracy of around ±0.5° or better.

Sliding bevels

Sliding bevels (also known as sliding T-bevels or bevel squares) are simple tools used to measure the angle of one workpiece and mark the same angle onto another. They consist of a slotted metal blade with a wooden or plastic block (or stock) which is joined to the blade with a wing nut or locking lever. Unlike angle finders, they do not tell you what the angle is. Instead, they simply open up to the angle you wish to replicate, and, unlike squares, they can find any size of angle, not just 45° and 90°.

Sliding bevels are essential for woodworking or any task where unknown angles need to be replicated, e.g., furniture making, roof rafter installation, picture frame corners and dovetail joints.

Different types available:

Sliding bevels come in a range of sizes. Some have no markings on their metal part, but others have metric and imperial measurements marked so they can double up as rulers. 

Top things to consider: 

Adjustability: Look for a bevel with a wide range of angle adjustment to handle different projects.

Locking mechanism: A secure locking screw or lever helps hold the angle firmly while transferring or marking.

Vernier callipers

Vernier callipers are tools used to measure internal, external and depth measurements. They consist of a metal rod with two jaws attached to one end. The large outside jaw is used to measure the outer dimensions or the thickness of an object. And the small inside jaw measures the internal dimensions of an object. Many vernier callipers also feature a depth probe to measure the depth of holes in a workpiece. Vernier callipers are primarily used in wood and metalworking.  

Different types available:

• Digital vernier callipers - Have a digital display which shows measurements on a screen. 

• Analogue vernier callipers - Are marked with metric and imperial sizes, which need to be read by the user. 

Top things to consider: 

Accuracy: For precise measurements, choose vernier callipers with an accuracy of ±0.01mm or better.

Rulers

Rulers provide a hard, straight edge for measuring and drawing straight lines and often feature metric and imperial measurements. They're useful for a variety of jobs, including woodworking and metalworking. The biggest rulers are usually 1m long, whereas tape measures can measure between 5m and 100m. So only choose a ruler to measure up to 1m or as a guide for drawing a straight line. 

Different types available:

Rulers are available in various lengths ranging from 15cm to 1m. They can be made of wood, plastic or metal. 

Top things to consider: 

Length: Rulers range from around 15cm to 1m. Choose a length that suits the size of the measurements you need to take.

Accuracy: Rulers are rated Class 1, 2 or 3. Class 1 offers the highest accuracy, while Classes 2 and 3 are suitable for less precise work.

Measuring wheels

Measuring wheels are devices designed to measure distances whilst the user is walking. They consist of a wheel that rolls along the ground, a handle to push them along, and a counter to record the distance.

Measuring wheels are primarily used by surveyors and builders to measure areas to allow them to calculate material requirements and check specifications. Unlike tape and laser measures, measuring wheels are not limited in terms of the distances they can count, and they can measure any shape – not just straight lines.

Different types available:

Most measuring wheels measure distances of up to 10,000 metres, and their counters can be digital or analogue. 

Top things to consider: 

Comfort: Look for a measuring wheel with an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip, especially when measuring long distances.

Other types of measuring tools

We’ve covered the most popular options above, but here are a few other less common types to be aware of:

Marking gauges - Are used in woodworking to mark lines for cutting or other purposes. They consist of a block of material (called a fence) with a long beam running through it with a marking pin on one end. The fence slides along the beam to set the required marking distance, and the marking pin is used as a scribe to mark a line. 

Micrometers - Are used to take fine measurements. They consist of a handle with a C-shaped frame with an anvil on one end and an adjustable spindle on the other. The workpiece is measured between the anvil and spindle. Micrometers are the best tools to measure objects up to 25mm and are accurate to 0.004mm. They are commonly used in engineering and plumbing.

Water level kits - Are devices used to match elevations of areas too far apart for a spirit level. They consist of a flexible hose connecting two clear tubes. The device is partially filled with water, and the tubes are held vertically while the hose lies on the ground. The water level will match in both tubes, no matter whether the ends are next to each other or far apart. Uses include levelling floors, shed bases, decking bases, and more.