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Jun 01, 2023

The Best Metric Tape Measures for 2022

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Once you go metric, you’ll never go back. Trust us.

If you know your U.S. history, there have been several attempts to adopt the metric system, all to no avail. It's the universal standard for most of the world and way more intuitive, yet the chances of a switch remain slim to none. But that doesn't mean you can't learn to use the metric system yourself—particularly if what you do on the daily involves a tape measure, or if you always have a weekend DIY project planned.

Working with measuring tapes in inches and feet can often require mental math, and even if fractions are printed on the scale, they're nearly impossible to read anyway. Metric tape measures come in multiple lengths and have all the same features, plus the handful of metric-only options sold in the U.S. market aren't any more expensive than their non-metric counterparts.

If we've convinced you of the merits of a metric tape measure, read on. Our recommendations include the best options from major well-known brands, plus we offer advice on everything you need to know before you buy.

A tape measure may not be the most exciting purchase, but it's worth taking a minute or two to get an idea of what to look for before you shop. Below, we've put together a quick overview of the most important points.

Whether you're buying a retractable metric tape measure or one with inches and feet, you'll want to think about the length that best suits the type of projects you like to tackle. Metric tape measures typically sold in 3-, 5-, 8-, and 10-meter increments (that's roughly 10, 16, 26, and 33 feet, respectively). For smaller home projects, a 5-meter tape measure will likely do; if you're attempting an ambitious large-scale project, like building a deck, go for a 10-meter tape measure.

Next up is manual versus a slightly pricier auto-lock option. An auto-lock tape measure allows you to adjust the blade multiple times without unlocking and re-locking. Pull it out and the lock automatically engages—which also means it won't snap back if you let go. It's a handy feature for sure, though it may not be worth the extra cost, depending on the kind of work you'll be doing.

Another important consideration is accuracy. The majority of tape measures sold to the general public are Class II, accurate to ±2.3 millimeters over a 10-meter length. Class I tape measures are the most accurate, with a margin of error of no more than ±1.1 millimeters over a 10-meter length, which may be necessary for some trades and industries.

These days, most retractable tape measures have casings with rubberized grips and edges for in-hand comfort and to reduce damage from impact, and most come with an ergonomic push-button lock. Blades are coated with acrylic to prevent scratches, hooks are secured with three rivets, and there's usually a steel belt clip in back.

Some metric measuring tapes have larger numbers or an extra-wide blade for easy reading. There are also tape measures with detachable magnets and hooks with extra notches, plus options specifically for carpenters that feature a built-in pencil sharpener and an erasable sticker on the front panel for jotting down figures.

Every metric tape measure we feature has an average customer rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars, and the majority of our picks have average ratings of 4.5 stars and up. During our research, we sought out options from well-regarded brands that produce high-quality products, such as Stanley, Milwaukee, Starrett, and Komelon, and compared each based on overall construction, features mentioned above, and price point.

Looking for more essential tools for your toolbox? Check out our stories on the best cordless impact wrenches, the best electric screwdrivers, and the best multitools for every situation.

While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, Milwaukee's 8-meter retractable metric tape measure is an excellent choice, with solid features all around. It's compact and comfortable in hand, with a sturdy base and push-button lock.

The frame's reinforced impact points safeguard it from drops and it has a nylon-coated blade for added durability, with large, easy-to-read numerals. There's also a triple-rivet hook, a backrest for vertical measuring, and a steel belt clip. At less than a pound, it's also fairly lightweight for an 8-meter metric tape measure.

This retractable metric tape measure is from Starrett, a Massachusetts-based maker of precision instruments that's been around since 1880.

Their 5-meter tape measure features a double-nylon-coated blade housed inside an ABS plastic case, with a finger grip to prevent it from slipping under hand and a well-designed sliding lock with a thumb depression.

The case is also streamlined, relatively lightweight, and comfortable to wear using its attached steel belt clip. Buy 8-meter model.

There's a lot to like about this auto-lock metric tape measure from Stanley. For starters, it features a detachable magnetic hook and additional extra-long hooks, plus it has easy to read numerals and graduations on its wide, 32-millimeter blade. The blade is mylar-coated for better abrasion resistance than lacquer coatings, and also features a three-rivet end hook.

Other highlights include a shock-resistant case with a slide lock and a belt clip.

Buy 5-meter model.

For a metric tape measure with an extra-grippy case, look no further than this option from Komelon, a Korean brand established in 1963. It features an ergonomic design and thick rubber jacket, with a 25-millimeter-wide acrylic-coated steel blade and a triple-rivet end hook. It's also compact and has an easy-slide lock plus a steel belt clip.

Professional woodworkers and cabinet builders need tape measures with extra features to get the job done—and you'd be hard-pressed to find better options than those made by FastCap. They're specifically designed for the trade, with limp blades for measuring curves and flat panels, which makes them ideal layout work and taking radius measurements.

Other highlights include a shock-resistant case with grips, a built-in pencil sharpener, and a flat front with an erasable surface to record dimensions. There's also a dual locking system and the tape measure has metric graduations on both sides for right- and left-hand measuring.

The majority of the retractable metric tape measures we feature are accurate within ±2.3 millimeters over a 10-meter length, which is adequate for most engineering and construction tradespeople.

But if your work requires even more precise measurements—with an error of no more than ±1.1 millimeters over a 10-meter length—you'll need a Class I metric tape measure like this one from Tokyo-based Tajima, founded in 1909.

Highlights of this compact and lightweight model include a standard 25-millimeter width, slide lock, and an oversized steel belt clip. It's available in both 5- and 3-meter options, though neither have grips on the case.

Buy 3-meter model.

This retractable metric tape measure is 10 meters (roughly 33 feet) long, making it handy for larger projects, like building a deck. Like Stanley's auto-lock model above, it features a mylar-coated 32-millimeter-wide blade with oversized, easy-to-read numerals, plus a three-rivet end hook with grabs on the sides, top, and bottom. There's also a slide lock and a shock-resistant case.

Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.

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