The Best Digital Tape Measures (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance

There’s a difference between getting a job done, and doing the job right. When you’re on a job site or doing a home improvement project, having the right tools makes all the difference. However, those tools and all of your expertise are only as good as your measurements.

Once you start dealing with greater distances and more complex measurements, a tape measure can be a real hassle. They bend, become crooked, don’t retract smoothly, and aren’t very easy to read in a lot of real-world conditions.

That’s when we’d rather reach for a digital tape measure. Not only are they more accurate, but they’re also easier to use and eliminate the guesswork. When you want precision and accuracy without foregoing efficiency, nothing beats the power of technology.

Best Digital Tape Measures

Best Digital Tape Measures Buying Guide

When you’re on the hunt for a digital tape measure, there are a few important things to keep in mind before you choose the one to buy. The first thing to consider is your desired balance of analog and digital. Some tape measures have both a physical tape and a laser, whereas others focus entirely on the laser aspect. Decide if you need both and go from there.

Next, you want to determine the level of accuracy you will need. There is a surprisingly massive difference between standard deviations of 1/8 inches and 1/16 inches. Be sure of the precision as you move forward. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the kinds of calculations you will need. For instance, do you have to measure volume? Sure, you can use paper and a pencil, but more advanced digital tape measures can do the work in a jiffy.

Of course, you also want something that comes from a reputable brand that has a proven track record of success. So long as you identify your priorities and focus on options that adhere to those values, you can find an ideal option.

What Is a Digital Tape Measure?

A digital tape measure is a tool used to accurately determine distance. Instead of using physical tape exclusively and requiring the user to eyeball the measurement, it relies on technology. By including sensors, either magnetic or light-operated, the measuring tape registers the distance and displays it on the screen.

In standard functions (width, length, etc.), the function is in line with an analog tape measure. However, digital options have more advanced features as well. They can convert between measurements. Even the most basic options include the ability to shift from inches to feet, to metric. Battery operated, digital tape measures are powerful tools that enable a level of accuracy that the human eye simply cannot achieve alone. 

Benefits of a Digital Tape Measure

There are many advantages to using a digital tape measure, ranging from ease to efficiency. The top virtue is range since lasers can shoot out far further than a physical tape can achieve. This lets you measure larger areas without having to compound physical measurements. Another key benefit is the precision offered by technology. Instead of relying on sight alone to guess where the mark lies, the LCD screen will display the reading to (usually) within 1/16 of an inch. This ensures that you don’t compound measurement errors and that all your pieces add up correctly. 

Offering measurement capabilities beyond the linear, digital tape measures usually includes a memory feature that lets it store your previous settings and details. This means you can switch between imperial and metric without worry. Plus, more advanced measuring tools are able to go far beyond this. By using straightforward formulas like those to calculate angles, hypotenuse length, and volume, you can save a lot of time and effort. 

• Easy to read screens that enable you to measure in dark settings. 
• Precision measurements that limit the standard deviation to roughly 1/16 inches.
• Waterproof and dustproof to promote overall longevity.
• Powered by batteries to make it easy to keep them working. 
• Converts your digits from imperial to metric (or vice versa) with the touch of a button.
• Laser offers reach unattainable with standard tape measures. 

Types of Digital Tape Measures

There are several different types of digital tape measures, each with their own virtues. By understanding how each of them works, you can determine which is best suited to your specific needs. While all tape measures are capable of reading distance in a linear fashion, there are advanced selections that take utility far beyond this point. Ultimately, it is a matter of figuring out the sort of task you plan to use the tape measure for. So long as you identify the type of digital tape measure gears towards those needs, you can more easily complete the task. 

• Exclusively Digital

This type of tape measure focuses entirely on the abilities of the laser and includes no analog tape function. The light beam operates as the tape instead. This offers a wider range than can be achieved with a standard tape since most laser parts can go as far as 165 feet. 

Included with this type is either a replaceable or a rechargeable battery. This sort of digital tape measure is far more likely than others to have rechargeable capabilities. Additionally, there is usually a larger screen and more functions. Typically, this type of digital tape measure can perform advanced calculations like volume and area.

• Hybrid

With these digital tape measures, there is both a physical tape and a laser. While sometimes the laser has less of a range than exclusively digital options, it gives the benefit of having an analog backup. This way, if batteries die during a project, you can keep working. Though this type tends to be a bit smaller and somewhat heavier, there is still a digital display. It may be more petite, though it offers accurate readings to within the same standard deviation as other options.

You can find hybrid selections in various sizes, though more often than not they are powered by a set of replaceable batteries. The unit will likely be able to convert your units and store values in its memory. Sometimes, you can find a hybrid selection able to calculate advanced formulas. Useful for those who prefer to titrate in technology, these continue to be popular.

• Compact

A handy option for those with overflowing tool kits, this type of digital tape measure takes up less space than other options. You can find compact digital tape measures in both exclusively digital and hybrid styles. Often, the unit will include a carrying pouch to protect it against damage.

Powered by batteries and with a very small LCD display, this type of measuring tape usually features a long battery life. Typically, it will have an automatic shutoff with activity. The laser takes limited power since it’s used for short periods. Given the size of the screen, it also extends battery life. While it may be less crisp and often isn’t backlit, these are a very hardy type of tape measure.

What to Look for When Buying Digital Tape Measure

When you’re looking for a digital tape measure, there are a few necessary things to keep your eye on. The first is the type of tape. Ultimately, if you aren’t comfortable with the functions, then you are less likely to use it. Choose something that works for you. The next thing to look for is range and precision. Especially if you need accuracy, choose something with at least a precision of 1/16 inches. Opt for at least 165 feet of range with the laser to give yourself the chance to measure larger areas. Finally, you’ll want to ensure that the power source is accessible to you. Whether you’ll rely on batteries or a USB cord, the most important thing is the ability to keep it charged.

How We Ranked The Digital Tape Measures

When assessing these digital tape measures, there are a few things we kept in mind. Broken into a couple of categories, we looked primarily at function, structure, and power. By assessing each of these parameters as noted by the description, we were able to identify the top selections. First, we looked at function; finding the selections with the most ability (digit conversion, accuracy, range, memory).

The next step in our analysis, provided the tape met the standards for function, is looking at the structure. Is the screen properly sized? Are the buttons accessible? Is it easy to read? Provided these lined up, we moved forward to the power section. All digital tech requires a power source. So long as the power was accessible (strong USB port or replaceable batteries), it made the cut. From there, we looked at the products repute and track record before making our final recommendations.

The Most Important Features of Digital Tape Measures

As with any tool, there are some essential features to make your experience a successful one. Sure, some are more critical than others; but, when you find a tape measure that has all these features and more, you can rely on it to work. Prioritize the features and, from there, you can identify the best digital tape measure for you. 

• Display

What sets digital tape measures apart from their analog counterparts is the LCD display. This feature lets you interpret the results achieved by the digital component. Sometimes the screens are a few square inches and sometimes they are quite small. Within this component, you can find a lot of other features, too.

For instance, larger screens can display more simultaneously. They also enable you to see more clearly, especially when the screen is backlit. This is where to keep an eye on resolution and waterproof abilities (especially if you work in humid areas). So long as the screen is well-placed and large enough, you can achieve the desired results.

• Tape

While tape may be a loose term, the reach of the measuring tape counts for a lot. Sure, some options have both a physical tape and a light beam. However, even if the tape is just a laser pointer, it can work equally as well, if not more precisely. The idea is to identify the quality of the tape and how it relates to the measurement sensors.

With lasers, you can expect a range of roughly 165 feet while a tape will have drastically less reach. However, lasers only work when the unit has sufficient power. So long as the laser interfaces well with the display, it is a good way to go. 

• Measurements

Naturally, your tape measure needs to perform the key job: measuring. However, not all readings are made alike. For one, you need to keep an eye on the accuracy. Reasonable expectations require a precision of plus or minus 1/16 inches. So long as this can be achieved, you are getting the full benefits of the digital features (since human readings at this accuracy level are subject to flaw). 

You also want measurements that work in multiple metrics. This way, you don’t need a conversion chart and a calculator and can keep working steadily. Ideally, it will be able to complete formulas, saving you time. You can find selections that measure volume and readings according to the Pythagorean theorem (right angle triangles). 

• Power

Finally, you need to be able to run the measuring tape. There are two options within this category, both viable and more a matter of personal convenience. The first is replaceable batteries which are the most common designs on the market. Usually, it is either an AA or a AAA battery, though you may find smaller units in compact tapes.

The other option is a rechargeable battery that uses a USB cord to recharge the internal system. Provided you have access to a laptop, a PC, or a wall adapter like those found with cell phones, this is a viable option. However, when you take it on the road, you may want something with a replaceable battery backup.

Care and Maintenance for Digital Tape Measures

Just like with any tool, digital tape measures have specific maintenance requirements. While this is fairly straightforward, prudent scheduling of preventative upkeep can drastically improve the shelf life of your measurement tool. As with most things, it comes down to both storage and cleaning.

So long as you keep the measuring tape in a safe area where it won’t be scratched or crushed, you are off to a good start. The idea is to keep it in prime condition for when you need it. As such, keep it reasonably charged and promptly take out spent batteries. Wipe down the surface of the screen, the magnetic attachment, and the laser’s eye to ensure that it can function properly. When you practice proper maintenance, your readings are more reliable and the part lasts longer.

• Remove dead batteries promptly to prevent acid leakage. 
• Keep the tool in a dry, dark setting to prevent damage from surroundings. 
• If it comes in a carrying case, keep the measuring tape safely inside of it. 
• Avoid dropping the measuring tape to prevent impact damage. 
• Wipe down the screen with a microfiber cloth to prevent scratching. 
• Don’t shake the measuring tape during (or after) use to avoid circuitry issues.
• Keep the eye of the laser clean and free of debris for more accurate results. 

Best Digital Tape Measures FAQ:

Digital tape measures are a relatively new piece of technology. Naturally, this means that owners and operators have a fair share of questions. To address the most common inquiries, we’ve provided answers that can help you get back to work more quickly. 

Our Top Pick

After lengthy consideration, we’ve declared our top pick as the Leica DISTO D2. It is durable, powerful, and very user friendly. With accessible power and an interface that’s easy to control and interpret, this is one of the leading selections on the market. 

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve learned the nuances of digital tape measures, you can make your choice. Perhaps it’s the Leica DISTO D2 for efficiency and ease of use. You may want our value pick, the DBPOWER Digital Laser Measure for cost-effectiveness, and accuracy. There is no shortage of excellent selections, ready to enhance your construction and creating experience.