How to use the online measuring tape
- Calibrate: hold a bank card against the screen and match the blue card with the slider. You only do this once per device.
- Measure: hold the object against the screen at A and tap where it ends to move B.
- Longer objects: press Add A–B to total, slide the object so the point you reached sits at A, measure again and add. The running total is the full length.
Phones: switch to Vertical to use the whole height of the screen, which is about 13–15 cm on most phones.
When a screen tape is (and isn't) the right tool
An on-screen tape is great for small and medium flat things: cables, chargers, cards, jewellery, packaging, fabric swatches and paper. For waist, chest, head or other body measurements you need something that bends, so print the printable tape measure instead. It is 60 inches (152 cm) long and glues together in a minute.
Body measurement guide
| Measurement | Where to measure |
|---|---|
| Waist | Narrowest part of the torso, just above the belly button |
| Chest / bust | Fullest part, level under the arms |
| Hips | Fullest part of hips and seat |
| Head | Around the forehead, 1 cm above the eyebrows |
| Wrist | Just below the wrist bone (see the bracelet sizer) |
Frequently asked questions
Can I measure my waist with an online tape measure?
Not directly, because a screen cannot wrap around you. Use the printable tape measure, or wrap a string around your waist, mark it, and measure the string on screen in parts.
How accurate is it?
After calibration it is typically accurate to within about 0.5 mm per screen length. Adding several parts adds a little error each time, so line up each part carefully.
Do I need to calibrate again?
Only if you change device, browser or zoom level. The calibration is saved in your browser.
Last reviewed 2026-10-07.