No Tape Measure? Your Phone Can Help
You know the moment. You’re at the store, spot the perfect side table, and suddenly wonder… Will this actually fit in my space? Of course, your tape measure is sitting safely at home in a drawer.
Here’s a handy little trick: your smartphone can often step in as a quick measuring tool when you’re out and about.
If you have an iPhone, look for the built-in Measure app (it usually comes already installed). Open it, point your camera at the item you want to measure, tap the starting point, then slowly move your phone to the end point. The phone will give you an estimate of the size.
Many Android phones can do something similar, although the feature may not be built in. Android users can visit the Google Play Store and search for a free measuring app such as “AR Ruler” or “Measure app.” Once installed, you’ll follow the same basic idea — point, tap the start, and move to the end.
This works especially well when you’re:
- Shopping for furniture or home décor
- Checking box sizes while shipping packages
- Double-checking luggage size while traveling
Keep in mind: this tool is meant for quick estimates, not exact measurements. It’s perfect for answering.
For best results, move your phone slowly and make sure the area is well-lit. If the numbers seem jumpy, pause a moment and let the camera settle.
Author: Pam Overly
Digital and Media Manager for New Westsiders (NWS). I moved to Avon Lake from Overland Park, Kansas, in 2013 and joined NWS later that year. I’ve served on the board as Historian and President and have also chaired several interest groups.