NATIONAL TAPE MEASURE DAY

NATIONAL TAPE MEASURE DAY July 14

Fast Facts

WHEN
Celebrated each year on July 14, the same day the patent for the tape measure was granted in 1868
INVENTOR
Alvin J. Fellows of New Haven, Connecticut
COST IN 1853
A tape measure cost $17 in 1853
FUN FACT
Some commercial tape measures reach 300 to 500 feet

NATIONAL TAPE MEASURE DAY

On July 14, "measuring twice" carries a little extra meaning. Join us as we explore the history of the tape measure and see why this indispensable tool has earned a permanent spot in almost every household.

#NationalTapeMeasureDay

We owe a debt of gratitude to Alvin J. Fellows of New Haven, Connecticut, for making the lives of carpenters, electricians, seamstresses, and countless other craftspeople significantly easier. On July 14, 1868, Fellows was granted a patent for his "Improvements in Tape Measures," kicking off the era of the modern retractable tape measure. However, the concept of a tape measure goes back much further.

Did you know?

Tape measures were incredibly expensive in 1853. The tool was a "specialty tool" and cost $17! If tape measures weren't mass produced today, it would cost the equivalent of roughly $300 in 2026!

The ancient Romans are credited with its first recorded use, utilizing marked strips of leather to take measurements. Centuries later, an Englishman named James Chesterman designed a steel measuring tape. Furthermore, Chesterman's design was bulky and impractical, making it too large to fit into a pocket or even a standard toolbox. Once Fellows' compact, patented design hit the market, tape measures quickly became the "sliced bread" of the tool world.

Today, tape measures come in a wide array of sizes, colors, and materials. They range from tiny models that fit easily in the palm of your hand to massive reels spanning over 300 feet. Affordable and accessible, they are a staple for everything from casual home DIY projects to professional commercial construction.

5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL TAPE MEASURE DAY

  1. Stock Up on Spares: You never know when you might need a tape measure! Purchase a few extra and keep them in highly accessible spots like your glove compartment, purse, junk drawer, or backpack. Luckily, they come in different sizes for easily storage.

  2. Tackle Your Home Projects: Use the day as an excuse to cross items off your "honey-do" list. Pull out the tape to accurately hang pictures, rearrange furniture, or size up replacement parts.

  3. Have Some Fun: Bring a tape measure along to a backyard barbecue or picnic to judge a classic summer game, like a watermelon seed spitting contest or a bean bag toss.

  4. Learn to Read it Like a Pro: Take a few minutes to learn what the special markings mean. If you don't know what the small black diamonds are used for (spacing studs) or why the metal hook at the end is purposely left loose (to account for its own thickness during inside vs. outside measurements), this is a great day to learn!

  5. Share Your Projects: Take a photo of whatever you are working on or measuring and post it to social media using the hashtag #NationalTapeMeasureDay.

HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL TAPE MEASURE DAY

While the history of the tool itself is well-documented, the exact origin and creator of National Tape Measure Day remain unknown.