Handbook 44 – 2009 5.52. Linear Measures 

Section 5.52. Linear Measures 

A. Application 

A.1. This code applies to any linear measure or measure of length, whether flexible or inflexible, permanently installed or 

portable. 

A.2. See also Section 1.10. General Code requirements. 

S. Specifications 

S.1.M. Units. – A linear measure may be in total length, and the total length may be subdivided in any or all of the 

following: 

(a) centimeters and tenths of the centimeter; 

(b) meters; and 

(c) multiples of meters. 

A 1-meter measure may be graduated, in addition, to show 0.1 m and multiples of 0.1 m subdivisions. 

S.1. Units. – A linear measure may be in total length, and the total length may be subdivided in any or all of the 

following: 

(a) inches and binary submultiples of the inch; 

(b) feet; 

(c) yards and multiples of yards. 

A 1 yard measure may be graduated, in addition, to show 1⁄3 yd and 2⁄3 yd subdivisions. A flexible tape may be graduated 

in tenths or hundredths of a foot, or both tenths and hundredths of a foot. (Any other subdivisions are allowable only on 

measures of special purposes and when required for such purposes.) 

S.2. Material.

S.2.1. Flexible Tape. – A flexible tape shall be made of metal. 

S.2.2. End Measure. – If an end measure is made of material softer than brass, the ends of the measure shall be 

protected by brass (or other metal at least equally hard) securely attached. 

S.3. Finish. – Measures shall be smoothly finished. 

S.4. Design.

S.4.1. Rigid Measure. – A rigid measure shall be straight. 

S.4.2. Folding Measure. – A folding measure shall open to a definite stop, and when so opened shall be straight. 

S.5. Graduations.

S.5.1. General. – Graduations shall be perpendicular to the edge of the measure. 

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5.52. Linear Measures Handbook 44 – 2009 

S.5.2. Width. – The width of the graduations on any measure shall not exceed one-half the width of the smallest 

graduated interval on the measure, and in no case shall be wider than 0.75 mm (0.03 in). 

(Amended 1982) 

T. Tolerances 

T.1. For Measures Except Metal Tapes. – Maintenance tolerances in excess and in deficiency for measures except 

metal tapes shall be as shown in Table 1. Maintenance Tolerances, in Excess and in Deficiency, for Linear Measures 

Except Metal Tapes. Acceptance tolerances shall be one-half the maintenance tolerances. 

Table 1. 

Maintenance Tolerances, in Excess and in Deficiency, for Linear Measures Except Metal Tapes

Nominal Interval 

from Zero Tolerance 

feet inch 

1⁄2 or less 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

1

/64

1

/32

1

/16

3

/32

1

/8

5

/32

3

/16

T.2. For Metal Tapes. – Maintenance and acceptance tolerances in excess and in deficiency for metal tapes shall be as 

shown in Table 2. Maintenance and Acceptance Tolerances, in Excess and in Deficiency, for Metal Tapes. Tapes of 10 m 

(25 ft) or over shall be tested at a tension resulting from a load of 5 kg (10 lb). Tapes less than 10 m (25 ft) shall be tested 

at a tension resulting from a load of 2.5 kg (5 lb). However, flexible metal tapes of 10 m (25 ft) or less that are not 

normally used under tension shall be tested with no tension applied. All tapes shall be supported throughout on a 

horizontal flat surface whenever tested. 

(Amended 1972) 

Table 2. 

Maintenance and Acceptance Tolerances, in Excess and in Deficiency, for Metal Tapes

Nominal Interval from Zero Tolerance 

feet inch 

6 or less 

7 to 30, inclusive 

31 to 55, inclusive 

56 to 80, inclusive 

81 to 100, inclusive 

1

/32

1

/16

1

/8

3

/16

1⁄4 

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