How to Measure Anything with Your iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Forget scrambling for a tape measure! Your iPhone has a built-in measuring tool that’s surprisingly accurate and incredibly convenient. Thanks to Apple’s AR (Augmented Reality) technology, you can measure objects and distances right on your phone’s screen. This guide will walk you through using the Measure app and provide tips to ensure accurate results.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone with iOS 12 or later (most iPhones released after 2018 will have this)
• A good, well-lit environment

Using the Measure App: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Launch the Measure App

Find the Measure app on your iPhone. It looks like a yellow ruler icon. If you can’t find it, use the search bar by swiping down on your home screen and typing “Measure.”

Step 2: Get Ready to Measure

Once the app is open, you’ll see a camera view. The app will prompt you to move your phone around slightly so it can scan the environment and establish a surface. You’ll see a white circle appear, which represents where the measurements will begin. Make sure the area you intend to measure is clearly visible and that you have good lighting for the app to accurately detect surfaces.

Step 3: Start Your Measurement

Position the white circle where you want to start measuring. Tap the “+” button to place the starting point. A line will appear attached to that point.

Step 4: Continue the Measurement

Move your phone and the line will extend. Position the other end of the line where you want to stop measuring. Tap the “+” button again to place the end point. The length of the line will be displayed on your screen.

Step 5: Copy and Share (Optional)

The measurement will remain on the screen for a short time. You can tap on the measurement to see other options, including copying the measurement to paste elsewhere or sharing the measurement via text, email, etc.

Additional Tips for Accurate Measurements

• Good Lighting: Make sure the area you are measuring is well-lit. Low light can impact the app’s ability to detect surfaces.
• Stable Surface: When measuring, try to keep your hand and phone steady. Shaky movements can lead to inaccurate measurements.
• Start Over if Needed: If you don’t get the measurement you need, start again by using the reset button in the top-right corner.
• Measure in 2D or 3D: For more complex objects, you can tap the screen to switch between a 2D measurement and a 3D point (allowing you to measure the space surrounding an object).
• Levelness : If you’re measuring a surface, try to keep your phone as level as possible for better accuracy.
• Take Multiple Measurements: For critical dimensions, taking several measurements and comparing the results is advised.

Beyond Linear Measurements

The Measure app does more than just linear distances. It can also:

• Estimate the area of rectangular spaces automatically.
• Measure the height and width of an object simply by pointing your camera at it.
• Use a “level” feature to ensure a picture frame, shelf, or other object is level. You will find this feature under the “Level” tab on the bottom right corner.

Conclusion

The Measure app on your iPhone is a fantastic tool for quick measurements. While it might not replace a professional measuring tool for critical tasks, it’s an incredibly convenient option for everyday use. Give it a try, and you’ll be surprised at how useful it can be.