Measuring something with your iPhone is easier than you might think. With the built-in Measure app, you can quickly and accurately size up real-world objects or spaces. Whether you’re hanging a picture, shopping for furniture, or just curious about the dimensions of something, your iPhone has got your back. Let’s dive into how to get those measurements.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Measure with iPhone
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what you’ll achieve with these steps. You’ll learn how to use your iPhone’s Measure app to take measurements of length, width, and height of objects or spaces in your environment.
Step 1: Open the Measure App
Tap on the Measure app icon on your iPhone to open it.
The Measure app is pre-installed on all iPhones running iOS 12 or later. If you can’t find it, swipe down from the middle of your home screen and use the search bar to locate it.
Step 2: Follow the On-Screen Instructions
If it’s your first time using the app, it will guide you on how to move your phone around to get started.
The app uses augmented reality (AR) to measure, so you’ll need to give it a moment to calibrate by moving your iPhone as directed. This helps it get a proper read of the space around you.
Step 3: Point Your iPhone at the Starting Point of Your Measurement
Aim your iPhone at the object or space you want to measure and move it to the starting point.
As you point your iPhone, a white dot will appear on the screen, this is your starting point. Make sure it’s exactly where you want to start measuring from.
Step 4: Press the White Button to Start Measuring
Once your starting point is set, press the white button with the “+” sign on the screen to start.
When you press this button, the app locks in the starting point. From here, you can move your iPhone to the next point you want to measure to.
Step 5: Move Your iPhone to Your End Point and Press the White Button Again
Drag the phone to where you want to stop measuring, and press the white button again.
Your iPhone will draw a virtual line following your movements, showing you the measurement as you go. Pressing the button again will end the measurement.
Step 6: View and Save Your Measurement
The final measurement will appear on the screen, and you can take a photo of it by tapping on the shutter button if you need to save it for later reference.
The app not only displays the measurement but also allows you to copy the number to paste it into another app or document.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a clear and accurate measurement of whatever you needed. You can measure another object or space right away, or close the app if you’re all done.
Tips for Measuring with iPhone
- Make sure the area you’re measuring in is well-lit for the best results.
- For more accurate measurements, move your iPhone slowly and steadily.
- Use the level feature within the Measure app to check if an object or surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical.
- If you need to measure something taller or longer than your arm’s reach, take measurements in sections and add them up.
- Remember that while the Measure app is convenient, it may not be as precise as a physical tape measure for professional purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the iPhone Measure app?
The Measure app is quite accurate for everyday purposes, but it might not be suitable for precision measurements required in professional settings.
Can I measure the height of a person with the iPhone Measure app?
Yes, you can measure a person’s height. Have the person stand against a wall, and use the app to measure from the floor to the top of their head.
Does the Measure app work in the dark?
The Measure app requires good lighting to function properly, as it relies on the camera and AR technology.
Can I measure the area or volume with the iPhone Measure app?
As of now, the Measure app only measures lengths and heights. For area or volume, you would have to manually calculate it using the measurements you’ve taken.
What do I do if the Measure app is not on my iPhone?
If the Measure app isn’t installed on your iPhone, you can download it for free from the App Store.
Summary
- Open the Measure app.
- Follow on-screen instructions to calibrate.
- Point at the start point.
- Press the white button to start.
- Move to the end point and press the button again.
- View and save your measurement.
Conclusion
Measuring objects and spaces with an iPhone is a piece of cake once you get the hang of it. The Measure app harnesses the power of augmented reality to turn your device into a handy measuring tool that’s always at your fingertips. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a professional needing a quick measurement, or just someone who loves finding new uses for their iPhone, the Measure app is a game-changer. So next time you need to size something up, skip the hunt for a tape measure and reach for your iPhone instead. Remember, while it’s incredibly convenient, always double-check important measurements with a physical tape measure if precision is key. Happy measuring!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.