When it comes to measuring, forget the old school tape measure, now you can get measuring accuracy from a laser measure. Laser distance measurers are convenient, user-friendly, and very precise in terms of range and speed. These are great tools for commercial applications and appraisers. Here are a few tips on what to look for in the best laser measure and a few reviews to help you start shopping.
If you are looking for an outdoor laser measuring tool that is ready to take on anything, the Bosch GLM 50 C features both Bluetooth technology and an upgraded back-lit color display. Compatible with both Bosch free apps that includes floor plan, document, and measure, this laser measure includes a lot of function including the basics of volume, indirect, area, length, and real-time length.
The Bosch GLM 50 C has an all-around soft grip protection to help make the device a long-lasting product. The easy-to-use keypad guarantees fast operation and the well-lit display gives you more readability when looking at measurement. It can generate up to 10,000 measurements per battery supply and features a range of 165 feet and accuracy up to 1/16 inch.
The Bosch GLM 50 C also includes advanced features like double indirect, stake out, minimum/maximum/ and angles which is easy to use with an intuitive user interface. There is a standard real-time measurement default so you can track measurements in relation to your target, plus it has stakeout measurement with pinpoints identified every six inches.
With a 330 foot measuring range, the Leica Disto D2 Laser Measure features Bluetooth 4.0 and accuracy up to 1/16-inches. It has the ability to save the last ten measurements taken, and it uses Bluetooth 4.0 that can transfer your measurements into the accompanying software. This is a fully-integrated laser measure that comes with a bright display and is ISO Certified.
Compact enough to fit into your pocket, you can flip out the end of the Leica Disto D2 and the unit will automatically measure from the flipped out end when it is fully extended. The intelligent end piece can hook onto an outside corner or extend into an inside corner for accurate measurements. When you combine measurement with the Min/max function, you have everything you need to get an accurate diagonal measurement.
With the Disto D2, you can also calculate volume and area as well as use the Pythagoras function to measure width and height. Containing a Class II Laser with 1mW output, this product is splash and dust protected making it a durable and precise product that can handle any worksite.
With the ability to calculate volume and area, the DEWALT DW03050 is a 165-feet laser distance measurer that quickly and easily make automatic calculations. Using Pythagoras to make indirect height measurement, you measure the distance between two points when then are u not accessible for linear measurement. Plus, it has a memory unit that can store the previous 5 measurements and a two-line display that is backlit to increase the visibility of the screen in dark or bright conditions.
Portable and easy to use, the Tacklilfe HD60 Classic Laser Measuring device was designed for the high-precision distance measurements. Featuring versatile functions and a measuring range up to 196 feet, it is accurate to 1/16 inch and has a fast measurement speed that can improve your efficiency and productivity.
This compact laser measuring tape has multiple functions so you can get your job done easily. It can calculate area and volume as well as height, width, and length, and its small size can fit right in your hand or pocket. The Tacklife Laser Measure is very durable featuring a waterproof level of IP54, plus it comes with a hand strap and soft portable bag.
Giving you information at your fingertips, the Bosch Compact Laser Distance Measure comes in a small size but has tons of functions. Simple, compact, and easy to use, you can easily calculate volume, length, distance, and area with a measuring distance that extends to 120 feet. Bosch provides a precise and accurate measurement up to 1/16 inches, plus it has a backlighting feature so you easily see in the dark or low-light conditions.
Featuring Bluetooth Smart 4.0 technology, the Leica Disto E7100i Laser Meter is only 4.75 inches long and weighs 3.25 ounces so it easy to carry or put in your pocket. It can give you fast measurements for a home improvement project or a quick material estimate. Plus, it uses the free Disto Sketch app that allows you to send a value through a Bluetooth Smart connection to a smartphone or tablet so you can create floor plans, sketches, or document measurements on pictures you’ve taken.
With its convenient shape and size, the Disto has an ergonomic design that allows it to fit right in your hand and is very comfortable to use. Intuitive buttons allow for fast and easy operations while the easy to read display gives you values to the 1/3”. You can choose either metric values, feet/inches, or inches/fractions to meet your project needs.
With its Min/Max mode, you can easily swing the laser into corners and it will record the longest measurement which is useful for accurate window and door or diagonal room measurements. You can also use Area Mode to calculate the area of a square or rectangle in just two shots while the volume mode will add a third shot to determine volume.
Featuring high accuracy, the Morpilot HM60 uses two bubble levels to give you more measurement precision than just one bubble. One bubble is on the level while the other is on the horizontal for more accurate measuring data. Accurate to just under 2 mm, it can measure distances up to 196 feet. Easily switch between meters, inches, and feet depending on your needs.
The backlight screen is automatically lit to give you better low-light visibility, and it also has a mute setting so you can turn off the beep when you need to be quiet. The Morpilot HM60 has several measuring modes including the Pythagorean method, single/continuous measurement, addition and subtraction, volume, area, and distance. It also includes self-calibration, 30 groups data memory, and automatic shut down without any operation.
When used as an outdoor distance laser meter, the Morpilot HM60 includes an enhancement target card and glasses to sharpen and increase the visibility of the laser line in the daytime. The durable laser enhancement glasses help you see red-beam leaser easier, and they are large enough to wear over normal eyeglasses.
The simple to use and portable Tacklilfe Advanced Laser Measure features versatile functions, particularly for distance measuring that requires high-precision. With Laser Precision Technology, you have a measuring range of up to 196 feet and gives you incredible accuracy up to 1/16”. With a fast measurement speed, the Tacklife helps to increase your efficiency at work and is versatile enough to work at construction sites, home décor projects, or in city planning.
The Tacklife Advanced Laser Measure also gives you rear and front measuring reference support including Pythagoras Measurement, continuous measurement, auto area/volume measurement, and single distance measurement. The display features four lines and comes with a backlight so you can easily see it in the dark, plus you can mute the unit if you need to use it in a quiet place.
This is a very portable device that features a hard rubber body so you can keep a good grasp on it. It has an IP54 waterproof level as well as a dust-proof function while the included wrist strap lets you keep the device steady and carry it easily.
If you are looking for a faster, easier, and more accurate laser measure, the Bosch BLAZE GLM 20 laser measure gives you precise laser technology with a real-time measurement mode. You can take reliable and instant measurements from up to 65 feet allowing just one individual to complete a job in a few seconds. With a compact and square design, this laser measure is very portable and offers easy viewing with a back-lit display.
You can measure either in inches, meters, or feet giving you tons of versatility while helping you get rid of guesswork and improve your productivity. The Bosch Blaze Laser Measure is perfect for dark corners and any hard to reach areas.
Also known as laser tape measures or laser distance meters, the laser distance measure is the new alternative to the old school tape measure. By sending out a pulse of laser light, measurements are taken to a set target and then the amount of time it takes for the reflect to return is also measured. This method gives you very precise reading, especially over a large distance.
A high-quality laser distance measurer can be useful to a wide variety of professionals including contractors, kitchen fitters, tilers, surveyors, architects, and builders or any other profession where it is required to have accurate measurements.
Durability, ease of use, and accuracy are the three main benefits of using a laser measure. The accuracy for a laser measuring tool is very high, particularly with some units that can have a full range of accuracy up to 1.5mm and cover distances of up to 200 meters.
Making complex calculations like triangulation, volume, and the area is easier with on-board functions that lessen human error and save money and time. With just a click of a button, you can make simple distance measurements. For the more complex calculations, the laser measurer can either do these onboard or use extended software that is fairly easy to use.
Providing abilities that a typical measuring tool cannot perform, the capabilities of a laser measure include:
Laser tools are limited to distance so the range will vary depending on the model.
Model | Range | Best use |
---|---|---|
Basic laser measuring tool | 20 meters (65 feet) | Home projects |
Mid-range | Between 20 and 30 meters | Projects of 2400 sq. foot projects or higher |
High-end | up to 800 feet or 244 meters | Commercial projects or fieldwork |
As always, the overall accuracy will depend on how well you position or hold the laser measurement device. The laser measure’s accuracy represents how close is the measurement of the actual distance.
When taking multiple data, pivot cautiously and hold the device steady. Most of the time, a laser measure should have an accuracy between 1/16 and 1/32 inches. When using a laser measurer for general area calculation, you will want a model that this accurate to¼ inches.
For carpentry, landscaping, construction, and most DIY work, you will want a model with1/6-inch precision. High-end models should have a 1/32 inches precision when you are doing a high precision task like laying foundation, pipe, or road grading.
There are specific functions that you want to consider when choosing a good laser measuring device. On average, most laser measurers can calculate volume, distance, and area while others can also calculate more advanced geometry. Another important function is continuous measuring which is very useful if you need to walk around measuring a large area.
If you measure angles between surfaces like slanted ceilings, corners, or roof pitches, then you will need to look for angle measuring. Here is a list of function that you will want to consider for more complex projects.
Another useful feature is the capability to store data taken from the laser measurement device, especially if you need it for later reference. You will find some models can store multiple data saving you time from having to stop and write down your own data. This is a very useful function, especially if you are working on a large or complex project.
Visibility and display are two large considerations when choosing a laser measure tool. Most displays are hard to see in either dark areas or bright sunlight, so you need to look for a laser measuring tool that has a screen that is backlit. A backlit screen lets you easily read the display outside in sunlight or in dark areas. allows the user to read the display easily in the dark areas or outside at night. No matter what, the display should also be easy to read and clear.
Find a laser distance measurer with replaceable or rechargeable batteries if you expect your laser measuring tape to work hour after hour. Battery life otherwise will depend on the type of battery and how much you use. It is also a great idea to find a model that has an auto shut-off mode to help increase battery life.
Using a laser beam to measure the distance between objects, a laser measure is a handy device to have on a job site when it is necessary to measure long distances. When you are looking at laser measures, you will notice that each has a range and accuracy level that is covered by the laser beam. Depending on the model, some have better accuracy and range than others.
After the laser measure is turned on, you will need to choose a specific mode for testing. After you choose the mode, you only need to aim the red laser dot at the point you want to measure in the distance. Again, depending on which mode you chose, you will be able to know how far away you are standing from the red laser dot on the point you are aiming at. This is a much faster way to measure distance than using a standard tape measure where you need the help of another person to get see the measurement.
Usually used in a long-distance measurement where the accuracy is not as important, a laser range finder is a simple measurement of the approximate distance in between two distant points. A range finder is usually used in a golfing, hunting, or forestry application. Depending on the model you are using, you may see a range of up to 1000 yards. In comparison, a laser measure is used for a short distance measurement where accuracy is very important.
With a wide variety of applications, laser measures can be used for daily use. Professionals that use a laser measure frequently include phone linemen, flooring salesmen, carpet installers, AC installers, surveyors, painters, real estate agents, contractors, and window installers. If you work in a job that requires measuring the distance between two points, you may find a laser measure to be a huge help in your work.
Designed to give you a consistently accurate measurement over a stated range, laser measures don’t necessarily give more precise measurements for shorter distances. But, you can get a few more errors with distances over 300 feet that may not really affect your accuracy level. These errors tend to be more of a per million problem than anything else.
Because of the red dot that is an integral part of the successful operation of a laser measure, the object you are measuring the distance from should not be opaque. A transparent target can be hard to measure the distance from or between when using a laser measure. Solid objects tend to be the best to use when measuring distance with a laser measure.
Similar to any other electrical tool, the performance of a laser measure can be affected by dust. You need to make sure to regularly clean the tool to keep it working correctly and maintaining accuracy. When dust is concentrated around the laser beam, you will have a hard time being able to track where the red dot is falling on the other object. In particularly dusty conditions, it will make it almost impossible to take a measurement due to the lack of reflection from the laser beam on the distant object.
It is possible to get a measurement on a moving target with a laser measure. However, it will all depend on the speed of that moving target. It will have to do several recalculations to guarantee that it stays in its state accuracy level. That is why in the case of a moving object, the measured distance will be the mean value of the distance that is measured.
Some stories exist about lasers damaging your eyes, which can make some users worried about the safety of their eyes when they use a laser measure. While it is true that certain lasers can cause damage to your eyes, it will really depend on the class of that laser and how you use it. In most cases, a laser measure has a Class II classification, which is a lower power for a laser, making it safer to use. Unless you are staring directly into the laser beam, you shouldn’t have any issues using this tool.
Having your laser measure recalibrated periodically will help you to ensure your accuracy. This is especially true if you have dropped the laser measure or if you have had it for a long time. Any time you are concerned about its accuracy, it is a good idea to get it recalibrated. Keep in mind that it is best to take it to a dealer or a professional to get it recalibrated.
When buying a laser measure, you have several different options to choose from. You can always choose to visit an authorized dealer once you have figured out which laser measure you plan to purchase. This will allow you the opportunity to try it out and make sure you are happy with it before you buy it. You can also purchase laser measures online, which may help you get a better deal. Just make sure that you do your research before you buy the product allowing you to get a good idea from other users if there are any issues or what they like most about the product.
When choosing a laser measure, make sure to consider whether it is water resistant, durable, and has a scratch proof screen, especially if you plan to use it outdoors. The days of needing someone to hold your tape measure are over. These are awesome tools for commercial applications, and, with their precision, range, and size, you can easily take on tons of commercial applications on your own.
Gareth Otwell is a 28-year-old tech geek. Currently working at a big IT company. He chooses to widen the topics he writes about so as to provide his readers with an all-in-one go-to platform that they can use to research for just about anything. Read more