PerformancePC Slower Than It Used to Be?DriversOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownPerformanceWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To measure your height at home, stand barefoot on a flat floor beside a straight wall, mark the top of your head with a level book or ruler, then measure from the floor to that mark with a rigid tape. The tape-and-wall method is practical for a home reading; a stadiometer is the purpose-built option for standardized measurement.
What you need
- A rigid metal or other non-stretchable measuring tape.
- A flat-edged book or ruler to make a level mark at the crown of your head.
- A pencil, if you are marking the wall.
- A helper, if available, to keep the book level and mark the wall accurately.
Choose a flat, uncarpeted floor beside a straight wall. A securely fixed, non-stretchable wall tape can also provide the vertical scale, but it must be vertical and start at floor level. CDC home guidance for measuring children likewise recommends using a metal tape from the floor to a wall mark: CDC: Measuring Children’s Height and Weight.
How to measure your height step by step
- Prepare the space. Stand with your back near the wall on the flat floor. Take off your shoes and remove or undo anything on your head that would prevent the book or ruler from resting on your crown.
- Stand in position. Keep your feet flat, legs straight, and arms relaxed. Stand upright with your heels at the wall where comfortable, and look straight ahead without tipping your chin up or down.
- Make the head mark. Have a helper place a flat-edged book or ruler on your crown. Keep its lower edge level with the floor and at a right angle to the wall. Mark where that lower edge meets the wall.
- Measure from the floor. Step away from the wall. Hold the tape vertically, with its zero at floor level, and measure up to the mark. Keep the tape straight and read the measurement at the mark.
- Record and check. Write down the result and its units. If the mark, posture, or tape position was uncertain, repeat the setup and measure again. Do not report more precision than your tape and setup can support.
A WHO-hosted training manual describes the same floor-to-mark approach: “Move away from the wall and measure the space from the floor to the marked place with a tape measure.” It recommends a high-quality tape: Training of Trainer Manual.
How to improve the reading
- Keep the head level. Look forward and avoid raising or lowering the chin. In formal NHANES measurements, the examiner positions the head in the Frankfort horizontal plane; at home, keeping the gaze forward is a practical way to avoid an obvious tilt.
- Stand fully upright, but comfortably. Distribute weight evenly and do not lift the heels. Do not force yourself or another person into a position that is unsafe or uncomfortable.
- Check the book and tape. The book’s lower edge should be horizontal, and the tape should run vertically from floor level to the mark. A slanted headpiece or tape can change the reading.
- For a child, clear interfering hairstyles. Keep the head, shoulders, buttocks, and heels against the flat surface where possible and comfortable. CDC home guidance advises undoing hairstyles that interfere with the measurement: Measuring Children’s Height and Weight.
The CDC NHANES examiner manual specifies shoes off, erect posture, even weight distribution, full upright extension, and a headpiece snug against the crown. Its formal procedure asks the subject to inhale deeply and stand fully erect without moving the heels: NHANES III Home Examiner’s Manual. These are standardized-measurement instructions; at home, prioritize a safe, natural stance and a level head mark.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
CRAFTSMAN 25-Ft Tape Measure with Fraction Marketing, Retractable, Manual-Locking Blade (CMHT37443S)
- 13 ft. Of reach*: allows for easy measurements when working alone (*based on maximum extension of average professional user)
- Compact size: easy to grip and store in any tool belt
- Easy grip design: extensive rubber overmold provides a comfortable grip and impact resistance
- Easy read fractions: fractions printed on the blade in alternating colors and heights for quick, easy measurements
- Includes: (1) CMHT37443S Tape Measure
Tape-and-wall method versus a stadiometer
| Option | Setup | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tape plus wall mark | Use a flat wall, a book or ruler, and a tape to measure floor to mark. | A practical home method using common items. The result depends on posture, a level mark, and a vertical tape. |
| Fixed wall-height tape | Secure a non-stretchable tape vertically with its zero at floor level. | Keeps a scale in place, but installation must be checked for vertical alignment and correct starting height. |
| Stadiometer | Use the purpose-built vertical scale and sliding headpiece. | The standardized measurement option described in the NHANES manual. The cited sources do not provide a universal error margin comparing home tape readings with stadiometer readings. |
For formal child measurements, UK National Child Measurement Programme guidance also specifies shoes off, feet flat with heels together, relaxed arms, and a horizontal Frankfort plane: National Child Measurement Programme operational guidance (2024).
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Amazon Basics Self-Locking Tape Measure with Belt Clip, 16-Feet (5-Meters), Inch/Metric Scale, MID Accuracy, Black, Yellow
- Tape measure with MID accuracy and both inch and metric scales; measures up to 16 feet (5 meters)
- Self-locking mechanism with push button release allows inner tape to be smoothly extended and retracted
- Heat-treated spring ensures long-lasting performance; anti-skid ABS and soft rubber exterior for impact protection
- Belt clip and comfortable wrist strap for convenient carrying and easy access
- Product measures 3.43 x 2.83 x 1.69 inches
Rank #4
Mr. Pen- Retractable Tape Measure 25 ft, Yellow, Easy Read
- Mr. Pen tape measure is an essential tool for anyone from homeowners and interior designers to professional handypersons, carpenters, metal or woodworkers, and architects.
- This retractable tape measure is perfect for anyone who needs to take quick, accurate measurements. The casing is made of a top-grade rubberized material that is conveniently shock-absorbent, making it durable and long-lasting.
- The tape measure has a length of 25' and features both metric and imperial measurements, including inch, cm, and mm, making it perfect for professional carpenters.
- The hook slot can be latched onto a protruding nail or screw head, which will hold the tape in place more steadily. Extend the blade, use the thumb lock to stop where you need it, and unlock the thumb to retract the blade.
- The belt clip on the back of the case allows hooking the tape measure conveniently onto a belt, tool belt, or pocket.
Rank #3
GDMINLO Soft Tape Measure Double Scale Body Sewing Flexible Tailor Craft Vinyl Ruler for Weight Loss Medical Body Measurement, Has Centimetre Scale on Reverse Side 60-inch（White）
- Measuring range: 0 to 60 inches and 0 to 150 centimeters. There is a centimeter scale on the back, which is accurately printed in inches and centimeters. Both sides can be measured according to your requirements. You can put one in your pocket or backpack without taking up too much space
- Great Material: Tailor Vinyl tape measure won't stretch or deform, provides superior measurement consistence; Soft tape measure, a flexible and portable tape measure, made from soft plastic material, white color
- Operate and Read: Black markings on bright white tape is big enough for you to read, the tape has metal tabs on each end of the cloth tape measure to butt-up against the item your measuring; The metal ends also can prevent fraying
- Wide Application: Cloth tape measure; body tape measure,sewing tape measure,measuring tape tailor. Good sewing tool, accurate tape measuring for sewing, tailoring, body, waist measurement or measuring any curved surface. can provide you accurate measurements, suitable for a seamstress, a crafter, a quilter or whoever just need a flexible measuring tape
Rank #2
iBayam 2 Pack Tape Measure Measuring Tape for Body Fabric Sewing 60"/150cm
- 2 Pack Soft Fashion Measuring Tape Set. Double sided, 60 inch / 150 cm, portable,durable tape measure. Small and light pocket size measuring tape.
- Easy to Read and Accurate Measurements. The tape measure has accurate, large and clear markings in both inches and centimeters, easy and convenient to read. Wide Application on Home Office School Supplies: Cloth tape measure; body tape measure, sewing tape measure, measuring tape for body, waist tape measure, tailor tape measure. Great measuring tape for body, sewing, tailoring, weight loss, ordering clothes online, waist measurement or measuring any curved surface.
- NOTE: The black tape measure is retractable. There is a retract button in the center, just press on the button when pulling the tape out or retracting the tape back into it, or there will be loud noise.
- Package includes one soft fashion pink tape measure and one retractable black tape measure. Perfect multipurpose measuring tape for body fabric sewing tailor cloth knitting craft measurements. Great gift idea for family friends coworkers seamstress. (Retractable Black Measuring Tape, Size 2 x 2 x 0.5 inches, weight 0.7oz, portable and easy to carry or put into your bag.)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Measuring while wearing shoes or standing on carpet.
- Using a soft or stretched tape, or holding the tape at an angle.
- Marking the wall with a tilted book or ruler.
- Looking up, looking down, lifting the heels, or slouching during the mark.
- Reading from the top of the head by eye instead of making a level mark.
- Claiming clinical-grade accuracy or a specific error margin for a home reading. The cited sources do not quantify a universal difference between this home method and a stadiometer.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
