How to Measure the Width of Wood

Measuring wood is not as simple as you think.

The dimensions of wood are described in this order: thickness-by-width-by-length. But there can be uncertainty, in particular between width and thickness. The only definitive way to measure the width of any piece of wood is to first identify the direction of the grain. After you establish this fact, you can measure it with an ordinary tape measure.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Identify the direction of the grain on the piece of wood you wish to measure. Look for long parallel lines in the wood. Wood grain will only run consistently in one direction. There may be curves in the grain that terminate, but the grain pattern will start over again and run lengthwise to the end of the wood.

2. Hold the tape measure perpendicular to the grain of the wood with both hands.

3. Hook the the small metal tab of the tape measure on one side of the wood. Stretch the tape measure across the wood with one hand past the other side and lay the tape down on the wood.

4. Check the point where the edge of the wood intersects the tape. The edge of the wood will intersect vertical slashes on the tape. Each line represents 1/16 inch. For example, if the tape intersects the edge of the wood between the 4 and the 5 on the seventh vertical slash, the width of the wood is 4 and 7/16 inch.

Tips & Warnings

• Count the slashes between the inch markers. Even though the tape is marked in 1/6 inch slashes, every two slashes are referred to as 1/8, 3/8, 5/8 and 7/8 inch. Every four slashes are referred to as 1/4 and 3/4 inches. The halfway point between inch markers is referred to as 1/2 inch.