Everyone needs some type of toolbox with a measuring device. You may have to measure an object or area, calculate a distance from wall to wall, or make sure that your project pieces are level. Unfortunately, most people don't carry a toolbox in their pocket. This is when your iPhone can come in handy.
With the right apps, you can put those essential tools at your fingertips no matter where you go. Rulers, levels, tape measures, and similar apps are all available for your iPhone. Here 10 of the best you can get.
1. Ruler AR - Camera Measure Tape
The Ruler AR app lets you quickly and easily measure objects, areas, distances, heights, and angles. Just swap between the various tools with a tap and then get measuring.
Tap to start and end the measurement, then view the size on the augmented reality screen. You can save, send, and share your measurement photos for group projects. Adjustable settings let you see the units in centimeters, inches, or meters. Plus, you can enable plane focus and feature points for even more help.
Ruler AR offers an in-app purchase to remove the ads if you decide to use it often. You might also check out some free ARKit games and apps for your iPhone.
Download: Ruler AR - Camera Measure Tape (Free)
2. Ruler App + Photo Ruler
Ruler App + Photo Ruler gives you a standard ruler and 2D ruler, plus an AR photo ruler, all in one spot.
Take simple measurements or plan a space with elements like angles, area, or arrows. You can annotate your plans with text and colors and save projects in the app. Choose from centimeters or inches, lock in your measurements, and adjust the speed of the moving rulers.
Ruler App + Photo Ruler offers an in-app purchase to remove the ads if you enjoy using it.
Download: Ruler App + Photo Ruler (Free)
3. Ruler + Tape Measure Tools
The Ruler + Tape Measure Tools app gives you three simple ways to measure. You can use the classic ruler, camera ruler, or tape measure.
Easily measure objects or rooms with the camera ruler. Just snap a photo and then move the measurement tool on the screen for the exact size. You can adjust the camera ruler settings for the reference object and save your measured photos to your device. All three tools let you measure in inches or centimeters and offer clean displays.
Ruler + Tape Measure Tools currently has an offer to remove the ads and obtain a 25-foot tape measure by watching three short videos.
Download: Ruler + Tape Measure Tools (Free)
4. Measure
Measure gives you standard ruler, chain ruler, precise height, angle, and trajectory options for multiple measurements. They're all easy to use. Just tap your starting and ending points to capture the measurement, and hit the camera button to save a screenshot.
Enable the built-in flashlight as needed and measure in centimeters, meters, inches, feet, or yards. For objects, areas, and distances, Measure uses augmented reality.
Download: Measure (Free)
5. Tape Measure
The Tape Measure app lets you quickly get measurements of objects, rooms, or distances with augmented reality.
Just open the app and scan the surface until you see the yellow dots. Tap the plus sign to begin measuring and move your iPhone to the end of the area and hit the plus sign once more. That's it!
Once you finish measuring, the size remains on the screen for you. You will also see the measurements at the top of the app screen in centimeters, inches, and feet, which is great for objects and areas large and small.
Tape Measure offers an in-app purchase for a Pro subscription, which includes more tools and removes the ads. And if the sizes of everyday objects interest you, take a look at apps for measuring or comparing anything.
Download: Tape Measure (Free, subscription available)
6. TapMeasure
TapMeasure is another choice that uses augmented reality. The app includes three measurement tools, including a quick measure for objects, 3D room builder for measuring spaces, and a smart level for, well, making sure everything is level.
With each tool, you simply scan the area or object until the app locates the surface. When it does, you'll see it in yellow on the screen and tap to confirm it. You can use inches or centimeters, save images of your measurements in the app, and measure more than one object on the screen at the same time.
TapMeasure is a great app that's easy to use, but also provides short videos if you need help with the tools.
Download: TapMeasure (Free)
7. PLNAR
PLNAR goes beyond simple measurements to help you create 3D models of rooms and spaces. Move your device in a circle slowly for the app to capture the surface. Then tap to begin measuring. As you move and tap the points, you can see the area and perimeter measurements displayed.
With the app, you can adjust the measurement units all the way down to millimeters, create and save room plans and projects, and view both 2D and 3D models. PLNAR is a convenient mobile tool for professionals and do-it-yourself aficionados.
Download: PLNAR (Free)
8. EasyMeasure
Measure distances, objects, and more with EasyMeasure. The app uses your camera and offers an augmented reality mode if you prefer.
As you measure the area, tap anytime to switch the unit. You can use centimeters, meters, inches, feet, or yards. Turn on the in-app light for dark spaces, snap photos of your measurements to save or share, pause measuring at any point, and calibrate your device easily.
EasyMeasure offers a few in-app purchase options for height and width measurements along with ad removal.
Download: EasyMeasure (Free, premium version available)
9. Bubble Level
The Bubble Level app obviously gives you a bubble level, but it offers much more than that. Other tools include a surface level, gyroscope, plumb line, metal detector, compass, and AR ruler. Just swipe to move between each option and adjust their settings individually if needed.
You can clearly see the degrees on the level tools and lock them into place with a tap. The AR ruler is simple to use: tap the start and end points of the object and you can measure more than one object on the same augmented reality screen.
Bubble Level offers a great level tool with little extras that come in handy. And you can remove the ads with an affordable in-app purchase.
Download: Bubble Level (Free)
10. iHandy Level
The iHandy Level app is the simplest level you'll find. You can use it in both portrait and landscape modes, giving you flexibility.
As the bubble moves on the level, you'll see the degrees adjust on the screen. You can tap the Hold button to stop the bubble in place, enable or disable the Calibration button and beeping sound, and adjust the bubble sensitivity to your liking.
Download: iHandy Level (Free)
Turn Your iPhone Into a Digital Toolbox
Each of these iPhone measuring tools has something different to offer. It may depend on your project or simply your taste, but take each one for a spin and see what works for you.
If you're interested in distance measurements, check out how to measure areas and distances with Google Maps. We've also collected great toolbox apps for Android users.