Measuring tools may have not been the same throughout history but they've been present as early as 3,000 BC. Sure the first “measuring tools” were the hands and feet of ancient Egyptians, but that didn't stop the royal cubit being introduced. This was done in order to have a more consistent tool as hands and feet do vary from person to person. The royal cubit is a granite rod that used the dimensions of the Egyptian king at the time as standard.
Water clocks and hourglasses started to be more commonly used at around 16th century BCE and at around 1971 BC obelisks and sundials started being used in Babylonian villages. In 753 BCE roman calendars were introduced to keep track of time and they have stayed the standard for 2,500 years now. From the 16th century and on various types of more complicated measuring devices appeared such as barometers, mercury thermometers, odometers, sextants and so on. The industrial revolution led to the invention of a large variety of measurements tools that we use to this day.
Types of Measuring Tools
Measuring Tape
One of the most commonly used measuring tools of today is measuring tape. The more popular version of this type of measuring tools equipment is the encased tape measure that comes with a clip for your belt. Although this more portable device is the preferred go-to tape measure for most people, tailo's measuring tape is still used today. This type of tape measure is more flexible than its encased counterpart allowing you to measure curves more accurately. Because of this, tailors use it to measure various body parts, hence the name.
Ruler
A ruler has is a well known measuring tool even by children, and it probably is one of the first if not the first measuring tool that you've come across. Rulers are nothing special but they do so much despite providing us with only about a hand's length (20 cm). Although quite limited a ruler offers one of the easiest ways to measure length.
Protractor
A protractor might sound as a fancy measuring tool but it is no more complicated than a ruler. Again, this is a simple tool that you've probably used in high school to measure the degree of an angle. But since it's this simple even physicists and scientists use them for their work.
Caliper
This is a tool that can measure the distance between objects more accurately than a ruler or tape measure. The name may not be as popular but the tool itself is commonly used to make exact measurements. There are two versions of this tool, analog and digital, with the latter being a more convenient option for people that have trouble reading measurements. Calipers work in a similar fashion as pipe wrenches.
Measuring Wheel
When you want to measure long distances with weird angles and contours to them, like the ground, a wheel is the measuring tools equipment to get. Measuring wheels have existed since the 18th century which makes them available both as an analog and digital version. The more contemporary solution provides you with more options for measuring units but it relies on a battery charge for its operation.
Pressure Gauge
Moving away from distance we have the pressure gauge. A pressure gauge can be integrated with a certain device or equipment but it also comes as an independent tool. Pressure gauges determine the pressure of air, water and blood and come in various shapes and sizes depending on their application.
Thermometer
A thermometer is one of those tools that you probably already have in your household. A thermometer for measuring body temperature is the most portable version with there being thermometers for measuring food temperature too and others that can measure the inside or outside of a building. While thermometers come in different styles, like the measuring wheel and caliper they too can be digital or analog.
Level
Carpenters are the most likely to use a level on a daily basis. This tool is used to determine if a surface is level with the help of small fluid filled tubes (vials). All you need to do is place the level on the surface and look at the tubes to determine whether or not the surface is level. This type of measuring tool is quite simple too. You can get a digital version of a level if you want a clear reading.
Angle Gauge
If you want to measure angles more accurately than what a protractor offers, then you need an angle gauge. This tool is meant for professionals that need the most accurate of results. Alongside from measuring the degree of an angle an angle gauge can also be used as a levelling tool which makes it a 2-in-1 solution. An ideal alternative if you are looking to get both tools.
Glucometer
A glucometer is a medical device that measures glucose levels present in your blood. This tool is used by people with diabetes as they need to keep their glucose levels within normal levels. These devices are available only as a digital version and a good number of them work with smartphones too – to document and store data right on the device.
