How to Measure the Diameter of a Pipe

Question Please
Question Please

A simple question that is often asked by workers in the pipe industries. Now here’s a simple answer: How to measure the diameter of a pipe.

  • Clean the pipe off.
  • Get a quality diameter tape measure.
  • Wrap it around the pipe, snuggly, to give the shortest value.
  • Make sure the side with the diameter scale is showing.
  • Read the diameter on the scale that is at the zero mark at the beginning of the scale.

There is the simple answer, because the process really is that simple. Now you can show off by finding the diameter of a telephone pole, a tree, a radiator hose, a pencil, and a tire.

How to Measure the Diameter of a Pipe
How to Measure the Diameter of a Pipe

How To Choose The Correct Pipe Diameter Tape Measure

Diameter Tapes
Diameter Tapes

Answer these questions for yourself, and you will get the right pipe diameter tape measure!

  1. Metric or Imperial (Inch). Which do you need in your job? There are also 2 tapes that have BOTH metric and inch diameter scales. If the SKU number has a “m” in it, that means it is a metric scale.

    Pi-Cobra Diameter Tape, Metric & Inch Pi-Cobra Diameter Tape, Metric & Inch

    24inch-od-tape3.jpg Diameter-Tapes.com 24″ OD Tape Measure, Metric & Inch

  2. 64ths or 100ths? This question applies only if you need the Inch version of a pipe diameter tape. If you are in the oil and gas industry, you probably prefer the 100ths calibration. If you are in the boat or automotive industries in the USA, you would probably prefer the 64ths of an inch calibration. If the SKU number has a “d” in it, this means it is calibrated in 100ths of an inch.
  3. Size. The Lufkin models of the pocket diameter tapes will measure pipe diameters up to 23 inches. The Pi-Cobra models will measure pipe diameters up to 38 inches.

    Lufkin Y906PD pipe diameter tape measure, not Barlow W906PD Lufkin Diameter Tape

    Pi-Cobra Diameter Tape, Inches Pi-Cobra Diameter Tape, Inches