A flexible tool used to measure distances, lengths, and dimensions. Typically made of metal, fiberglass, or cloth, measuring tapes feature marked increments in either imperial (inches and feet) or metric (centimeters and meters) units. They come in various lengths, from pocket-sized tapes for small-scale measurements to longer tapes used in construction and carpentry. Equipped with a spring-loaded mechanism for automatic retraction, measuring tapes are portable and convenient for a wide range of applications, including DIY projects, construction, sewing, and crafting.