When it comes to choosing distance measuring equipment for building construction, employees are usually in a dilemma about whether to utilize new outdoor laser distance measurers or traditional tape measures: they are accustomed to using traditional tape measures while hesitating to replace them since attracted by the convenient laser measurers. What they require is a cost-effective and accurate solution, but how to make the best choice?
This is the question that this article is going to answer – by comparing these two popular distance measuring methods, there may be an inspiration for you to make a final decision.

Definition of the Two Distance Measures
Before comparing them, let’s define them for you first to have a deeper understanding of how they help your measuring while constructing a building.
- Traditional tape measures
They are distance measuring instruments made of a long, thin piece of plastic, fabric, or metal with units of length inscribed on them (typically in inches or centimeters). To get the measuring data, the only thing you need to do is to count and read the scale on the tape.
- Laser measures
On the other hand, laser measurements employ laser technology to determine the distance between two objects. They’re a good alternative to metal tape measurements. The time it takes for a pulse of laser light to be reflected off a target and returned to the sender is noted, and distance is measured using a laser distance measurer.
Traditional Measures and Laser Measures: Which is Better?
In order to help you get a better understanding of the application of these two methods of distance measurement, the following paragraphs will conduct a comparison between them to find which gains more points when being used in building construction.
- Required operator
When using a standard tape measure, at least two individuals are required to take the measurements, whereas when using an outdoor laser distance measurer, usually one user is enough. However, when there is no blocker on the other side of the measuring object, you need to set one to get accurate data.
- Convenience
When traditional distance measurements are compared to laser distance measurements, the latter is more convenient to utilize. By simply tapping the button, the distance will be shown on the screen.
- Accuracy
The accuracy of outdoor laser distance measurer is higher than the traditional tape measures. Most construction lasers have a small potential of deviation, and they can measure up to 200m.
- Flexibility
The traditional tape measures can easily measure small items, for example, the diameter of a small pipe. Also, it shows its advantage at measuring something with a curved surface, like the perimeter of a pillar. The outdoor laser distance measurer loses its points in this part.
- Length of measurement
You can measure up to 200m using an outdoor laser distance measurer, whereas the normal length of tape measures is 15-50 feet. That means if you would like to get the length of something long by traditional tapes, you have to measure for several times and add the results together, increasing the risk of inaccuracy.
- Safety
The outdoor laser distance measurer is safer to use as compared to the traditional tape measurement because it eliminates the accidents of cutting your fingers by the sharp edge of the metal ruler of the tape measure.
- Data collection
The data collection using laser tape measurement is labor extensive, you have to take manual readings, but the outdoor laser distance measurer stores the length measurement automatically.
The above comparison has shown a rough idea about the two methods of distance measurement. The two distance measurement methods both have their unreplaceable advantages. For example, the traditional tape measurement is affordable, simple to use, and has no mechanical errors. In comparison, the outdoor laser distance measurer is accurate, convenient, fast, and effortless. There is one way to have both the merits of the tape measure and laser measure – that is to buy a 2-in-1 laser distance measuring tape.
Where to Buy the Laser Measures and Tape Measure?
Mileseey, as the pioneer in the measurement tools market, provides both the best laser distance measurer for outdoor use and flexible tape measurers. It even supplies a combination version. You can pick from Mileseey P7AK, DT20, and M120. They offer multiple advantages to the users, such as:
- High accuracy: ±1.55mm +10-5D
- Up to 200m measuring range
- Multiple measuring features: length, area, volume, and many more
- IP65 standard: gives you better dust and waterproofing capabilities
- Compact size: weighing only 140g

- 3-in-1 design: contains tape measure, laser measure, and digital display
- Ergonomic design: easy to grab and portable
- Diversify measurement solution: Area/volume measure, Pythagorean theorem calculation
- Rechargeable battery

- Stylish design: protective aluminum shell
- Reliable measurement: laser class II, 630-670nm, <less than 1mW
- Portable size: it fits any pocket
- HD display: the horizontal screen ensures clear reading

Conclusion
Mileseey is the leading company in the field of outdoor laser distance measuring devices. With more than 12 years of expertise in the field, we have shipped our high-quality products to over 50 countries around the world. Don't hesitate to contact us if you want to acquire the best distance measurers!