Can't find a ruler or a measuring tape? Try these simple ideas. 

Body Parts

Use your hand span, from thumb to pinky, to measure objects. The average adult hand span is about 8.5 inches or 21.5 centimeters.
Use the length of your foot. The average adult male foot length is about 10.5 inches or 26.7 centimeters, and the average adult female foot length is about 9 inches or 22.8 centimeters.

Paper or currency

A4 paper is a common size in New Zealand and measures 21 x 29.7 centimeters. You can fold or mark it to measure shorter distances.
A New Zealand $10 banknote measures approximately 14.0 x 6.7 centimeters, which can be used for smaller measurements.

Smartphone apps

There are various apps available for both Android and iOS devices that use the phone's camera and augmented reality technology to measure distances. Some popular apps include Measure by Google and Measure by Apple.

All measurements on our website are in centimeters. If you wish to convert them into any other, use the calculator below: