The Best Laser Measuring Tools for 2022
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Laser Measuring Tool
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These versatile tools are a must-have for any building professional or casual DIYer. No more dragging a tape measure across a room for a "close enough" measurement.
UPDATED: July 28, 2022.
To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best laser measuring tools available for purchase.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Leica DISTO D2 because it offers a long 330 foot range with an easy to use interface and a compact design.
What is a laser measure?
These tools operate by sending a laser pulse in a narrow beam toward a wall or object. Thanks to Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity we know that the speed of light is always constant. Using this constant value, it can calculate the distance based on the time it takes the pulse to be reflected off the object and return back.
Note, these tools are not to be confused with a laser level, which provides a reference line within a space.
How to use a laser measure:
If you are unfamiliar with how to use a laser measuring tool, here is a brief video overview:
Here of some features and components to be aware of when selecting a specific model:
Measurement Range
Depending on the specific model, it will be capable of measuring distances of up to a maximum of around 300 feet. The more affordable options will typically offer a much lower range. So it is helpful to know ahead of time what rooms or spaces you will be measuring most often and find a tool that offers that usable range.
Accuracy
The accuracy of a particular laser will be provided by the manufacturer as a plus/minus value. This is how close the tool comes to providing the exact distance. For example, an accuracy of +/- 1/16" means it will be within 1/16 of an inch of the correct measurement.
Units
A major advantage of these units being digital is that it offers the ability to ability to quickly switch between the different measurement units such as meters, feet, and inches.
Smart Features
Some models will offer the ability to calculate area and volume using the distances measured. Also, they can provide addition and subtraction functions for quick calculations. Some also offer real-time measurement modes to take instant measurements.
Another helpful feature is the ability to store several measurements in the onboard device memory. This allows you to retrieve them later instead of having to write them down one at a time.
Pythagoras Function
Many of the models offer something called a Pythagoras Function. As you may remember from school it is possible to calculate the unknown length of a right triangle if you have the length of two sides. The Pythagorean theorem states that a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where c is the longest side.
How it works with a digital measuring tool is that you provide both a and b dimensions by measurement and it will automatically calculate the length of c. This is great for measuring something like the height of an exterior building wall. By standing in front of the wall and measuring to the top (a) and then to the bottom (b) of the wall it will figure out the unknown height (c).
Screen
Most of these tools feature an LCD screen which allows you to monitor the unit settings and measurements. Some offer a backlit display that helps when reading the values under low-light or dark conditions.
Size
A simple but important feature to note is the overall size of the unit. Since most will be packed in a carry bag or put in a pocket, take note of the dimensions. Typically the feature set will be reduced given a smaller unit, all else being equal. As a result, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of what features you require versus how easy it will be to carry around.
Method of Power
Most are powered by one or several standard batteries such as a AA or AAA. This has the benefit of being able to quickly swap out a new battery when out in the field. If it were a fixed battery like a smartphone it would require waiting for it to charge, delaying the task. Most units offer an auto-off feature that helps to preserve battery life.
Weatherproof Rating
Since these tools may spend time outdoors it is important that they are weatherproof to avoid damage over time. The standard rating system is known as the IP Code (Ingress Protection Code) and is published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This IP Code or rating establishes the amount of protection provided against the intrusion of dust and water. This system is used to provide specific values to help clarify the rather vague terms of waterproof, weatherproof, and water-resistant.
The most common rating for these is IP54. The first number refers to solid particle protection. In this case, a “5” is the second-highest possible rating since it provides sufficient protection from the ingress of dust. The second number refers to the protection from water. In this case, an IP54 has a rating of “4” which means that it can withstand water splashing against the enclosure from any direction and have no harmful effects. In other words, it can withstand standard outdoor conditions but not be completely submerged in water.
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including Leica, Bosch, SKIL, and more. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Laser Measuring Tools for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Leica DISTO D2 Laser Measuring Tool
The Leica DISTO D2 with Bluetooth features area, volume, and add/subtract functions.
Allows the measurements to be transferred into the free Leica DISTO Sketch app and many other apps through Bluetooth.
+/-1/16" accuracy and up to 330 foot measuring range.
Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 for transferring measurements to desired software.
Features a last 10 measurement memory.
Offers a Pythagoras function for indirect height or width measurements.
Contains a Class II Laser with 1mW output.
Runner-up: Bosch GLM 50 C Laser Measuring Tool
Key functions of the Bosch GLM 50 C include the calculation of area, distance, length, volume, continuous measurement, and addition/subtraction.
Features a soft grip frame around the unit to make holding easier and to provide extra durability.
Equipped with a backlit color display allows users to see information in dark areas with better resolution.
Offers a compact pocket-size design that weighs only 5 oz., making it easy to use anywhere.
Measures up to 165 feet.
Video overview of the Bosch GLM 50 C features:
Best Range: DTAPE DT100 Laser Measuring Tool
The DTAPE DT100 features a measuring range of up to 328 feet (100 meters).
Equipped with a large LCD backlit display.
Offers measurement precision down to ±1/16 of an inch (±2mm)
Features meters, feet, and inches unit selection.
Stores up to 20 measurements.
Features an auto laser power-off after 20 seconds and an auto power-off after 150 seconds.
Automatically calculates area and volume based on provided measurements.
Powered by two AAA batteries (Included).
Best Compact Design: Bosch GLM 20 Laser Measuring Tool
The Bosch blaze GLM 20 laser measure features a compact, portable design with a range of up to 65 feet.
Features a real-time measurement mode to take instant measurements.
Equipped with a backlit display to make it easier to read, even in low-light conditions.
Features a “one-button” design that makes it quick and easy to take measurements.
Offers an accuracy down to 1/8 of an inch.
Best Value: Klein Tools 93LDM65 Laser Measuring Tool
The Klein Tools 93LDM65 features a measuring distance of up to 98 feet (30m).
Calculates area and volume, along with indirect Pythagoras measurements.
Features both metric and imperial units for a range of measurement applications.
Equipped with onboard memory storage that retains the most recent 20 measurements.
Provides both single-distance measurement and continuous measurement options.
Offers an accuracy of +/-1/16 inch.
Best Included Level: ieGeek Laser Measuring Tool
The ieGeek Laser Measuring Tool has a measuring range of up to 130 feet (40m).
Features area, distance, volume, continuous measure, addition, and subtraction.
Offers indirect Pythagoras measurements.
Features a large four-line LCD display with backlighting for increased visibility in low-light conditions.
Equipped with a non-slip material around the edges.
Features a compact design for easy storage and transport.
Self-calibration accuracy from -9 to 9 mm.
Features an IP54 waterproof rating.
Best Budget Option: Mileseey by RockSeed Laser Measuring Tool
The Mileseey by RockSeed laser measure features a measurement range of up to 165 feet.
Equipped with a two-inch LCD display for easy reading with backlighting for easy reading in low light conditions.
Offers an accuracy down to ±1/16 of an inch.
Stores up to 20 data sets.
Offers a calculation mode to provide both area and volume.
Equipped to provide measurements in either meters, feet, or inches.
Best Rechargeable Option: SKIL ME981901 Laser Measuring Tool
The SKIL ME981901 is equipped with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery that uses via a micro-USB port so it does not require buying replacement batteries.
Offers the ability to measure up to 100 feet either statically or in real-time.
Equipped with a large LCD display to easily read dimensions.
Includes a digital level for added convenience.
Equipped with a memory function to store measurements for later use.
Best for Beginners: Lomvum Laser Measuring Tool
The Lomvum laser measure features a large backlit LCD screen for easy to read values even in low-light areas.
Provides a measurement range of up to 164 feet (50 meters).
Features auto area and volume calculations in addition to Pythagoras measurement.
Offers the ability to perform addition and subtraction of measurements.
Stores up to 20 measurements.
Offers feet, inches, and meters units.
Features an IP rating of 54.
Best Tape Measure Combo: LEXIVON LX-201 2 in 1 Laser Measuring Tool
The LEXIVON LX-201 features a 2 In 1 design that combines a laser measure with a traditional tape measure.
Equipped with a 130 foot (40m) maximum laser distance and a 16 foot (5m) tape measure.
Features an auto-off function to preserve battery life.
Features a large LCD screen for easy reading.
Offers accuracy down to ±1/16 of an inch.
Constructed from ABS with a rubberized cover for non-slip.
Powered by two AAA batteries (included).
I hope this list has been helpful, if I left out a laser measuring tool you think is important, let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for reading, see also my posts on:
The Most Essential Architect Supplies
Good luck!
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Have a suggestion for a future blog post? Please let me know in the comments below.
