Where Is 5/8 on a Tape Measure?
Direct Answer: To locate measuring tape 5/8 inch marks, look one 1/8" mark (or two 1/16" ticks) past the center 1/2" line, equal to 0.625 inches or 15.88 mm. When shopping for tools, tape measure 5/8 also refers to the physical blade width found on pocket tapes and flexible sewing rulers.
5/8" Position on a 16ths Tape Measure Blade
5/8" (10/16") is highlighted below — click anywhere on the blade or tap any fraction button to compare marks:
10/16" reduced — one 1/8" mark past 1/2"
Part 1: How to Locate the 5/8" Mark on Any Ruler
Because 1/2" equals 4/8", you never need to count from zero to find 5/8". Start at the prominent 1/2" center line and move one 1/8" mark (or two 1/16" ticks) to the right:
Equals 10 sixteenths (10/16")
Exact decimal (5 ÷ 8)
Roughly 16 mm hardware size
Tape Measure 5/8 Blade Width and Uses Guide
When shopping for tools, "tape measure 5/8" often refers to the physical width of the tape blade rather than the 5/8" mark:
When a 5/8" Blade is Best
- ✓Sewing & Tailoring: Flexible fiberglass tapes are typically 5/8" wide—matching the standard 5/8" pattern seam allowance.
- ✓Compact Pocket Carry: 12-foot and 16-foot household tapes use 5/8" blades to stay light and compact in a pocket or kitchen drawer.
When to Use a Wider Blade Instead
- ✗Solo Framing & Long Spans: Narrow 5/8" steel blades bend after 5 to 7 feet in the air. Choose a 1-1/4" contractor tape for 11+ feet of rigid standout.
- ✗Overhead Ceiling Measurements: Wider blades resist twisting when extended vertically or overhead.
Common Mistakes with 5/8" Measurements
Mistaking 5/8" for 3/4"
5/8" (0.625") is one eighth of an inch smaller than 3/4" (0.750"). Confusing the two when cutting trim or drywall leaves a visible 1/8" gap.
Confusing 5/8" with 5/16"
5/8" (10/16") is exactly double 5/16". Remember that 5/16" is below the half-inch line, while 5/8" is past the half-inch line.
Counting 5 Sixteenth Ticks Instead of Eighths
Counting five of the shortest 1/16" ticks from zero stops at 5/16". To reach 5/8", count five 1/8" marks (or start at 1/2" and add one 1/8" mark).
Rounding 0.625" to 0.6"
In CAD and precision woodworking, always enter the full decimal 0.625". Rounding to 0.6" introduces a 0.025" error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is 5/8 on a tape measure?
5/8 inch is one 1/8 mark after the 1/2 inch line and one 1/8 mark before the 3/4 inch line. It is the tenth 1/16 line after a whole inch.
What is 5/8 in decimal and millimeters?
5/8 inch equals 0.625 inches, which is 15.875 mm (about 15.9 mm).
What is half of 5/8 on a tape measure?
Half of 5/8 inch is 5/16 inch (0.3125 in). For example, half of 3 5/8 inches is 1 13/16 inches.
What comes after 5/8 on a tape measure?
After 5/8 comes 11/16, then 3/4. Before 5/8 is 9/16, then 1/2.
Is 5/8 closer to 1/2 or 3/4? Is it the same as 3/4?
5/8 is exactly halfway between 1/2 and 3/4, each 1/8 inch away. It is not the same as 3/4 (0.75 in), which is longer than 5/8 (0.625 in) by 1/8 inch.
Is 5/8 the same as 5'8" or 5.8 inches?
No. 5/8 inch is a fraction (0.625 in). 5'8" means 5 feet 8 inches, which is 68 inches. 5.8 inches is about 5 13/16 inches on a tape measure (see our tape measure reader).