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Quick Picks
| Tape | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Retractable Fiberglass Tape Measure | Closest to the Army method | Check price |
| MyoTape Body Tape Measure | Best for measuring yourself | Check price |
| Gulick Anthropometric Tape (Baseline) | Most consistent tension | Check price |
| seca 201 Circumference Measuring Tape | Clinical grade | Check price |
| RENPHO Smart Tape Measure | Best for tracking progress | Check price |
What to Look For
- No stretch. Cloth tapes stretch with use and slowly throw off your numbers. Fiberglass or coated tapes hold their length.
- A way to control tightness. A locking loop, push-button retraction or spring tension helps you pull the tape to the same snugness every time.
- Both units. Inches and centimeters on the same tape make it easy to use any calculator.
- Enough length. 60 inches (150 cm) covers most waists; choose a longer tape if you need it.
Our Picks
1. Retractable Fiberglass Tape Measure
The Army's measurement guidance asks for a non-stretch tape, preferably retractable fiberglass, and rules out cloth and steel. If you're practicing for an official measurement, this is the kind of tape your unit will use.
- Doesn’t stretch with use, so readings stay consistent over months
- Cheap and widely available in 60-inch lengths
- Matches the tape type in the Army procedure
- No tension control: you have to judge “snug” yourself
- Easiest with a second person holding the tape level
2. MyoTape Body Tape Measure
The tape loops around your waist and locks into its own housing, then a push button lets it retract to a snug fit. That makes it one of the easiest ways to get a level, repeatable waist reading on your own, and the Navy's body composition guide names the MyoTape as an example of its preferred tape.
- Locks around you, so both hands are free to keep it level
- Push-button retraction gives a similar snug fit each time
- Inches and centimeters, up to 60 inches
- Reading starts about 1¾ inches in because of the housing, which takes getting used to
- The Army prefers a plain retractable fiberglass tape for official measurements
3. Gulick Anthropometric Tape (Baseline)
A Gulick tape has a small spring attachment that applies the same force every time you pull it to the mark. It's the style used in many clinics and research studies to take the guesswork out of “snug, not tight.”
- Spring tension makes repeat measurements more consistent
- Calibrated in inches and centimeters
- A favorite of trainers and clinicians who measure many people
- Woven fabric tape rather than fiberglass
- Pricier than a basic tape, and easiest to use with a partner
4. seca 201 Circumference Measuring Tape
seca is a long-standing maker of medical scales and measuring equipment. The 201 is a retractable circumference tape built for clinical use, with a housing that sits comfortably in the hand.
- Retractable, locks in place precisely
- Long range (up to 80 inches / 205 cm) for larger waists
- Durable housing designed for daily clinical use
- Costs more than consumer tapes
- More than most people need for occasional home checks
5. RENPHO Smart Tape Measure
A Bluetooth tape that sends each reading to the RENPHO app, so you can track your waist (and other measurements) over time without writing anything down.
- Logs readings to an app with trend graphs
- Retractable and locking, 60 inches
- Handy if you already use a RENPHO scale
- Needs a phone and an app account
- Bulkier than a simple tape, with a battery to keep charged
Getting a Reading You Can Trust
The tape matters less than how you use it. Measure at the navel, keep the tape level all the way around, and read it at the end of a normal breath out. Take three readings and average them. Full step-by-step guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of tape measure does the Army use for waist-to-height ratio?
The Army's measurement guidance calls for a tape made of non-stretchable material, preferably a retractable fiberglass tape. Cloth tapes are not allowed because they stretch with use, and steel tapes are not allowed because they don't conform to the body.
Can I use a sewing tape measure for my waist?
You can, but cloth sewing tapes stretch over time, so your readings slowly drift. A fiberglass or locking body tape gives more consistent results, which matters when you are tracking small changes.
How tight should the tape be?
Snug against the skin without pressing in. Measure at the end of a normal breath out, without sucking in your stomach. Tension-controlled tapes like a Gulick or MyoTape help you apply the same tightness each time.
How often should I measure my waist?
Once a week, at the same time of day, is plenty for tracking progress. Daily measurements mostly pick up normal swings from meals and water.
Got Your Tape? Put It to Work
Check your waist-to-height ratio, or estimate your body fat with the Navy tape method.
Open TrueFit BMI Calculator →📚 Sources
- Department of the Army. EXORD 182-26, Annex A: Waist-to-Height Ratio measurement procedures (tape type and technique).
EXORD 182-26 Annex A (PDF) → - AliMed. Baseline Gulick Anthropometric Tape and seca 201 Ergonomic Circumference Measuring Tape product specifications.
Gulick tape → · seca 201 → - Topend Sports. MyoTape Body Tape Measure.
Topend Sports →