Last updated on March 23, 2026 8:13 am
Do you know how does a leasure distance meter measures?
According to Aaron Barnett of BangingToolbox: Laser technology is not new, according to Dr. Evil.
We have been enjoying this technology in various applications since the 90s.
But to use one for measuring distances and interpreting multiple calculations is beyond the next level. You can use one for engineering, landscaping, architecture, and mapping tasks.
But for some people who lack knowledge about – how a laser measure works, the device’s accuracy and efficiency are still questionable to older folks in the dark ages.
Because how can you say it is accurate when the tool does not have any contact with the objects you are measuring?
To clear up your thoughts and help you understand better, we made you a comprehensive guide on how it calculates measurement and how the process is carried out in simple terms.
What can a laser measure do?
A laser measure is a tool that can capture distance measurements and calculate area and volume using a laser beam. Aside from this function, the device can also perform other specialized functions.
1. Calculate distance, area, and volume
When calculating distance, it only needs two reference points: from the starting point to the end point of the beam. The standard distance is the primary measurement you can do with a laser distance meter.
The unit measurement for distance is in millimeters, meters, inches, and feet.
When calculating an area inside a space, you need two distance measurements: the length and the width. The tool expresses the unit measurement in square feet, square inches, or square meters.
For calculating volume, you need three distance measurements: length, width, and height. You can read these calculator results in cubic feet, cubic inches, or cubic meters.
2. Make continuous measurements
The continuous mode lets you take measurements, distances, or dimensions continuously without interruptions and at set intervals.
The laser pulse measurement helps measure distances on moving objects in industrial applications like quality control and material handling.
3. Make indirect measurements
For impractical measurements, where you cannot measure distances directly, like the height of the building, you can use geometry and try the Pythagorean function in laser measure.
4. Store measurement data
Aside from performing measurements, the laser measure can store calculations. The data limit you can store on a laser measure depends on the model.
The largest storage in our database of tool reviews can store up to 50 measurements – from the Bosch GLM 100 with a maximum battery capacity of up to 25,000 measurement results.
The laser measuring process
Many of you may still hesitate if this soft distance measurer is efficient.
So I’ll explain how it calculates from the moment the tool releases its laser beam into the atmosphere.
Most laser measuring tools utilize a pulse measurement to calculate data produced by the laser device.
The pulse measurement
The pulse measurement is a calculation from the time a laser beam travels to the endpoint or target measured, let us say a wall, and the time the light takes to return to the device.
The pulse measurement of the laser beam is reliable. How? Because light moves at a constant speed, which even a tiny computer can capture and calculate. The laser beam travels at a fraction of an inch.
Here’s how the device computer process this data:
You turn the device on to release a pulse of light – the beam. You focus the beam on a target or a surface. Remember that the laser beam needs a surface to bounce back on.
The laser beam travels to that surface and bounces back to the device. The device calculates the distance using the speed and time taken by the beam to travel to and fro to the target and your device. This result displays on your screen as an accurate measurement.
This process is how pulse measurement works. And most laser measuring tools use this technology.
Laser measure accuracy
Most laser measures have a specific accuracy range. However, this accuracy is affected by several factors, such as ambient light, humidity, temperature, device quality, and target surface reflectivity.
But in general, the laser beam traveling 50 ft within half of a second has an accuracy level of ⅛ inch or 3.175 mm or, sometimes, 1/16 inch or 1.5mm.
This accuracy level makes the laser measure more reliable for distance measuring than a standard tape measure that could experience tape sag, multiple measurements, or kinks in the direction of measuring.
Operation of a laser measure
A laser measure is easy to operate. You just have to know the key parts and buttons of the device.
- Turn the power or measure button on to activate the device.
- Point the laser beam at the surface you want to measure.
- Set the mode and measurement unit of the device.
- Once you have focused the laser beam on the target, see if the measurement has appeared on the screen.
- Press the measure/ power button to lock the measurement.
What affects the operations efficiency of a laser measure?
While laser beams operate at high energy levels, atmospheric interruptions and distortions may affect their efficiency.
Aside from that, different surfaces may affect and decrease the calculated pulse measurement once they bounce back from highly reflective surfaces.
Another thing that affects the performance of a first class old laser measure is the backlight. The detector may mistake the backlit digits as a reflected beam. Good thing most units have ways to dim and light up the backlit display and only show when needed.
The other factors affecting the efficiency of a laser measure are the battery capacity and maximum range.
How far can a laser distance meter measure?
One factor that can also stretch the limits of a laser measure is its maximum range rating.
In most cases, the maximum range is represented by feet or meters. The farthest range we’ve seen in our database can range up to 650 ft in distance.
The range a laser distance meter can measure depends on the brand and model.
Is a laser measure more reliable than a tape measure?
Both are reliable measuring tools, but a laser measure is way ahead of a tape measure for medium to long measurements.
The biggest convenience is not having to reposition your target points and extend a tape measure every time you need to take a measurement.
Tape measures are good for short distances.
If there’s any significant reason to use a laser measure, that would be increased safety. You don’t have to reposition yourself over greater heights or try to reach framings just to take simple measurements otherwise.
If your profession requires you to measure distance frequently, you’ll definitely enjoy the benefits of an advanced and highly accurate laser tape measure.
