Banging Toolbox

How to Measure Distance with a Laser Measure?

3 min read and study time

Last updated on March 23, 2026 8:19 am

Do you know how to use a laser measure?

Aaron Barnett of BangingToolbox suggests: The laser measure is widely used in the construction industry because the tool is convenient for measuring long distances.

Measuring distance is a primary function of a laser measuring tool, and other functions rely on multiple measurements to calculate missing angles and sides of a triangle. 

In some distance measurements, it’s pretty impractical to use a physical tape measure.

Especially, if you need to measure building heights, it is wiser to use a laser measure.

If you have no idea how the tool works, this device takes measurements from the speed and time the laser beam takes to hit the target and return to the tool.

So if you want to, here’s our guide to laser distance measuring with a laser measure.

POV measuring distance

Where to use distance measurements?

When you must calculate area, you need to measure length and width. When calculating volume, you need length, width, and height. 

Also, measuring distance is crucial to the success of any project. Accurate distance measurements help carry out realistic plans by knowing the sizes and locations of structures and materials.

You can lay out the project scope into a blueprint by measuring distances and saving them in a pocket-friendly advanced measuring device, or using Bluetooth and connecting the data straight to your laptop or phone.

Distance is crucial for many applications in construction, manufacturing, surveying, architecture, and DIY projects.

If you want to measure distance points between foundations or frames, you can use a laser measure.

If you need to know the distance between walls, you can do so with this tool. For architects, this tool helps them design a property and draft floor plans from the available space measured beforehand.

Since distance is crucial to many projects, a laser distance meter is perfect for this measuring duty.

Laser distance measuring on construction sight

Why is a laser measure perfect for measuring distance?

  • You can take distance measurements in seconds or minutes.
  • The tool uses easy-to-navigate buttons for convenient usage.
  • It can travel fifty feet and still be accurate by ⅛ of an inch.
  • You can take distance measurements indoors and outdoors.
  • Make indirect measurements.
  • You can measure long distances without risking your safety by needing to reach up high or get on a ladder.

Measuring wall distance

How far can a laser distance meter measure?

The shortest range we found in our database could measure a distance of up to 65 feet. While the longest-range laser measuring device can shoot and measure a laser beam of up to 650 feet.

But although this figure shows the maximum measuring capacity, several factors can influence its capacity to measure distance.

  • Dark and matte surfaces would have trouble bouncing back the beam compared to light and reflective surfaces. This event may reduce the speed or time calculated by the device.
  • Stretching the laser beam to its maximum limit may not provide accurate measurement if some interference gets in the way.
  • Ambient light, like sunlight, may affect the tool’s ability to measure distance accurately. This event happens because the laser beam would have decreased visibility with ambient or artificial light.

Distance on the floor

How to calculate the distance with a laser measure?

Using the measuring tool to calculate distance is pretty straightforward. You only have to familiarize yourself with the buttons, functions, and icons.

Find these buttons in your laser measure:

  • Meas/ power button
  • Unit key
  • Memory key

Here’s what you should do to measure distance with this laser measuring tool:

  1. Press the power button. Sometimes this button is labeled as MEAS. Your device will start projecting a laser beam.
  2. Aim the beam on the target surface you want to measure, with the back of the laser on the starting point.
  3. Set the measurement unit by pressing the unit button. Select inches, feet, or meters.
  4. Once in focus, press the measure button to initiate the measurement and lock the reading. 
  5. Wait for the screen to display the results. The device should beep or vibrate when the tool has captured the data. 
  6. Take note or press the memory button to save.

Close up view of laser measure

Now you can measure distance with a laser measure

Learn the other attributes of your laser measuring device. You can also use it to measure area and volume.

Plus, the device has special functions to measure distances indirectly.

There are many techniques to try, but the first thing you should learn when you get a laser distance measure is to find out how to measure distance quickly. 

It’s your key to learning how to operate other functions in the tool later.

Laser measure over a blueprint