Asme B 89 1 7 2009 PDF

ASME B89.1.
7-MEASURING TAPE PROJECT TEAM DRAFT 3/17/2009
PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR STEEL MEASURING TAPES
2009
TENTATIVE
SUBJECT TO REVISION OR WITHDRAWAL
Specific Authorization Required for Reproduction or Quotation
ASME Codes and Standards
ASME B89.1.7 Steel Measuring Tapes Draft

ASME B89.1.7-MEASURING TAPE PROJECT TEAM DRAFT 3/17/2009
FOREWORD
ASME Standards Committee B89 on Dimensional Metrology, under procedures approved by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI), prepares standards that encompass the inspection and
the means of measuring characteristics of such various geometric parameters as diameter, length,
flatness, parallelism, concentricity, and squareness. Because steel measuring tapes are widely used
for the measurement and comparison of some of these features, the Chair of the B89 Division 1
Length authorized the formation of Project Team B89.1.7 to prepare this Standard
The overall scope of the Dimensional Metrology Measuring Tape Project Team (B89.1.7) is:
"To define the requirements for steel measuring tapes for all units of measures in U.S.
Customary units and SI 1 units with respect to graduations, numbering, designations, and
accuracy."
This standard provides guidance to users and manufacturers of steel measuring tapes with respect to
quality standards and preferred measuring units by specifying only the requirements that are essential
for satisfactory performance. Presently, both the metric and the U.S. Customary System (inch-based)
graduations are in popular use.
Non-mandatory Appendices A and B discuss Tape Calibration Uncertainties and provide general
guidance and awareness regarding the determination and application of calibration uncertainties
relative to tape calibrations. Appendix A treats the subject of calibration of a tape by comparison to a
master tape; Appendix B discusses calibration of a tape using a laser interferometer.
Drafts of this standard were proposed and discussed during project team meetings from January 1996
through October 2008.
The American National Standards Institute approved this standard on ____________.
Suggestions for improvement of this standard would be welcome. They should be sent to the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), United Engineering Center, 345 East 47th
Street, New York, NY 10017-2392.
1
Le Systeme International d'Unites (International System of Units), abbreviated SI in all languages,
commonly called the metric system.
ii
COMMITTEE ROSTER
ASME STANDARDS - B89 - DIMENSIONAL METROLOGY
(The following is the roster of the Committee at the time of approval of this Standard)
OFFICERS
Brian Parry Chair

Dean Beutel Vice Chair
Frederico Constantino Secretary
COMMITTEE PERSONNEL
James B. Bryan Bryan and Associates

Tom Carpenter AFMETCAL
Thomas Charlton, Jr. Charlton Associates
Gregory A Hetland Intl Inst of GD&T
Robert J. Hocken UNCC
Richard B. Hook METCON
Mel Liebers Professional Instruments Co.
Steven D.Phillips Natl Inst of Stand & Tech
James G. Salisbury Mitutoyo America Corp.
Dennis a Swyt Natl Inst of Stand & Tech
Benjamin R. Taylor Renishaw PLC
Ralph C. Veale Consultant
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ASME STANDARDS COMMITTEE B89 PROJECT TEAM 1.7 - MEASURING

TAPES
Charles J. Fronczek Chair, Natl Inst of Stand & Tech

Chris Blackburn Natl Inst of Stand & Tech
Dexter J. Carlson The L.S. Starrett Co
Joseph P. DeCarolis Formerly with Stanley Works
Michael L. Fink Boeing Commercial Airplane
W. Tyler Estler Natl Inst of Stand & Tech
Colleen M. Hayden The L.S. Starrett Co
Charles C. Lawhon Formerly with Cooper Tools, Lufkin Division
Michael J. Moran GSA
Richard C. Newton Formerly with The L.S. Starrett Co
Daniel Sawyer Natl Inst of Stand & Tech
John Schneller U.S.Tape
Ralph Veale Consultant
Grant L. Wood Stanley Works
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CONTENTS
FOREWORD....................................................................................................................................... II
COMMITTEE ROSTER ..................................................................................................................III
ASME STANDARDS - B89 - DIMENSIONAL METROLOGY ..................................................III
PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR STEEL MEASURING TAPES...........................................1
1 SCOPE.............................................................................................................................................1
2 DEFINITIONS ...............................................................................................................................1
3 NORMATIVE REFERENCES.....................................................................................................2
3.1 ADDITIONAL REFERENCES ..........................................................................................................2
4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................2
4.1 STRAIGHT AND PARALLEL ..........................................................................................................3
4.2 EASE OF READING ......................................................................................................................3
4.3 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................3
4.4 COMPATIBILITY ..........................................................................................................................3
4.5 MEASUREMENT UNITS................................................................................................................3
4.6 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................3
4.7 ADDITIONAL MARKINGS ............................................................................................................4
4.8 NUMBERING ...............................................................................................................................4
4.9 DEFINITION OF THE CALIBRATED DISTANCE ..............................................................................4
5 STEEL MEASURING TAPES .....................................................................................................6
5.1 RETRACTABLE STEEL TAPE RULE ..............................................................................................6
5.2 MEASURING TAPE − STEEL GENERAL PURPOSE .........................................................................6
5.3 MEASURING TAPE – SURVEYING / ENGINEERING .......................................................................6
5.4 MEASURING TAPE − LIQUID GAUGING .......................................................................................6
6 CALIBRATION AND MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE ERRORS ...............................................7
6.1 TENSION .....................................................................................................................................7
6.2 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE .........................................................................................................7
6.3 MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE ERRORS (MPE) REQUIREMENTS..........................................................8
APPENDIX I - MANDATORY REFERENCE STANDARD TRACEABILITY.........................11
I.1 GENERAL TRACEABILITY ISSUES IN ASME B89.1.7 .................................................................11
I.2 REFERENCE STANDARD TRACEABILITY .....................................................................................11
I.3 METROLOGICAL TERMINUS.......................................................................................................12
APPENDIX A - NON-MANDATORY CALIBRATION OF A TAPE BY COMPARISON TO A
MASTER TAPE..................................................................................................................................13
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A.1 TEST SETUP...............................................................................................................................13

A.2 NOTATION ................................................................................................................................14
A.3 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE........................................................................................................14
A.4 UNCERTAINTY EVALUATION .....................................................................................................15
A.5 DECISION RULE .........................................................................................................................16
A.6 EXAMPLE: COMPARATOR REQUIREMENT FOR TAPE CALIBRATION ............................................16
APPENDIX B - NON-MANDATORY CALIBRATION OF A TAPE USING A LASER
INTERFEROMETER ........................................................................................................................18
B.1 THE TEST SETUP ........................................................................................................................18
B.2 NOTATION ................................................................................................................................19
B.3 LASER INTERFEROMETER TAPE CALIBRATION SETUP ................................................................19
B.4 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE........................................................................................................19
B.5 CALCULATION OF TEST TAPE ERRORS .......................................................................................20
B.6 DECISION RULE .........................................................................................................................21
B.7 UNCERTAINTY EVALUATION .....................................................................................................21
FIGURE 1. - STANDARD PRACTICE FOR ZERO REFERENCE MARKING .......................5
TABLE 1. TENSION REQUIREMENTS FOR STEEL MEASURING TAPES WITH FLAT

RECTANGULAR CROSS SECTION ................................................................................................7
TABLE 2. MPE FOR REPRESENTATIVE LENGTHS OF CURVED CROSS SECTION

TAPES....................................................................................................................................................9
TABLE 3. MPE FOR REPRESENTATIVE LENGTHS OF FLAT RECTANGULAR CROSS

SECTION TAPES...............................................................................................................................10
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CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE B89 COMMITTEE
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PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR STEEL MEASURING TAPES
1 SCOPE
This standard specifies the requirements for steel measuring tapes, with respect to units (International
System (SI) 2 and/or U.S. Customary), graduations, numbering, designations, and accuracy
requirements.
2 DEFINITIONS
accuracy – closeness of agreement between a measured quantity value and a true quantity value of a
measurand. Accuracy is a qualitative concept. (VIM 2.13)
graduations – marks or lines perpendicular to the edge of a measuring tape denoting increments of
measure.
intermediate graduation – a graduation mark denoting an increment of measure that falls between
the major and the minor graduations (e.g., inch or centimeter).
major graduation – a graduation mark denoting the largest increment of measure (e.g., feet or
meters).
maximum permissible errors (MPE) – extreme value of measurement error, with respect to a
known reference quantity value, permitted by specifications or regulations for a given measurement,
measuring instrument, or measuring system (VIM 4.26)
minor graduation – a graduation mark denoting the smallest increment of measure (e.g., fraction of
an inch, decimal inch, or millimeter).
plumb bob – when used with a measuring tape, a weight with a tapered or flat tip on the bottom that
is suspended from the tape.
tension – a force that tends to stretch or elongate something, or a measure of such a force.
Note: The measure of force in the U. S. Customary System is the pound (lbf); the measure of force in
the metric system is the newton (N). Traditionally, the tension (a force) has been referred to in units
of pounds and kilograms. Pound (or pound-force) is proper. In the SI system of units, the kilogram
is the unit of mass and the newton is the unit of force. In this Standard the tension for tapes
graduated in SI units is specified in kilograms, in order to maintain continuity of reference to master
tape calibration data. The corresponding force in newtons is equal to the applied mass in kilograms
multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity, g. By convention, g = 9.80665 m/s2 exactly. Thus, the
force exerted on a tape by a one kilogram load is 9.80665 N. For highest accuracy, the local value of
g should be used.
zero reference mark – the location from which all graduation and numbering of the measuring tape
is dimensioned.
validity conditions – the set of values or range of values of the relevant influence quantities, e.g.
environmental conditions, under which the performance specifications are valid.
2
Le Systeme International d'Unites (International System of Units) abbreviated SI in all languages,
commonly called metric system.
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3 NORMATIVE REFERENCES
If American National Standard Institute (ANSI) and ISO standards referred to in this document are
superseded by a revision, the revision shall apply.
IEEE/ASTM SI-10-2002 – Standard for the Use of the International System of Units (SI): The
Modern Metric System)
ISO 1:2002 – Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) -- Standard reference temperature for
geometrical product specification and verification
ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008 – Uncertainty of measurement -- Part 3: Guide to the expression of

uncertainty in measurement (GUM:1995)
JCGM 200:2008 – International vocabulary of metrology – Basic and general concepts and
associated terms (VIM),
3.1 Additional References
API MPMS 3.1B 2001 – Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards Chapter 3 - Tank Gauging
Section 1B - Standard Practice for Level Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons in Stationary Tanks
by Automatic Tank Gauging
ASME B89.6.2 – Temperature and Humidity Environment for Dimensional Measurement
ASME B89.7.3.1-2001 – Guidelines for Decision Rules: Considering Measurement Uncertainty in

Determining Conformance to Specifications
ASME B89.7.5-2006 Metrological Traceability of Dimensional Measurements to the SI Unit of

Length, Technical Report
ISO/IEC 17025:2005 – General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories
NIST SP 811 1995 – Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI)
Note: ASME B89 Documents may be found at: http://catalog.asme.org/home.cfm?Search=B89
4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
All steel measuring tapes covered by this standard shall conform to the following requirements.
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4.1 Straight and Parallel
Steel measuring tapes shall be made so that when stretched out on a flat surface the edges are
nominally straight and parallel.
4.2 Ease of Reading
All steel measuring tapes shall be clearly marked to facilitate easy and correct reading.
4.3 Background
The graduations and numbering shall be in sharp visual contrast with the background.
4.4 Compatibility
There shall be compatibility between the legibility of graduations and the size and form of numbers,
when related to the distance at which the measuring tape is normally read.
4.5 Measurement Units
Unit names and symbols displayed on metric measuring tapes covered by this standard shall be
consistent with the IEEE/ASTM SI-10-2002 – Standard for the Use of the International System of
Units (SI): The Modern Metric System)
4.6 Graduation Requirements
Along the nominal length, the measuring tape shall carry clear, regular and indelible graduations and
numbering, to ensure simple and unambiguous reading. Some non-numbered graduations may
extend beyond the major graduation marks at the ends of the measuring tape. Graduations extending
to the left of zero and to the right of the last major graduation are not to be considered part of the tape
for calibration purposes.
4.6.1 Graduation Quality
When the graduations are lines, they shall be visually straight, perpendicular to the axis of the
measuring tape and all of the same thickness. The thickness of each line shall be constant throughout
its length. The lines shall be such that they form a distinct and clear graduation and that their
thickness does not cause inaccuracy of measurement.
Certain sections of the measuring tape, especially towards the ends, may be subdivided into sub-
multiples of the graduation interval adopted for the whole measure. In that case, the thickness of the
lines may be less in the areas of reduced graduation intervals than in the rest of the measuring tape.
4.6.2 Arrangement
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The measuring tape shall be divided by graduations of units consistent with the SI system or U.S.
Customary system. The SI units shall be in meters, centimeters, millimeters, and multiples or sub-
divisions thereof. The U.S. Customary units shall be in feet, inches, and multiples or sub-divisions
thereof to include decimal or fractional divisions.
4.6.3 Length of Graduations
In general, as the subdivision of length becomes smaller, the subdivisions should be indicated by
using graduations of shorter length. However, in no case should the length of graduations be less
than 0.7 mm or 0.03 inch.
4.6.4 Width
The graduation marks shall not be wider than 50% of the distance between two consecutive minor
graduations.
4.7 Additional Markings
All markings, other than graduations and numbering, should be so positioned and of such a size as
not to interfere with the legibility of the steel measuring tapes.
4.8 Numbering
4.8.1 Size of Numbers
The size of the numbers denoting the major graduations shall be as large as practical without
reducing the legibility of the graduations. All digits shall be of a style that distinctly differentiates
one number from another.
4.8.2 Zero Reference Mark
A tip, ring, hook, or end fitting may be included as a zero reference mark on the measuring tape. In
this case, the numbering shall be positioned to accommodate the zero reference mark. Figure 1
illustrates the standard practice for the zero reference marking on various styles of tapes.
4.8.3 Distinguishing of Numbers
Numbers denoting each multiple or sub-division of a unit of length shall be distinguishable from each
other by one or more of the following: size, color, or style. The numbers designating the same
multiple or sub-division shall be of the same size and style, except where these are reduced to
accommodate other markings.
4.9 Definition of the Calibrated Distance
The calibrated distance between graduations shall be taken as the intervals between the centerlines of
pairs of graduations at the edge of the tape where the shortest graduations appear.
4
Figure 1. - Standard Practice for Zero Reference Marking
In the absence of short graduations, the calibrated distance is defined to be the intervals between
centerlines of the graduations at the bottom edge of the tape when viewed with the numbers right side
5
up. The distance is defined at 20 °C, when the tape is fully supported with specified tension (possibly
zero) applied. (See Section 6)
It should be noted that cases exist that are not covered above. In these cases the owner should specify
the definition of the calibrated distance. In the absence of a clear definition, the calibrating technician
shall use his or her discretion in defining the calibrated distance, and the definition of the calibrated
distance shall be documented in the calibration report.
5 STEEL MEASURING TAPES
This Standard applies to numerous tapes; a short description follows.
5.1 Retractable Steel Tape Rule
A graduated and numbered flexible steel blade with either a curved cross section that provides a
measurable degree of stiffness, or a flat rectangular cross section, with an end fitting and optionally a
spring motor within a case. It is to be constructed in a manner that allows easy extension and
provides for quick retraction into the case.
5.2 Measuring Tape − Steel General Purpose
A graduated and numbered flexible steel blade with an end fitting and a case or reel having a winding
drum and handle, or other mechanism, for retraction of the tape into the case.
5.3 Measuring Tape – Surveying / Engineering
A graduated and numbered flexible steel blade that may be fitted with clips at one or both ends to
permit attachment of handles and tensioning devices. It usually is attached to a reel having a winding
drum and handle in such a way as to be easily removable.
5.4 Measuring Tape − Liquid Gauging
A liquid gauging tape is a graduated and numbered flexible steel blade with an end fitting to which a
plumb bob is attached. Liquid gauging tapes are either innage tapes or outage tapes. The tapes are
similar in design but differ in their mode of use.
Innage tapes measure the depth of the product from its surface to the tank bottom or datum plate.
Therefore, the end (tip) of the plumb bob, when the tape is hung vertically, is the zero reference mark
for an innage tape. See Figure 1.
Outage tapes measure the height of space above the liquid from a reference point on the tank to the
surface of the product. The outage tape is lowered into the tank until the plumb bob breaks the
surface of the liquid. The zero reference mark on an outage tape is located on the hook where the
plumb bob is attached. See Figure 1.
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6 CALIBRATION AND MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE ERRORS
6.1 Tension
Steel tapes with a flat rectangular cross section shall be calibrated while fully supported on a
horizontal surface with tension applied as given in Table 1. Tapes with a curved cross section,
regardless of length, shall be calibrated without tension.
Table 1. Tension Requirements for Steel Measuring Tapes with Flat Rectangular Cross Section
Tapes graduated in U. S. Customary

Tapes graduated in SI Units
Units
0 m to 30 m overall length - 5 kg 0 foot to 100 foot overall length - 10 lbf
Length greater than 30 m - 10 kg Length greater than 100 ft - 20 lbf
Note 1: Tapes manufactured to other tensions must specify the tension on the tape near the
zero end.
Note 2: Curved Cross section tapes, regardless of length, are to be calibrated without tension.
6.2 Calibration Procedure
The measuring tape to be calibrated shall be laid out flat on a smooth horizontal surface and
compared to a length standard whose uncertainty has been evaluated. Specified tension (possibly
zero) shall be applied. Friction between the surface and tapeline shall be minimized. If the
comparison is between two tapes, a correction for differential expansion of the materials should be
applied.
For the most accurate results, the tape to be calibrated should be tested against an interferometer
system. See Appendix B. The interferometer measurements shall be corrected for the environmental
conditions.
In all cases, the uncertainties associated with measured errors shall be evaluated. (See Appendices.)
Decision Rule
Each length under test, Lj, has a corresponding error δ j equal to the nominal value of the length,
indicated on the tape, minus the measured value for that length. Each of these errors has an associated
standard uncertainty, u(δj ) (see Appendix A or B). The index j = 1, 2, …, n, where n is the total
number of lengths under test.
Because there is uncertainty associated with the error values, a decision rule needs to be applied that
describes the way in which those uncertainty values are accounted for when deciding acceptance or
rejection. In this Standard, a 4:1 Simple Acceptance decision rule applies as defined in ASME
B89.7.3.1.
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Therefore, the measuring tape under test is accepted (i.e., conformance to specifications is considered
verified) when both of the following are true:
• For each length under test, Lj, the uncertainty associated with the determined error is
sufficiently small to satisfy Cm = MPE j 2u (δ j ) ≥ 4 . ( Cm being the measurement capability
index), and
• For each length under test, Lj, the determined error is sufficiently small to satisfy δ j ≤ MPE j .
Alternatively, the measuring tape under test is rejected when there is at least one length under test, Lj,
for which its determined error δ j and associated uncertainty u (δ j) satisfy both of the following:
• The uncertainty associated with the determined error, u (δ j), is sufficiently small to satisfy
Cm = MPE j 2u (δ j ) ≥ 4 . ( Cm being the measurement capability index), and
• The determined error is sufficiently large in magnitude to satisfy δ j > MPE j .
Since the uncertainties of the errors can generally be evaluated before the test begins, it can be
determined beforehand if the uncertainties are sufficiently small to ensure Cm ≥ 4 for each length
under test, and thus if the testing apparatus/procedure are sufficiently accurate to test for acceptance.
When the uncertainties are not small enough to ensure such Cm values, the uncertainty requirement
for 4:1 Simple Acceptance has not been met, meaning that the testing apparatus/procedure is not
sufficiently accurate to test for acceptance of the tape under test.
The quantity MPE j is the specified maximum permissible error in the length of the tape between the
zero graduation and graduation L j . The magnitude of MPE j depends on the nominal length L j as
described in 6.3 and shown in examples in Tables 2 and 3.
6.3 Maximum Permissible Errors (MPE) Requirements
In this standard, the MPE for steel tapes are based on the formula: MPE = ± (A + B • L), where A and
B are specified constants and L is the length being checked.
Note: There are other standards that may apply to specific types of steel measuring tapes such as the
American Petroleum Institute’s Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards Chapter 3 — Tank
Gauging, Section 1A.
6.3.1 Curved Cross Section without Tension
For measuring tapes with curved cross sections, A = 0.300 mm (0.0118 inch) and B = 0.150 mm/m
(0.0020 inch/foot), thus the formula for the MPE becomes:
for Metric units;
MPE mm = ± (0.300 mm + 0.150 mm/m • L m)
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and for U.S. Customary units;
MPE inch = ± (0.0118 inch + 0.0020 inch/foot • L foot)
Representative values of the MPE for various tape lengths are given in Table 2.
Table 2. MPE for Representative Lengths of Curved Cross Section Tapes
SI Units U. S. Customary Units

Length MPE Length MPE
Being MPE (with end Being MPE (with end
Checked fitting) Checked fitting)
m ± mm ± mm feet ± inch ± inch
1 0.450 0.750 1 0.0138 0.0256
2 0.600 0.900 2 0.0158 0.0276
3 0.750 1.050 3 0.0178 0.0296
4 0.900 1.200 4 0.0198 0.0316
5 1.050 1.350 5 0.0218 0.0336
6 1.200 1.500 20 0.0518 0.0636
8 1.500 1.800 25 0.0618 0.0736
10 1.800 2.100 30 0.0718 0.0836
15 2.550 2.850 50 0.1118 0.1236
20 3.300 3.600 75 0.1618 0.1736
30 4.800 5.100 100 0.2118 0.2236
40 6.300 6.600 125 0.2618 0.2736
50 7.800 8.100 150 0.3118 0.3236
100 15.300 15.600 200 0.4118 0.4236
6.3.2 Flat Rectangular Cross Section with Tension
For measuring tapes with flat rectangular cross sections, A = 0.300 mm (0.0118 inch) and B = 0.127
mm/m (0.0015 inch/foot), thus the formula for the MPE becomes:
for Metric units;
9
MPE mm = ± (0.300 mm + 0.127 mm/m • L m)
and for U.S. Customary units;
MPE inch = ± (0.0118 inch + 0.0015 inch/foot • L foot)
Representative values of the MPE for various tape lengths are given in Table 3.
Table 3. MPE for Representative Lengths of Flat Rectangular Cross Section Tapes
SI Units U. S. Customary Units

Length Length
MPE (with MPE (with
Being MPE Being MPE
end fitting) end fitting)
Checked Checked
m ± mm ± mm feet ± inch ± inch
1 0.427 0.727 1 0.0133 0.0251
2 0.554 0.854 2 0.0148 0.0266
3 0.681 0.981 3 0.0163 0.0281
4 0.808 1.108 4 0.0178 0.0296
5 0.935 1.235 5 0.0193 0.0311
6 1.062 1.362 20 0.0418 0.0536
8 1.316 1.616 25 0.0493 0.0611
10 1.570 1.870 30 0.0568 0.0686
15 2.205 2.505 50 0.0868 0.0986
20 2.840 3.140 75 0.1243 0.1361
30 4.110 4.410 100 0.1618 0.1736
40 5.380 5.680 125 0.1993 0.2111
50 6.650 6.950 150 0.2368 0.2486
100 13.000 13.300 200 0.3118 0.3236
6.3.3 With End Fittings
When the calibrated length includes a tip, ring, hook or end fitting, the calibration shall include an
additional point at the 100 mm or 4 inch graduation.
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6.3.3.1 MPE for Tapes with End Fittings
To determine the MPE for these tapes, add 0.300 mm (0.0118 inch) to the A constant in the MPE
formulas in Sections 6.3.1 and 6.3.2 above. See Tables 2 and 3.
APPENDIX I - MANDATORY REFERENCE STANDARD TRACEABILITY
I.1 General traceability issues in ASME B89.1.7

This standard employs the interpretation of traceability described in Technical Report ASME B89.7.5
[A1]. In this standard, traceability issues arise in calibration of tapes through comparisons to either a
master tape or an interferometer. The reference standard (master tape or interferometer) used for
comparison to a test tape must satisfy the traceability requirements of Section I.2 of this document.
This requirement provides the connection back to the SI meter and allows a comparison of the
measured length errors with the specified MPE values.
The traceability of the reference standard must be documented. The documentation traceability
requirement describes how the connection to the SI meter is achieved. If a master tape is employed,
the documentation traceability is the calibration certificate of the master tape to an appropriate
metrological terminus (see Section I.3 below). If the reference standard is an interferometer, then this
interferometer must have metrological traceability to an appropriate metrological terminus, either a
calibration certificate or documentation describing the means of realizing the SI meter (ASME
B89.7.5 Section 2).
I.2 Reference standard traceability
Each measurement system used in the calibration, for example, a master tape and a height gage used
to measure the length of the plumb bob attached to end fittings, must be traceable per ASME
B89.7.5. Typically, it is not necessary to document separately the traceability of each calibrated
distance on a tape, unless multiple measurement systems are used in the calibration.
Supplying the information below for each measurement system employed will satisfy the traceability
requirements for the tape calibration. Information on evaluating the uncertainty of the reference
length is given in Appendices B and C.
1. State the quantity under measurement; for example, the specified intervals between the
centerlines of pairs of graduations at the edge of the master tape where the shortest
graduations appear. Note: the calibrated distance always refers to the standard temperature of
20 °C.
2. Identify the measurement system or standard used; for example, a master steel tape with SN #
12345.
3. State the expanded (k = 2) uncertainty associated with the calibrated distance of the reference
standard as used at the time of measurement. Note, this includes both the uncertainty on the
calibration certificate and effects such as the prevailing thermal conditions at the time of the
calibration, and associated equipment used to transfer the value from the master to the tape
under calibration, for example, a microscope carriage system.
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4. Provide an uncertainty budget describing the uncertainty components used to compute the
statement of uncertainty. For a master tape, the typical uncertainty components are the
calibration uncertainty, the uncertainty in the master tape temperature (used to make the
nominal thermal expansion correction) and the uncertainty in the coefficient of thermal
expansion of the master tape. Additional uncertainty components may include fixturing
effects.
5. Provide documentation traceability back to an appropriate terminus of the standard used for
the reference standard; see Section I.3 for an appropriate metrological terminus. For example,
for a master tape the calibration certificate would suffice assuming the certificate is from an
appropriate metrological terminus.
6. Show evidence of an internal quality assurance program so that the measurement uncertainty
statement for the reference standard is assured. This may be a simple procedure to ensure that
the reference standard is periodically recalibrated; to ensure that other sensors, e.g., the
weather station of a reference interferometer is periodically recalibrated, to ensure that the
artifact fixturing or other effects are in accordance with its calibration requirements or
otherwise taken into account in the uncertainty budget.
I.3 Metrological terminus
An appropriate metrological terminus for the documentation traceability is any one of the following
sources; see reference [A1] for further details.
1. A calibration report 3 from a National Measurement Institute for the reference length (artifact
or instrument) used as in the testing
2. A calibration report from a competent 4 laboratory fulfilling section 5.6 of ISO 17025, for the
reference standard used in the testing.
3. Documentation describing an independent realization of the SI meter 5 used to generate the

reference standard, e.g. a laser interferometer. This documentation will include the
measurement uncertainty of the calibration and evidence that the stated uncertainty is
achievable, e.g., participation in a round robin or comparison against another independently
calibrated length standard.
3
For some instruments accuracy is often specified by grade or class. A document identifying
compliance to a metrological grade or class is equivalent to a calibration report.
4
A de facto means of demonstrating competence is though laboratory accreditation
5
In this Standard an independent realization of the SI meter is considered a reproducible physical
phenomenon that has its metrological characteristic (and reproducibility) measured and documented
by a NMI. Hence, reproduction of this phenomenon represents an unbroken chain of information,
back to the SI unit of length; such a realization is sometimes referred to as a quantum based standard.
12
APPENDIX A - NON-MANDATORY CALIBRATION OF A TAPE BY COMPARISON TO A

MASTER TAPE
A.1 Test setup
LM + δ T
Test
Master
LM
δT
Temperature T
[ LM + δ T ] (1 − α test ΔT )
L0M
δ 20
Temperature = 20 °C
Figure A.1
13
A.2 Notation
L0M = calibrated length of master tape at 20 °C

LM = length of master tape at temperature T
α test = coefficient of thermal expansion of test tape
αM = coefficient of thermal expansion of master tape
δT = error of test tape measured at temperature T
δ 20 = error of test tape at T = 20 °C
A.3 Calibration procedure
The test setup is illustrated in Figure A.1. Assume that the right-hand edges of the two tapes
correspond to the same length graduation: the 10 meter marks, for example.
The difference in length δ T at temperature T is measured with a comparator instrument, such as a

measuring microscope. The relevant lengths are shown at the top of Figure A.1. The length of the
master tape at temperature T is
LM = L0M (1 + α M ΔT ), (A1)
where L0M is the length of the master tape taken from its calibration report and ΔT = T − 20 °C .
The quantity of interest (the measurand) is δ 20 , the error of the test tape at 20 °C, which is the
standard reference temperature for length measurements.
The bottom of Figure A.1 shows the situation at T = 20 °C. The master tape now has its calibrated
length L0M . The length of the test tape at 20 °C, corrected for thermal expansion (or contraction) from
its length at temperature T, is [ LM + δ T ](1 − α test ΔT ) , where ΔT = T − 20 °C . From the figure it is
seen that:
δ 20 = [ LM + δT ](1 − α M ΔT ) − L0M , (A2)
and substituting for LM using expression (A1) gives
δ 20 = ⎡⎣ L0M (1 + α M ΔT ) + δ T ⎤⎦ (1 − α test ΔT ) − L0M

(A3)
= δ T + (α M − α test ) L0M ΔT − α testδ T ΔT − α Mα test L0M (ΔT ) 2 .
The last two terms in this expression are negligible and may be omitted, so that the desired error is:
δ 20 = δ T + (α M − α test ) L0M ΔT . (A4)
Expression (A4) is the fundamental result of a tape calibration performed by comparison with a
master tape at temperature T. The first term is the measured error at the calibration temperature T.
14
The second term is a correction for differential expansion (or contraction) of the test and master tapes
between the calibration temperature and 20 °C.
There are two cases of interest with respect to the differential expansion correction:
• If the test and master tapes are made of the same material (i.e. a steel tape calibrated against a
steel master), then α M = α test and the correction is equal to zero. There will still be uncertainty
components associated with the correction because none of the quantities
α M ,α test , L0M , and ΔT are known exactly.
• If the test and master tapes are made of different materials (i.e. a steel tape calibrated against
an Invar master), then the correction term must be calculated and the result used to adjust the
measured error.
The two cases are illustrated in the following section.
A.4 Uncertainty evaluation
The standard uncertainty u (δ 20 ) associated with the result Eq. (A4) of the tape calibration is
calculated using the law of propagation of uncertainty as described in the ISO Guide to the
Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM). The result is:
u 2 (δ 20 ) = u 2 (δ T ) + ( L0M ΔT ) 2 ⎡⎣u 2 (α M ) + u 2 (α test ) ⎤⎦

(A5)
+ ( L0M Δα ) 2 u 2 (ΔT ) + (ΔαΔT ) 2 u 2 ( L0M ),
where Δα = α M − α test . The first term on the right is associated with the procedure used to measure
the error δ T and includes components due to the comparator calibration and resolution, measurement
repeatability, operator effects, etc.
The remaining terms in expression (A5) arise from the imperfect correction for differential expansion
(or contraction) between the two tapes. The two possibilities are:
(a) Test and master tapes of the same material (i.e. steel tape and steel master).
In this case, α M = α test , u (α M ) = u (α test ) = u (α ), and the last two terms in expression (A5) are
equal to zero, so that
u 2 (δ 20 ) = u 2 (δ T ) + 2( L0M ΔT ) 2 u 2 (α ), (A6)
and
u (δ 20 ) = u 2 (δ T ) + 2( L0M ΔT ) 2 u 2 (α ) . (A7)
(b) Test and master tapes of different materials (i.e. steel tape and Invar master).
In this case all terms in expression (A5) must be included, so that
15
1
⎡u 2 (δ T ) + ( L0M ΔT ) 2 ⎡u 2 (α M ) + u 2 (α test ) ⎤ ⎤ 2
u (δ 20 ) = ⎢ ⎣ ⎦ ⎥ (A8)
⎢⎣ + ( LM Δα ) u (ΔT ) + (ΔαΔT ) u ( LM ) ⎥⎦
0 2 2 2 2 0
A.5 Decision rule
Once the test tape error has been measured, one has to decide whether or not the MPE requirement
has been met. Because of the uncertainty associated with the result of the error measurement, a
decision rule according to ASME B89.7.3.1 must be specified. The stated decision rule describes the
way in which measurement uncertainty will be accounted for in deciding if the tape is to be accepted
as in compliance with its specification.
In this Standard, the decision rule is called Simple 4:1 Acceptance. This means that a tape for which
δ 20 ≤ MPE is accepted as conforming with specification, as long as the measurement capability
index, defined by Cm = MPE 2u (δ 20 ) = MPE U , satisfies the requirement
MPE
Cm = ≥ 4, (A9)
U
where U = 2u (δ 20 ) is the k = 2 expanded uncertainty associated with the measurement of the error.
A.6 Example: Comparator requirement for tape calibration
A manufacturer wishes to design a comparator system for calibrating 10 m curved cross section steel
tapes. The calibrated master tape will also be made of steel. Calibrations will be performed in a
laboratory where the temperature is maintained within the range 21 °C ≤ T ≤ 25 °C .
Tapes will be accepted or rejected using a Simple 4:1 Acceptance decision rule. From
expression (A9) it is seen that the requirement Cm = MPE 2u (δ 20 ) ≥ 4 means that the standard
uncertainty associated with the result of an error measurement must satisfy
MPE
u (δ 20 ) ≤ . (A10)
8
Because the master and test tapes are both made of steel, the correction for differential expansion is
equal to zero. The standard uncertainty u (δ 20 ) is given by expression (A7).
The basic question facing the manufacturer is this:
How well must the comparator measurement be performed, or in other words, with what
standard uncertainty u (δ T ) must the errors be measured in order to satisfy the
requirement of expression (A 10)?
16
The question can be answered as follows. Combining expressions (A7) and (A10) yields the
requirement
u 2 (δ 20 ) = u 2 (δ T ) + 2( L0M ΔT ) 2 u 2 (α )
MPE 2 (A11)
≤ .
64
Solving for u (δ T ) then gives
MPE 2
u (δT ) ≤ − 2( L0M ΔT ) 2 u 2 (α ). (A12)
64
This can now be evaluated by putting in the numbers.
L0M = 10 m
From Table 2: MPE = 1.8 mm
ΔTmax = 5 °C
u (α ) = (1 3 ) ×10−6 °C-1
The value for u (α ) is the standard deviation of a uniform probability distribution of width
2 × 10-6 °C-1, i.e., the CTE is unknown by ± 1 × 10-6 °C-1.
The two terms under the square root in expression (A12) are then:
MPE 2
= 50625μm 2
64
2 ⋅ 502
2( L0M ΔTmax ) 2 u 2 (α ) = ×10−12 m 2
3
= 1670 μm 2
Then
u (δ T ) ≤ 50625 − 1670 μm
(A13)
≤ 221 μm.
The comparator measurement process used to measure the distance between the 10 m marks on the
test and master tapes must have an associated standard uncertainty of about 0.22 mm in order to
satisfy the requirements for Simple 4:1 Acceptance.
17
APPENDIX B - NON-MANDATORY CALIBRATION OF A TAPE USING A LASER

INTERFEROMETER
B.1 The test setup
Microscope
Graduation
Zero Lj
graduation
Tape under test
dj
Laser
Target reflector
beams Δθ j
z = Abbe offset
Figure B.1
18
B.2 Notation
L j = numbered tape graduations, j = 1, 2,K. Numerically, L j is equal to

the nominal length from the zero graduation to graduation L j at 20 °C
l nom
j = nominal length of tape from the zero graduation to graduation L j at
the calibration temperature T
j = calibrated length of tape from the zero graduation to graduation L j at
l cal
the calibration temperature T
α test = coefficient of thermal expansion of the test tape
δ j = error in nominal length l nom
j
d j = measured displacement from zero graduation to graduation L j

θ 0 = microscope pitch angle at zero graduation
θ j = microscope pitch angle at graduation L j
Δθ j = θ j − θ 0 = change in microscope pitch angle
between zero graduation and graduation L j
z = vertical (Abbe) offset between tape and laser beam axis
B.3 Laser interferometer tape calibration setup
A typical tape calibration setup using a laser interferometer is shown in Figure B.1. A reticule
microscope is arranged so as to be sequentially centered on the tape graduations to be calibrated. [For
clarity, the traveling microscope carriage is not shown in the diagram.]
The displacement of the microscope along the test tape is measured by a laser displacement
interferometer, corrected for wavelength changes due to the refractive index of air. The target
reflector (typically a cube-corner retroreflector) is attached to the microscope carriage.
For a typical two-beam interferometer with retroreflector target, as shown in the diagram, the
measurement axis is a straight line parallel to the laser beams through the retroreflector vertex.
The measurement axis is offset from the tape surface by an amount z, called an Abbe offset. Any
angular (pitch) motion of the microscope carriage between measurement locations will cause a length
measurement error called an Abbe error.
The pitch of the carriage can be adjusted and maintained approximately constant using a bubble level
and an adjustment screw. Such adjustments cannot be done perfectly so that residual Abbe errors
will, in principle, contribute to the measurement uncertainty.
The tape calibration is carried out at temperature T, with an associated standard uncertainty u (T ) .
B.4 Calibration procedure
19
The procedure for calibrating a tape is as follows:

a. Level the microscope carriage using the adjusting screw.
b. Center the microscope reticule on the tape zero graduation and zero the laser displacement
measuring system. This is illustrated at the top of Figure B.1.
c. Move the carriage to the first graduation, level the carriage, and center the microscope
reticule on the graduation.
d. Record the measured displacement d1 .
e. Move the carriage to the next desired graduation, level the carriage, and center the
microscope reticule on the graduation.
f. Record the measured displacement d 2 .
g. Repeat steps e and f until all desired graduations have been sampled.
The measurement data consist of the measured displacements d1 , d 2 ,K between the tape zero
graduation and the numbered graduations L1 , L2 ,K .
B.5 Calculation of test tape errors
The lower illustration in Figure B.1 shows the setup when measuring graduation L j . The
interferometer measures a displacement d j as the carriage moves from the zero graduation to
graduation marking nominal length L j .
Due to pitch error in the motion of the carriage, the microscope is rotated relative to its initial
position by a small angle Δθ j . This rotation causes an Abbe error in the measured length. From the
illustration, taking Δθ j to be positive, it can be seen that the measured displacement d j is too large
by an amount approximately equal to z Δθ , where z is the offset from the measurement axis to the
tape surface.
The calibrated length l cal
j of the tape segment, corrected for Abbe error, is then given by
j = d j − z Δθ j .
l cal (B1)
The nominal length l nom

j of the tape segment at calibration temperature T is equal to its nominal length
L j at 20 °C , corrected for thermal expansion (or contraction):
l nom
j = L j (1 + α test ΔT ), (B2)
where ΔT = T − 20 °C.
The error δ j in length of the tape segment at temperature T is the difference between the measured
value and the nominal value:
20
δ j = l nom
j − l cal
j . (B3)
Using expressions (B1) and (B2) then gives
δ j = d j − zΔθ j − L j (1 + α test ΔT ).
(B4)
Equation (B4) is the general result for the error of the tape between the zero graduation and the
graduation marking nominal length L j .
NOTE: If the calibration temperature T is different from 20 ºC, the error δ j should in principle be
corrected for this temperature offset. In practice, however, such corrections are negligible because δ j
is typically a small error whose correction would be very much smaller.
For example, in calibrating a 10 m flat steel tape, Table 3 states an MPE requirement of ± 1.87 mm.
An error of this size, measured at 25 ºC, would be smaller at 20 ºC by an amount equal to
( MPE )α test ΔT = (1.87 mm) × 11×10−6 ° C-1 × 5 ° C = 0.1 μm, which is negligible.
B.6 Decision rule
For a measured error δ j and associated standard uncertainty u (d j ), the 4:1 Simple Acceptance
decision rule used in this Standard requires:
• a measurement capability index Cm such that Cm = MPE j 2u (δ j ) ≥ 4 and
• δ j ≤ MPE j for every numbered graduation L j , j = 1, 2,K , to be calibrated.
The quantity MPE j is the maximum permissible error in the length of the tape between the zero
graduation and the graduation marked L j . The magnitude of MPE j depends on the nominal length
Lk as shown in Tables 2 and 3.
B.7 Uncertainty evaluation
The standard uncertainty u (δ j ) associated with measured error δ j follows from the law of
propagation of uncertainty applied to the measurement model equation (B4):
u 2 (δ j ) = u 2 (d j ) + (Δθ j ) 2 u 2 ( z ) + z 2u 2 (Δθ j )
(B5)
+(α test ΔT ) 2 u 2 ( L j ) + ( L jα test ) 2 u 2 (ΔT ) + ( L j ΔT ) 2 u 2 (α test ).
Two of the terms drop out of this expression:

• Because the carriage is leveled at each measurement position, the best estimate of the change
in angle Δθ j is equal to zero, so that the second term vanishes.
21
• The scale graduation marking L j is a fixed constant, so that u ( L j ) = 0 and the fourth term
vanishes.
Then expression (B5) simplifies to
u 2 (δ j ) = u 2 (d j ) + z 2u 2 (Δθ j ) + ( L jα test ) 2 u 2 (ΔT ) + ( L j ΔT ) 2 u 2 (α test ). (B6)
Now since Δθ j = θ j − θ 0 , and these angles are independently adjusted, they are uncorrelated and
u 2 (Δθ j ) = u 2 (θ j ) + u 2 (θ 0 ) = 2u 2 (θ ), (B7)
where u (θ ) is the common standard uncertainty associated with leveling the microscope carriage at
each measurement position. Using this result in expression (B6) then gives the central result of the
uncertainty evaluation:
u 2 (δ j ) = u 2 (d j ) + 2 z 2u 2 (θ ) + ( L jα test ) 2 u 2 ( ΔT ) + ( L j ΔT ) 2 u 2 (α test ).
(B8)
There are four standard uncertainties in the expression for u 2 (δ j ) :
u (δ j ) = standard uncertainty in laser measurement of displacement d j

u (θ ) = standard uncertainty in leveling the microscope carriage
u (ΔT ) = standard uncertainty in temperature deviation from 20 °C
u (α test ) = standard uncertainty in tape coefficient of thermal expansion
The displacement measurement uncertainty u (d j ) will generally have components due to

repeatability of the calibration process, as well as a component due to environmental effects
(primarily the air temperature and pressure) on the wavelength of the laser interferometer.
22

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What is the overall scope of the standard?

What is the overall scope of the standard?

What are the main components considered in the uncertainty evaluation of tape measurements?

What are the main components considered in the uncertainty evaluation of tape measurements?

ASME B89.1.

7-MEASURING TAPE PROJECT TEAM DRAFT 3/17/2009

PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR STEEL MEASURING TAPES

ASME B89.1.7 Steel Measuring Tapes Draft

The American National Standards Institute approved this standard on ____________.

Brian Parry Chair

James B. Bryan Bryan and Associates

ASME STANDARDS COMMITTEE B89 PROJECT TEAM 1.7 - MEASURING

Charles J. Fronczek Chair, Natl Inst of Stand & Tech

COMMITTEE ROSTER ..................................................................................................................III

ASME STANDARDS - B89 - DIMENSIONAL METROLOGY ..................................................III

PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR STEEL MEASURING TAPES...........................................1

A.1 TEST SETUP...............................................................................................................................13

FIGURE 1. - STANDARD PRACTICE FOR ZERO REFERENCE MARKING .......................5

TABLE 1. TENSION REQUIREMENTS FOR STEEL MEASURING TAPES WITH FLAT

TABLE 2. MPE FOR REPRESENTATIVE LENGTHS OF CURVED CROSS SECTION

TABLE 3. MPE FOR REPRESENTATIVE LENGTHS OF FLAT RECTANGULAR CROSS

CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE B89 COMMITTEE

PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR STEEL MEASURING TAPES

ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008 – Uncertainty of measurement -- Part 3: Guide to the expression of

3.1 Additional References

ASME B89.6.2 – Temperature and Humidity Environment for Dimensional Measurement

ASME B89.7.3.1-2001 – Guidelines for Decision Rules: Considering Measurement Uncertainty in

ASME B89.7.5-2006 Metrological Traceability of Dimensional Measurements to the SI Unit of

Note: ASME B89 Documents may be found at: http://catalog.asme.org/home.cfm?Search=B89

4.1 Straight and Parallel

4.2 Ease of Reading

4.5 Measurement Units

4.6 Graduation Requirements

4.6.1 Graduation Quality

4.6.3 Length of Graduations

4.7 Additional Markings

4.8.1 Size of Numbers

4.8.2 Zero Reference Mark

4.8.3 Distinguishing of Numbers

4.9 Definition of the Calibrated Distance

Figure 1. - Standard Practice for Zero Reference Marking

5 STEEL MEASURING TAPES

This Standard applies to numerous tapes; a short description follows.

5.1 Retractable Steel Tape Rule

5.2 Measuring Tape − Steel General Purpose

5.3 Measuring Tape – Surveying / Engineering

5.4 Measuring Tape − Liquid Gauging

6 CALIBRATION AND MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE ERRORS

Tapes graduated in U. S. Customary

Length greater than 30 m - 10 kg Length greater than 100 ft - 20 lbf

6.2 Calibration Procedure

• The determined error is sufficiently large in magnitude to satisfy δ j > MPE j .

6.3 Maximum Permissible Errors (MPE) Requirements

6.3.1 Curved Cross Section without Tension

for Metric units;

MPE mm = ± (0.300 mm + 0.150 mm/m • L m)

and for U.S. Customary units;

MPE inch = ± (0.0118 inch + 0.0020 inch/foot • L foot)

Table 2. MPE for Representative Lengths of Curved Cross Section Tapes