Tape Measure
Tape measures with a blade of 6 inches or less are allowed in carry-on; longer ones may be allowed at a TSA officer's discretion, and any size is fine in checked baggage.
Carry-on
Allowed with conditions
Checked
Allowed
Carry-on details
Allowed with conditions. A tape measure with a metal blade of 6 inches (15 cm) or less is allowed in carry-on. Blades longer than 6 inches but under 12 inches (30 cm) may be allowed at the discretion of the TSA officer at the checkpoint. Longer or sharp-edged tape measures are safer packed in checked baggage.
Checked-bag details
Allowed. Tape measures of any size are permitted in checked baggage without restriction.
Quantity limit
6 count (per item)
Special instructions
A standard retractable pocket tape measure (10-25 ft models) has a short metal blade and is almost always fine in carry-on; long tailor's or surveyor's tapes are the ones that can run into the 6-inch limit.
FAQ
- What part of a tape measure counts toward the 6-inch limit?
- The rigid metal blade that extends out, not the length of tape wound up inside the case.
- Is a standard tool-belt tape measure allowed in carry-on?
- Yes — most standard retractable tape measures have a blade well under 6 inches and are fine in carry-on.
Related items
Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-07-30
Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.