How do I open the measure app?

Look for the Measure app on your iPhone — it has a white icon with a ruler. If you do not see it, swipe down on your home screen to search and type "Measure." Tap the app to open it. Allow access to your camera if asked.

How do I point at the surface or object?

Hold your iPhone so the camera points at the object or surface you want to measure. A white circle with a dot appears on screen. You need to see a flat surface clearly — aim at the floor, a tabletop, or a wall. The circle turns into a plus (+) symbol when the app detects a surface.

How do I add a starting point?

Move the white dot to one end of what you want to measure — the corner of a table, the edge of a rug, or the end of a countertop. Tap the white + button (or tap the screen) to set the starting point. A yellow dot marks your start.

How do I drag to set the end point?

Slowly move your phone toward the other end of the object. A yellow line extends from your starting point following your movement. When the line reaches the end of the object, tap the + button again to set the endpoint. The measurement appears in feet and inches (or centimeters, depending on your settings).

How do I use the level?

Tap the level button (the circle icon at the bottom) to switch to the level tool. Hold your phone flat against a surface — the display shows degrees. When the numbers show 0°, the surface is perfectly flat. When you hold the phone vertically against a wall, a green circle appears when it is plumb.

TekSure — Free Tech Help for Beginners & Seniors

Your iPhone comes with a free built-in app called Measure that uses augmented reality (AR) to measure real-world objects using the camera — no tape measure needed. You can measure the length, width, or height of objects in your home, check if a piece of furniture will fit in a space, or get quick dimensions when shopping.

The app is available on all iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and newer) and on iPhone 6s/7/8 models running iOS 12 or later. It uses the camera and motion sensors to calculate distances.

Measure is surprisingly accurate — within about one to two inches for most objects — which is good enough for most everyday tasks like checking if a couch fits through a door, seeing if a rug is the right size for a room, or measuring a countertop before buying an appliance.

The app also includes a built-in level — useful for checking if a picture frame is hung straight, if a shelf is level, or if a surface is flat.

For best results, hold the phone steadily and use Measure in good lighting. The camera needs to see the surface or object clearly to calculate measurements accurately.

How to Use the iPhone Measure App to Measure Objects With Your Camera

Open the Measure App

Point at the Surface or Object

Add a Starting Point

Drag to Set the End Point

Use the Level

Still have questions?

Official Resources

Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

Related Guides