How To Use a Laser Distance Meter - including advanced functions, Pythagorean method Pythagorean? Sounds Greek (or possibly Geek) to Me!
Pythagoras was a Greek philosopher and mathematician. His Pythagorean theorem explains the relationship between the sides of a right triangle. On a Laser Distance Meter, it is used for taking indirect measurements.
The Problem
Laser Distance Meters (LDMs) are incredibly useful tools, but their user manuals are often confusing and hard to follow. They especially don’t go into enough detail of what all the functions of a laser measuring tool actually do. More importantly, while they may explain how to perform these measurements, they often don’t explain when and why to use the functions. This is especially true for the advanced features, including real-time continuous and Pythagorean measurements.
Do you find Laser Distance Meter user manuals confusing and hard to read?
The Solution:
Watch the video for examples of how, when and why to use the functions of your Laser Distance Meter – even the advanced features! Here’s a brief rundown of the functions of many Laser Distance Meters:
LDMs, also known as Laser Tape Measures, Laser Measures, Laser Rangefinders, and Laser Tools, greatly simplify distance measurement tasks. We’ll focus on affordable LDMs and explore their features, making your life easier.
Single Distance Measurement:
When you first turn on an LDM, it’s typically in Single Distance Measurement mode. Point the laser at an object, press the button, and get an instant measurement. As a result, this is a simple mode for quick distance checks.
Continuous Distance or Real-time Measurement:
This mode is especially handy for moving targets or finding specific distances. In this case, the device displays maximum, minimum, and current distances, which is useful for all kinds of applications.
Area Measurement:
LDMs excel at measuring areas, and importantly, they do the math for you. Whether you’re buying flooring, countertops, or pet mats, measure the width and length to quickly find the area in square feet or meters.
Volume Measurement:
In a situation where you need to know how much space your car occupies in the garage? When you need volume, measure width, length, and height and then let the meter make a quick cubic feet or meter calculation.
Angle Measurement:
LDMs with angle functions help with precision tasks like setting saw blades or ensuring ergonomic desk setups.
Pythagorean Measurements:
Pythagorean functions allow indirect measurements without complex math. If you know two sides of a right triangle, you can calculate the third. This feature can be a life saver, calculating distances where it would be difficult or even impossible to physically measure. In this situation, the angle measurement is especially useful.
Here are some example Pythagorean modes:
Pythagorean Mode 1: Use this mode when you can’t measure directly. Set the reference point, pivot the laser, and measure. Then, the device calculates the missing sides.
Pythagorean Mode 2: This mode helps when you need the hypotenuse’s length. Measure from a point on the ground to the target and shoot the laser at a right angle to find the hypotenuse length.
Pythagorean Mode 3: Partial measurements come in handy when you can’t approach a target directly. Measure to the top and bottom of the desired object, and the LDM calculates the height.
Pythagorean Mode 4: When you can’t shoot directly at a target, use two 90-degree triangles to determine the overall height. Measure two points, and the device adds them together.
Now that you understand these Laser Distance Meter modes, check out this Laser Distance Meter Tips and Tricks article and video for getting the most out of any Laser Measuring Tool!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission on items bought using them. These are the same recommendations I would make regardless of any compensation. For products that I have older versions of, I recommend the items that I would replace them with if I were buying them new.
APEXFORGE Magic D80 Pro 262ft/80m Laser Distance Meter
See the full review and comparison here!
- Distance, Real-time measuring, Area, Volume, Pythagorean indirect modes, Angle readout, 15000 measures on a charge
- Communicates via Bluetooth to app featuring 1000 sets of data, floorplans, layout, sketch, notes, etc
- Tripod mount, Lanyard hand strap, Carrying case w belt loop
APEXFORGE Magic D50 Nano 165ft/50m Laser Distance Meter
See the full review and comparison here!
- Distance, Real-time measuring, Area, Volume, Pythagorean indirect modes, 7500 measures on a charge
- Communicates via Bluetooth to app featuring 1000 sets of data, floorplans, layout, sketch, notes, etc
Inkerma DM-262 Bilateral Laser Distance Meter
- Measures up to 262 feet (80 meters) in 2 dimensions simultaneously. Stand in one spot and measure the volume of a room in seconds!
- Distance, Real-time measuring, Area, Volume, Pythagorean indirect modes, Angle readout, Addition and Subtraction
- Color screen with rotating display for ease of use
- Lanyard hand strap, Carrying case w belt loop, instruction manual that’s large enough for humans to read!