Why is it important to measure height?
Height measurement is essential to understanding how tall we are, tracking our growth over time, and determining whether we have reached the standard height for our age. By accurately measuring our height, we can compare our growth with others in the same age group and assess whether the height-enhancing methods we are using are effective.
Steps to prepare for height measurement
To measure height accurately, you will need:
- A flat wall with a vertical reference point
- A measuring tape or alternative measuring tools such as shoes, printed paper, or a rope, depending on the method you choose
It is also crucial to prepare your posture for height measurement. The recommended posture will be explained in detail in the notes section at the end of this article.
Top 5 accurate ways to measure height
Stand against the wall
Standing against the wall is a precise method for measuring height that can be done at any age and anywhere. To measure your height using this method, follow these steps:
- Stand straight against the wall with your shoulders, buttocks, and heels touching the wall.
- Use a pen or pencil to mark the position where the top of your head touches the wall.
- Use a straight ruler to measure the distance from the floor to the marked point.
- The result is your current height.
Direct height measurement
Compared to the previous method, direct height measurement is faster and equally accurate. Prepare a measuring tape and follow these steps:
- Stand straight with your neck, buttocks, and heels aligned on a straight line.
- Place one end of the measuring tape under your foot and hold the other end above your head.
- Keep the measuring tape and your body straight.
- The measurement from the foot to the top of the head is your height.
Height measurement chart
Using a height measurement chart is convenient, simple, and quick. You can purchase a height measurement chart at bookstores, markets, or stores specializing in baby products. The chart should be securely fixed on the wall, aligning the base with the floor for accurate results.
Height measurement on a horizontal surface
Height measurement on a horizontal surface is often used for infants rather than older children and adolescents. Infants cannot stand steadily or maintain a straight posture due to their weak bones at this stage. This method requires the assistance of two people.
To measure height on a horizontal surface, follow these instructions:
- Lay the baby flat on a horizontal surface (floor, table, etc.)
- One person lightly touches the baby’s head to the wall or the headboard, while the other person holds the baby’s legs and stretches them straight.
- Place a measuring tape horizontally next to the baby and mark the result from the head to the heel.
Please note that the height measurement on a horizontal surface may differ by approximately 2.5cm compared to standing height.
Height measurement using a phone
With advancements in technology, there are now electronic applications available that can provide more accurate height measurements. If you are using an Android device, you can access the Google Play Store, while iOS users can visit the App Store to find height measurement applications such as Measure, EasyMeasure, or Smart Measure.
To measure your height using a phone, follow these steps:
- Open the installed height measurement application on your phone.
- Complete the necessary information and provide a photo of the object.
- Keep your phone stable and move it at different angles for the most accurate result.
Although measuring height using a phone is convenient and technologically advanced, it may still provide estimations rather than exact measurements. Therefore, there may be some discrepancies compared to your actual height.
Top 3 quick ways to measure height with makeshift tools
Measuring height with a string
To measure height accurately with a string, you will need some necessary tools, including a measuring tape, a ruler, a mirror, a pen or chalk for marking, and a small box or book.
To use a string for height measurement, follow these steps:
- Stand with your back against the wall, looking straight ahead with your chin down.
- Hold a small box against the top of your head, pressing it firmly against the wall.
- Hold a mirror and check if the box is parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the wall.
- Use a pen or chalk to mark the position where the bottom of the box or book meets the wall.
- Use a measuring tape to measure the distance from the floor to the marked position. This is your height.
If the string is too short, you can measure to the length that the string allows, record the result, and then continue measuring from that point to the marked height. Add up the accumulated measurements to determine your actual height.
Measuring height with a makeshift ruler
If a measuring tape or regular ruler is not available, you can use everyday objects to measure your height. Apart from a ruler, you can use paper currency, shoes, or even foot length to estimate your height.
Measuring height with a ruler
To measure your height accurately with a ruler, follow these steps:
- Place one end of the ruler on the floor and adjust its position leaning against the wall in a vertical direction.
- Use a pen or pencil to mark the position of the other end of the ruler on the wall.
- Repeat this process until you touch the marked height.
- It is recommended to record each measurement on paper for easier calculation.
Measuring height with printed paper
If you search online, you can find printable rulers that are approximately 30cm long. To measure height more accurately, you can download and print them to create a height measuring tool. If you do not have access to a printer, you can use height measuring applications on your phone for convenience.
Measuring height with paper currency
Each type of Vietnamese currency has a specific length, which you can use to measure your height. However, this method may take more time compared to others as the length of the paper currency is usually less than 20cm. Follow these steps:
- Mark your height on the wall.
- Fit the edge of the paper currency against the wall with one end touching the floor and the other end touching the wall.
- Use a pen to mark the edges of the paper currency where it touches the wall.
- Move the paper currency to the marked height.
- As with other measurement methods, record the length obtained for each measurement on paper. This will help you determine your height more conveniently and quickly.
Measuring height with a printed sheet of paper
An A4 or A3 sheet of paper can also be used as a makeshift height measuring tool. The length of an A4 sheet is 29.7cm, while an A3 sheet measures 42cm. Using a printed sheet of paper to measure height is simple and easy:
- Stand close to the wall in a straight posture.
- Use the sheet of paper to measure the distance from the floor to the marked height.
- You can fold the sheet of paper in half or into several sections to obtain a more accurate measurement.
- Use a pen to mark the measured points on the wall and record the measurements on paper.
- Add up the measurements to determine your accurate height.
Using shoe size for height measurement
Most people know their shoe size. With this shoe size information, you can convert it to a corresponding measurement. Place your foot on a piece of paper, mark the two ends of your foot, estimate the length, and use this measurement to calculate the distance from the floor to the marked height on the wall.
Things to consider when measuring height at home
To ensure accurate and effective height measurement at home, keep the following points in mind:
Measure height in the morning after waking up
It is crucial to remember that morning height measurement is the most accurate. Throughout the day, the discs between our spinal bones compress due to daily activities, leading to a decrease in height. During sleep, our bones and spinal discs decompress, returning to their original length.
Remove accessories from your head and feet
Your height estimation is based on the point of measurement being close to the top of your head. Therefore, you should loosen your hair instead of tying it up high. Also, remember to remove your shoes and socks, as they can add a few centimeters to your height.
Adjust your posture correctly when measuring height
When standing for height measurement, ensure that your head, buttocks, and heels are aligned against the wall. Keep your knees straight and your heels pressed firmly against the wall. Avoid standing on a thick carpet as it can cause discrepancies in the results.
We hope that the suggested height measurement methods above will make it easier for you to determine your height accurately. If you have any further questions about height or effective height-enhancing methods, feel free to contact Kienthucykhoa.com for assistance.
