How to choose a laser distance meter: range, accuracy and display

A laser distance meter measures distances, areas and volumes without stretching out a tape measure. In the collection the range runs from 30 to 120 metres and the accuracy is ±2 mm. For surveys in flats and small sites, 30 or 60 metres is enough; for warehouses, façades and outdoor measurements you need longer ranges, 100 or 120 metres, preferably with a viewfinder or zoom. Then look at the display: if you often work in low light or in strong sun, choose a backlit, high-visibility screen.

The types

• Compact distance meters: models such as the Laser Flash Mini 30 and the Mini ALU30 by Metrica. The name refers to the 30-metre range, enough for indoor measurements.
• Mid-range distance meters: the name refers to 60 metres, like the Laser ALU60 and the Laser Double 60+60 Alu.
• Models with zoom: the Laser Flash 120 Zoom refers to 120 metres in its name; there is also the Laser 300 Zoom. The zoom helps you aim at long distances.
• Makita laser measures: the LD050P and the LD080PI.

The brands include Metrica, Makita, Rubi and A.M.E.S. The collection also includes some laser levels and rangefinders: read the data sheet to tell them apart.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Maximum distance: 30, 60, 100 or 120 metres. Choose a longer range than the one you need: outdoors the real range drops.
• Accuracy: ±2 mm across the whole collection. For construction use it is more than sufficient.
• Pythagoras functions: used to measure a height or a distance you cannot reach, by calculating it from two or more measurements. The models offer from 2 to 7.
• Display: backlit with 3 or 4 lines, with a high-visibility screen. Some models also show the maximum and minimum values.
• Measuring reference: front edge, rear edge or end spike. Check that you have set it correctly.

How it is used in practice: you rest the instrument on the starting point, choose the reference (front edge, rear edge or end spike), aim the beam at the target surface and press the button. Outdoors or over long distances, use the viewfinder, the camera or a target plate. If you often measure the same room, models with Pythagoras functions and area and volume calculation save you time on paper.

Common mistakes

• Buying the minimum range: outdoor measurements or measurements in bright places need a margin.
• Forgetting the measuring reference: mixing up the front and rear edge throws the measurement off by a few millimetres.
• Aiming at shiny or transparent surfaces: the beam reflects badly.
• Not cleaning the lens: dust and fingerprints worsen the measurement.
• Pointing the beam at eyes: this is a safety rule.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is it?

The models in the collection state ±2 mm.

Does it also work outdoors?

Yes, but in sunlight the dot is hard to see and the usable range drops. A model with a viewfinder, camera or zoom is better, or a target plate.

What does the Pythagoras function do?

It calculates an indirect measurement from two or more measurements. It is used for heights and distances that are difficult to reach.

Is a simple model or one with more functions better?

If you only measure lengths, a simple one is enough. If you prepare quotes, a model with areas, volumes and Pythagoras functions is worthwhile: you save calculations and reduce transcription errors.

Does it also measure areas and volumes?

Yes, the laser distance meter measures distances, areas and volumes.

Choose the model in the laser distance meters collection, or ask for a quote or advice from the AMES technicians, stating the type of work.