We love offering you apps that truly help you overcome everyday problems and obstacles. This list focuses more on what's known as... kill two birds with one shot, as they are apps to measure distances and surface areas, and you can also save yourself carrying an object with you.
That object is usually a ruler or measuring tape, which is very common to find around the house, but which we don't usually carry with us when we're out. Many of these apps work in conjunction with the device's camera and use the augmented reality to estimate the measurements, making this task as easy as possible and allowing us to measure both lengths , the heights, areas and even volumes in a matter of seconds.
Today, thanks to the improvement of hardware (sensors, gyroscope, accelerometer, GPS or laser in some mobile phones) and the advancement of with the smartphone can function as a genuine ToolboxIt can be used to calculate distances outdoors, measure rooms for a renovation, check the size of a photo on a wall, find out the surface area of ​​a farm, or simply use an on-screen ruler for small objects.
Before entering the list, it is important to understand that these applications offer a estimate Very useful for everyday life, but they do not replace a physical meter stick when millimeter-level professional precision is required, for example in complex works or very demanding technical projects.
How to measure distances with your mobile phone
Android distance measuring apps use several different approacheswhich is useful to know in order to choose the best option in each case and understand why in some situations the reading is more accurate than in others.
- Measurement with camera and trigonometryThe app uses the height of the mobile phone with respect to the ground and the Inclination angle to calculate the distance to a point (usually the base of a wall or object). This is the method used by apps like Smart Measure. It's very practical for large distancesHowever, it depends a lot on keeping the mobile phone stable and well calibrated.
- Augmented reality (AR): it is based on monitoring the depth and position from the device in real time, relying on technologies such as Google ARCoreIt allows you to mark points on the camera image and obtain distances, areas, or volumes. It is ideal for measure objects, rooms or furniture visually and quickly.
- GPS measurement and maps: perfect for calculating large distances o big surfaces such as plots of land, fields, or hiking trails. The mobile device records the position using GPS while we draw polygons on the map or walk around the area.
- Ruler on screenThe mobile phone simulates a traditional rule on the screen, useful for measuring small objects placed directly on the device. The limitation is obvious: the size of the phone determines the maximum length.
In the following sections you will find all kinds of solutions: from very simple utilities for quickly measuring something, to professional tools with which a farmer, architect or landscape They can manage their daily work in the field.
Rangefinder: Smart Measure
However, this first application follows a different method. To do this, what it does is calculate the distance and height of surfaces and objects through the trigonometryThe camera sensor will be used to make these estimates, allowing us to capture distances of up to one kilometer. We can choose from three different measuring tools. short, medium and long distancesthus adapting the accuracy to each scenario.
Its operation is based on a principle similar to that of other apps distance meter with camera: it is first aimed at the object base (for example, the base of a wall) to calculate the distance from our position, and then we can aim at the upper part To estimate the height. Since it depends on the tilt, it's important to keep the mobile device as stable as possible.
It is a particularly recommended tool for exterior and relatively large distances, where it's not practical to approach the object with a conventional meter stick. For example, it's useful for knowing how many meters away a building facade is, the approximate height of a pole, or the width of a street.
It has available one paid version which also allows us to measure the area and width, as well as zoom in with our camera. This way, those who need more complete information can supplement the distance with calculation of surfaces and other derived utilities.
Measurement of areas and distances
For a farmer, it's vital to know exactly where their plot or farm ends, especially if it's not physically marked. This tool, suitable for measuring, can be used for this purpose. large areas and distances, such as the land used for agricultural operations. All of this will be measured via GPS and a satellite view map to see the areas with the best quality.
It's very easy and convenient to use, and it can track us while we walk or drive while we're taking measurements. Thanks to a system of quick markers and with automatic tracking modes, we can go around the property or plot and let the app continuously calculate the surface and perimeter.
This kind of tools They are particularly interesting to:
- Farm management: accurately knowing the cultivated area, planning plantings, calculating doses of fertilizers or phytosanitary products according to the measured surface.
- Fence design: estimate the length of fencing needed to delimit land or grazing areas.
- Outdoor activities: measure running tracks, cycling circuits, training fields or other sports surfaces.
Many apps of this type also include options for measurement storage with name, group classification and the possibility of share maps with colleagues or clients through links. In this way, not only is the terrain measured, but a very useful historical record is also generated for recurring tasks.
Map Distance Calculator
Another option for distance measuring apps, in this case for when we want to go to the other side of the city or travel a long distance by car. It contains several map display layers, such as the satellite, ground or hybrid in 3D images. We can define a specific area and save it permanently in a list, which is very useful to avoid repeating the process multiple times.
This type of application works like a distance calculator on mapsSimply mark successive points to draw a route or a polygon. This can be very useful for anyone wanting to plan.
- Hiking or running routes before leaving, knowing in advance the kilometers he is going to travel.
- Journeys by car or bicycle alternatives to the usual ones, measuring the approximate length for comparison.
- Urban areas such as parks, vacant lots, or venues where an event is to be held.
We can take the measures in miles, feet, meters or kilometersThis makes it easier to adapt to different standards depending on the country or professional sector from which the application is used.
Prime Ruler
This app fully utilizes augmented reality for measurements. It's one of the most accurate for measuring. all kinds of objectsand offers a very simple interface for all users. Among all the functions we can find, the measurement of straight surfaces stands out. virtual rule, in addition to areas, perimeters, corners and different geometric shapes, as well as routes to take by bike or on foot.
The great advantage of AR-based tools is that they allow you to see directly over the camera image the segments, points and figures that we are measuring. In Prime Ruler, for example, linear measurements can be combined with the calculation of polygons, drawing outlines of tables, rugs, walls or any furniture that we want to fit into a space.
In addition, these augmented reality apps often incorporate productivity-oriented features, such as export measurements in images notes or the ability to save projects for later reference, something very useful for decorators, real estate agents or any professional who needs to share measurements with clients.
We can measure in centimeters, meters, millimeters, and inchesThis makes it easier to work with different metric systems depending on whether the need is more domestic or professional.
Measurement
Google is extending its reach into all areas of mobile applications, even in the case of measuring objects. And through its own app, it demonstrates that all kinds of objects can be measured with its functionality. free choiceWith this, with a simple touch on the screen we can define the area to be calculated, all with the Material Design so well implemented and already characteristic of those from Mountain View.
This proposal from Google relies on technologies of augmented reality To detect surfaces and calculate distances automatically, without the user having to enter parameters such as height or distance to the object. Simply move the mobile device until the application recognizes the surface (floor, table, wall) and start marking the beginning and end points.
We can copy the measurement to the clipboard to make it easier to share, as well as convert measurements between different units quickly and easily. This is ideal for those who work with plans or technical specifications that come in different units (for example, feet and inches) and need to convert to centimeters or meters.
Furthermore, being designed by Google, it usually integrates very coherently with the rest of the Android ecosystem and respects the design guidelineswhich translates into a clear and visually clean user experience.
CamToPlan
The camera will be our faithful companion for using this application for taking measurements inside the home. It has added features to better visualize the points of the segments we create, in this case through some flags Highly visual. It will use any means available, since if the terminal does not have a laser sensor, it will fulfill its function through the accelerometer or gyroscope.
CamToPlan is highly recommended for professionals in the real estate industry, construction, and many other servicesIt allows, for example, quickly measuring the length and width of a room, drawing a rough plan and exporting it with the measurements noted to send to a client or save it for reference.
Besides being useful for professionals, it is also very practical for the home user who wants to know if a sofa, wardrobe or table It will fit in a specific space without needing to use a tape measure. By visualizing the lines and measurements on the camera, the risk of misinterpretation is reduced.
As with other AR apps, accuracy depends on the lighting And the contrast of the surfaces: the better the camera detects textures and planes, the more reliable the result will be. For everyday use, the approximation it offers is usually more than sufficient.
AR Plan 3D Ruler
Its objective is to measure surfaces of medium or small extension, such as that of a house. This is a very useful tool for engineers and architectsbecause it allows them to have several construction plans at their fingertips, with simple annotations on the measurements. At the end of the photo session, the app will generate a 3D simulation of the plane of the house or building with all available measurements, although we can also create them in 2D.
With AR Plan 3D, measurements such as the following can be obtained: ceiling heightwall lengths, floor and ceiling surfaces, as well as automatically calculating areas of paint, flooring or wall coveringsThis greatly simplifies tasks such as budgeting, renovation, or redistribution of spaces.
The generation of three-dimensional models also allows for a virtual tour of the room and a visual check of how the proportions fit together, something that goes beyond a simple square meter figure and provides an added benefit for those who have to present projects to customers.
AR Ruler App
The developers of the previous app understood that it's not all about measuring houses, apartments, and buildings. There are other objects that also need to be measured, so they decided to develop a parallel project. It uses the same measurement system, including the automatic object detection and high-quality precision.
This app allows you to measure distances, angles, areas, and volumes of virtually any object we focus on with the camera, which makes it a great ally for household tasks such as hanging pictures, arranging furniture or calculating the space occupied by an appliance.
Unlike other solutions that require manually entering data such as the initial distance to the object, AR Ruler performs a automatic estimation based on depth information obtained through augmented reality. This simplifies the process for the user, who only needs to focus on accurately marking the points on the screen.
Both applications require the plugin of Google AR Corewhich is not compatible with all devices. It is recommended to check the list of supported devices before installing these apps to avoid operational problems or lack of accuracy.
Moasure
We encountered the same compatibility issue, although this time the app automatically analyzes whether the smartphone is compatible or not. It measures between 10 centimeters and 3 metersTherefore, the distance range is quite extensive and comprehensive. It contains five different measurement modes for objects of all sizes.
Moasure doesn't just use the camera, but relies heavily on the motion sensors of the device (accelerometer and gyroscope). To measure, the user must move the mobile device from a starting point to an ending point, and the app calculates the distance traveled. This allows for measurement straight lines, curves, perimeters and even heights, provided the instructions are followed correctly.
This approach makes Moasure particularly interesting when it's not convenient to point the camera (for example, when measuring the edge of an irregular surface or the outline of a garden). At the same time, it requires some practice and precision when moving the mobile device to minimize errors.
Furthermore, includes some help videos To use and position the device correctly, as not all models have the same precision sensors, these tutorials are highly recommended to learn how to get the most out of each measurement mode and understand in which situations it works best.
Ruler - Centimeters and Inches Measurement
Often, all that's needed is a simple measurement with a ruler, without augmented reality or 3D elements. The app integrates a on-screen rulerwhich we can place vertically or horizontally, and whose measurement range can be increased or decreased with a simple gesture on the screen.
This type of application rules for Android They are very lightweight, consume few resources, and work on virtually any mobile phone, without the need for advanced sensors. They are ideal for measuring small objects such as coins, cards, screws, craft pieces, or any item that can rest directly on the phone.
It has the ability to measure both in centimeters as in inchesAnd it's very easy to use thanks to its interface. In some cases, these virtual rulers allow you to mark points or save measurements, but the main focus is speed: open it, place the object, and read the measurement, without complications.
Ruler - Simple app to measure distances
If you have to measure something, but you have lost the ruleThis app will be useful to you. With Ruler you can measure distances and it also has an option for convert different units of measurementIt has four measurement modes available, and is available in 15 different languages.
It has a very simple, somewhat outdated interface, but it's effective and delivers on its promises. Furthermore, if you're looking for an application... take up little spaceThis option is ideal, as it dispenses with advanced visual effects and focuses on delivering the essentials.
Including multiple measurement modes allows, for example, combining the on-screen ruler with measurements based on the comparison of objects or with the introduction of references, something that greatly expands its usefulness despite its basic appearance.
Tool Box
As its name indicates, we have at our disposal 24 tools we can use for different purposesAmong them are several apps for measuring distances. The utilities include rulers, altimeters, conversion tools, and a calculator. It also includes a tracker, magnifying glass, and a transporterA very complete option for all types of tasks.
By combining several utilities into a single application, Tool Box turns your mobile phone into a true digital swiss army knifeYou can switch from using the ruler to measuring an angle, converting units of length, or even using the magnifying glass to see small details, all without changing apps.
This approach is perfect for users who occasionally need several different tools and prefer to have them integrated into a single icon, rather than installing many separate applications that take up more space and are more difficult to manage.
The possibilities for measuring distances with an Android mobile phone are very broad: from solutions based on GPS for fields and routes, passing through augmented reality for interiors and objects, even simple ones rules on screen For small details. Choosing the right app for each situation saves time, avoids unnecessary trips to find a measuring tape, and allows you to make the most of your smartphone's potential as a work and everyday tool.