Rangefinder Tape Measure: Measuring Movement in Tabletop Games
By The Army Painter: all you need for miniature painting | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Reseñas de productos
A practical step-by-step guide to measuring movement, charges, and ranges in tabletop wargames with a rangefinder tape measure, including common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Use a rangefinder tape measure with both centimeter and inch markings, lock the tape at the distance you need, and measure from the correct model edge before moving anything. The Rangefinder Tape Measure covers a 3-meter length, which handles any normal gaming table.
Why a dedicated wargaming tape measure beats a hardware-store tape
A general-purpose tape measure often lacks the dual-unit markings and stop functions that make repeated tabletop measurements faster. The Rangefinder Tape Measure is built for wargames: it shows centimeters and inches on the same tape and includes multiple stop functions so you can hold a measurement without the tape retracting.
That matters most when you measure charge distance or movement for several similar units in a row. A tape that stays put lets you compare distances without re-measuring from scratch each time.
When a tape measure is the wrong tool
If your game uses only fixed measuring sticks or templates, a tape measure adds little. And if you play on a table longer than 3 meters, the Rangefinder Tape Measure will not span it in one pull; you would need to measure in segments or use a longer tape. Check your rulebook's measuring conventions before relying on any single tool.
How to measure movement and charges step by step
- Confirm the unit your game uses: Check the rulebook for whether distances are in inches or centimeters, then use the matching side of the tape. Common mistake: reading the wrong scale and moving a model too far or too short. Mark the correct scale on the tape with a small sticker if you switch games often.
- Anchor the tape at the correct model edge: Place the tape's zero end at the front edge of the moving model's base, not at the model's body or back. Common mistake: measuring from the center of the base, which adds or subtracts distance. For charges, measure to the closest point of the target unit, as most rules require.
- Lock the tape at the target distance: Pull the tape to the distance your unit can move or charge, then engage one of the stop functions so the tape holds that length. Common mistake: letting the tape retract mid-measurement and losing the exact distance. Test the stop function before the game so you know which button or slider locks it.
- Move the model along the measured line: Keep the tape in place and move the model so its base edge ends at the measured mark. Common mistake: lifting or shifting the tape while moving the model, which changes the distance. For curved movement, measure the straight-line distance first, then follow your game's rules for pivots or wheels.
- Re-measure after any adjustment: If you nudge the model or the tape slips, reset and measure again rather than estimating. Common mistake: trusting a rough guess after a bump, which can decide a charge unfairly. In friendly games, announce the measured distance before moving so your opponent can confirm.
Product facts
- Rangefinder Tape Measure: Total 3 meters long, with centimeter and inch markings and multiple stop functions. It covers any normal gaming table and lets you lock a distance while you move models, so you can measure charges and ranges without the tape slipping.
Rangefinder Tape Measure
