In this article on Naijaknowhow, I’ll be sharing some of the best camera ruler apps you can use on your smartphone. We’ve all been in those moments where we need to measure something that’s just a bit out of reach, maybe while setting up furniture, renovating a room, or shopping for something that might fit, but you’re not quite sure.
Thankfully, you don’t always need a tape measure anymore. These days, a few clever apps can handle the job for you using just your phone’s camera. They’re surprisingly accurate and very convenient, especially for those who enjoy DIY projects or consider themselves handy.
Most of them are free. All you need to do is point your camera, mark two points, and let the app do its magic. Below are some of the top-rated camera ruler apps you can try on Android or iOS.
Top Camera Ruler Apps:
1. AR Ruler
Ever been at a furniture store wondering if that new chair will fit in your living room? AR Ruler can help you figure it out on the spot. The app uses augmented reality (AR) technology to measure anything around you, from furniture to walls to even outdoor spaces.
Using it is simple. Just point your phone’s camera, mark the start and end points, and the app instantly calculates the distance. It’s great for measuring both small and large objects and can even handle angles and 3D scans.
You can add multiple measurements, create layouts, or check room sizes before moving things around. For anyone who enjoys DIY projects or interior planning, AR Ruler is a must-have tool.
Pros:
- Uses AR for quick and accurate measurements
- Works for furniture, rooms, and outdoor areas
- Measures distances, angles, and 3D objects
- Handy for planning room layouts
Cons:
- Ads can be a bit annoying
- Some features require in-app purchases
- May crash on certain devices
- Accuracy depends on lighting and camera stability
Download AR Ruler:
2. Ruler App
If you enjoy home projects or DIY work, this Ruler App will quickly become one of your go-to tools. It comes with different types of rulers and measuring tools, all powered by AR. You can measure anything just by using your camera and switching between units with a tap.
It includes tools like a basic ruler, area and frame counters, and even a feature for measuring 3D objects or corners. You can also calculate distances from your phone to any fixed point, which is handy when you’re working on layouts or decorations.
Overall, it’s a simple but powerful app that makes quick measuring jobs effortless.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Various ruler types for different projects
- Automatically calculates areas and frames
- Measures height and distance accurately
Cons:
- Contains ads
- Subscription costs can be high
- Accuracy may vary
- Some tools require practice to use properly
Download Ruler App:
3. Measure Tools – AR Ruler
This app does exactly what its name suggests. It lets you measure quickly and easily using AR. You simply open your camera, tap two points, and the distance is displayed instantly.
It’s best used in good lighting and from about a metre away for accurate results. The app works on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, even if something is in the way. You can use it for measuring furniture, wall height, or even gaps between objects.
If you’re constantly rearranging or redecorating, this app will save you plenty of guesswork.
Pros:
- Fast and efficient measuring
- Very simple interface
- Works on multiple surface types
- Good for checking furniture size and fit
Cons:
- Ads may appear often
- Needs proper lighting to work well
- Not supported on all phone models
- Cannot fully replace a real measuring tool
Download Measure Tools – AR Ruler:
4. AR Plan 3D
AR Plan 3D is perfect if you need to measure rooms and create quick floor plans. It uses AR to scan your surroundings, calculate dimensions, and even build virtual layouts.
Just open your camera, point it at your room, and the app will generate measurements for height, width, and perimeter. Once you’re done, it lets you switch between 2D and 3D floor plans or draw sketches manually.
It’s easy to use and surprisingly accurate for an app. Whether you’re renovating or just want to see how much space you’ve got, this tool comes in handy.
Pros:
- Simple AR controls
- Generates accurate 2D and 3D floor plans
- Supports manual sketches
- Lets you switch between metric and imperial units
Cons:
- Contains ads and in-app purchases
- Accuracy depends on lighting and surface clarity
- May lag on older devices
Download AR Plan 3D:
5. Ruler AR
Ruler AR turns your phone into a portable measuring toolkit. It uses AR technology to measure lengths, widths, and heights quickly by simply pointing and tapping.
Once you mark two points on the screen, the app shows the distance instantly. It can also calculate area and frame dimensions, which is useful for both casual users and professionals.
It comes with a built-in flashlight for dark environments and lets you save or export measurements if you opt for a premium plan. Even without a subscription, you can still use all the basic features freely.
Pros:
- Fast and simple AR measurements
- Unlimited free measuring
- Built-in flashlight for better visibility
Cons:
- Saving and exporting require a subscription
- Accuracy can vary
- Limited support for older phones
Download Ruler AR:
6. Measure With AR Ruler
Measure With AR Ruler is a reliable AR-measuring app for everyday use. It uses your phone’s camera to measure furniture, walls, or other objects by simply pointing at them.
You don’t need an internet connection, and it automatically saves your measurements. You can even measure from pictures, which is great if you’re planning something remotely. For best results, make sure you don’t stand too close and that your camera is steady.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Works online and offline
- Saves measurements automatically
- Can measure from photos
Cons:
- Contains ads
- Accuracy depends on camera quality and lighting
- Can misread points if not aligned properly
Download Measure With AR Ruler:
7. Smart Measure
Smart Measure is one of the simplest camera ruler apps you’ll find. It measures distance and height using your phone camera with no complicated setup required.
To measure distance, point your camera at the base of the object and tap the button. For height, aim at the top and tap again. You’ll get instant results in just a few seconds.
The app also includes manual calibration and screenshot support, which makes it more versatile. It’s best for quick, on-the-go use rather than professional measuring, but it gets the job done.
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Fast distance and height calculation
- Manual calibration option
- Helpful guides available online
Cons:
- Not ideal for complex measurements
- Accuracy may vary depending on conditions
- Contains ads
Download Smart Measure:
8. CamToPlan
CamToPlan is a smart, accurate AR measurement app that’s great for both personal and professional use. It can measure walls, floor space, or even your own height.
You can also draw your measurements directly on-screen to create simple room layouts, which is handy for real estate agents, builders, or anyone remodelling. It uses your phone’s sensors and ARCore for precise calculations, and you don’t need to move furniture out of the way.
All in all, it’s one of the most reliable camera ruler apps available right now.
Pros:
- Clean interface
- Accurate ARCore-based measurements
- Lets you draw and save room layouts
- Works well for construction and home projects
Cons:
- Contains ads and in-app purchases
- May need calibration at times
- Requires ARCore-compatible device
Download CamToPlan:
Conclusion
Whether you’re working on a home improvement project or trying to figure out if a piece of furniture will fit in your space, these camera apps can be your trusted companions. These apps are a convenient way to get accurate measurements without the need for physical tools or rulers.
Not only do these camera ruler apps make your tasks easier, but they also enhance your efficiency. You can use them anytime, anywhere, simply by taking a picture of the object you want to measure.
