The best way to measure something is still a tried-and-true tape measure. But if you don't have one on hand, your iPhone has a built-in tool that uses the camera (and, on Pro models, LiDAR) to get the job done.

If you didn't know that, well, you aren't alone. After releasing the tool in 2018, Apple hasn't exactly promoted the app. It merely sits in the Utilities folder, waiting (perhaps in vain) to be discovered.

Unless your iPhone is truly ancient, you should have the Measure app. It came preinstalled on every model from the iPhone 6s and first-gen iPhone SE onward. If you deleted it at some point, you can redownload it from the App Store.

But Pro models get a better version. Apple added a LiDAR scanner starting with 2020's iPhone 12 Pro, and it's remained in all subsequent Pro-series iPhones. LiDAR fires invisible lasers to judge depth, making Measure more useful. It includes instant height measurements of people, guide lines that snap to edges, a ruler view with tick marks when you get close and a list of measurements from the current session.

Each time you open the app, you'll need to slowly move your phone around. This lets it map your surroundings so it can accurately measure things.

Once it finishes that initial scan, you can start measuring. Aim the dot at one end of the object you want to measure and tap the + button. Then, move the camera view to the other end and tap + again.

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