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1

Use this method as an alternative to the shadow method. While this method is less accurate, you can use it when the shadow method won’t work, such as on an overcast day. Also, if you have a tape measure with you, you can avoid having to do math. Otherwise, you’ll need to find a tape measure later and do some simple multiplication problems.[11]

While this method is less accurate, you can use it when the shadow method won’t work, such as on an overcast day. Also, if you have a tape measure with you, you can avoid having to do math. Otherwise, you’ll need to find a tape measure later and do some simple multiplication problems.

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2

Stand far enough from the tree so you can view the whole tree—top to bottom—without moving your head. For the most accurate measurement, you should stand so that you are on a piece of ground that is about level with the ground at the tree’s base, not higher or lower. Your view of the tree should be as unobstructed as possible.

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3

Hold a pencil at arm’s length. You can use any small, straight object, such as a paint stick or ruler. Hold it in one hand and stretch your arm out so that the pencil is at arm’s length in front of you (between you and the tree).

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4

Close one eye and adjust the pencil up or down so that you can sight the very top of the tree at the top of the pencil. This is easiest if you turn the pencil so that the sharpened point is pointing straight up. The tip of the pencil should thus just cover the top of the tree in your line of sight as you look at the tree “through” the pencil.

5

Move your thumb up or down the pencil so that the tip of your thumbnail is aligned with the tree’s base. While holding the pencil in position so that the tip is aligned with the tree’s top (as in step 3), move your thumb to the point on the pencil that covers the point (again, as you look “through” the pencil with one eye) where the tree meets the ground. Now the pencil is “covering” the entire height of the tree, from the base to the tip.[12]

While holding the pencil in position so that the tip is aligned with the tree’s top (as in step 3), move your thumb to the point on the pencil that covers the point (again, as you look “through” the pencil with one eye) where the tree meets the ground. Now the pencil is “covering” the entire height of the tree, from the base to the tip.

6

Rotate your arm so that the pencil is horizontal (parallel to the ground). Keep your arm held straight out at the same distance, and make sure your thumbnail is still aligned with the tree’s base. The thumb should be even with the center of the bottom of the tree.

7

Have your friend move so that you can sight him or her “through” the point of your pencil. That is, your friend’s feet should be aligned with the pencil’s tip. He or she should be about the same distance from you as the tree is, not further away or closer toward you. Since, depending on the height of the tree, you may need to be some distance away from your friend, consider using hand signals (with the hand that is not holding the pencil) to tell him or her to go farther, come closer, or move to the left or right.[13]

That is, your friend’s feet should be aligned with the pencil’s tip. He or she should be about the same distance from you as the tree is, not further away or closer toward you. Since, depending on the height of the tree, you may need to be some distance away from your friend, consider using hand signals (with the hand that is not holding the pencil) to tell him or her to go farther, come closer, or move to the left or right.

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8

If you have a tape measure with you, measure the distance between your friend and the tree. Have your friend remain in the place or mark the spot with a stick or rock. Then use a measuring tape to measure the distance between that spot and the base of the tree. The distance between your friend and the tree is the height of the tree.[14]

Have your friend remain in the place or mark the spot with a stick or rock. Then use a measuring tape to measure the distance between that spot and the base of the tree. The distance between your friend and the tree is the height of the tree.

9

If you don’t have a tape measure with you, mark the height of your friend and the height of the tree on the pencil. Scratch or draw a mark on the pencil where your thumbnail is; this is how long the tree appears from your perspective. Use the same method as before to arrange the pencil so it covers your friend, with the tip at your friend’s head and your thumbnail at his or her feet. Make a second mark at this position of your thumbnail.

10

Find the answer once you have access to a tape measure. You’ll need to measure the length of each mark and the height of your friend, but you can do this after you go home, without having to return to the tree. Scale the difference in lengths on the pencil up to your friend’s height. For instance, if the mark showing your friend’s height is 2 inches (5 cm) from the tip and the mark for the tree’s height is 7 inches (17.5 cm), then the tree is 3.5 times as tall as your friend, since 7 inches / 2 inches = 3.5 (17.5 cm / 5 cm = 3.5). If your friend is 6 feet (180 cm) tall, the tree is 6 x 3.5 = 21 feet tall (180 cm x 3.5 = 630 cm).

• Note: If you do have a tape measure with you when you’re near the tree, you do not need to do any calculations. Read the step above for “if you have a tape measure” carefully.

You’ll need to measure the length of each mark and the height of your friend, but you can do this after you go home, without having to return to the tree. Scale the difference in lengths on the pencil up to your friend’s height. For instance, if the mark showing your friend’s height is 2 inches (5 cm) from the tip and the mark for the tree’s height is 7 inches (17.5 cm), then the tree is 3.5 times as tall as your friend, since 7 inches / 2 inches = 3.5 (17.5 cm / 5 cm = 3.5). If your friend is 6 feet (180 cm) tall, the tree is 6 x 3.5 = 21 feet tall (180 cm x 3.5 = 630 cm).