# Understand Measurement Types

When you open your Moasure app you will be presented with a screen asking you to tap ‘**+**’ (the plus icon) to begin your measurement. 

Once you tap ‘**+**’ (the plus icon) in the bottom centre of the Moasure app, you will see a list of available **Measurement Types**. Here you will be able to decide which measurement type is right for your project. Choose from Closed Shape, Open Shape, Layout, Point to Point, or Angle.

{% hint style="info" %}
Note that **Layout** is exclusive to Moasure 2 PRO. [Learn More](https://www.moasure.com/pages/discover-moasure)
{% endhint %}

By default, Moasure always calculates distance, any elevation change and angle in all measurement types. However, depending on what you're measuring, some Measurement Types may be more efficient than others.

### Closed Shape <a href="#closed-shape" id="closed-shape"></a>

**Closed Shape** is a measurement type used for calculating the area, perimeter, elevation and distance of a shape and requires the measurement to **start** and **finish** at the exact same point. Therefore, it's essential to remember your starting point, be it a corner, a stone, or a reference marker.&#x20;

This method proves particularly valuable for tasks such as measuring lawns, yards, staircases, driveways and pools, as it efficiently computes square footage or square metres.

When using the **Closed Shape** measurement, the **START – FINISH ERROR** is displayed as a percentage, such as 0.8%. This percentage represents the deviation between the measurement's start and finish points. A lower percentage indicates closer alignment between these points, serving as an indicator of measurement accuracy and facilitating precise estimates of square footage or square metres.&#x20;

If the error is below 1%, your measurement is considered reliable and accurate. If it exceeds 1%, the integrated [**Moasure Coach**](https://docs.moasure.com/en/moasure-app/settings/display-options/moasure-coach-feedback) will offer valuable feedback on improving your measuring technique.

{% hint style="info" %}
Always aim to start and finish your measurement at exactly the same point as this will result in a more accurate measurement resulting in less than 1% error.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://3108400965-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH1SckI7Noi5Ipj4x33R7%2Fuploads%2FtZGNLekW26vPh9NQtKQU%2Fclosed.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=2009b73a-0c1e-41dc-88ab-740737076f9e" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>An example <em>Closed Shape</em> measurement. Generally, a <em>Closed Shape</em> measurement with an <em>Error</em> of 1% or less is considered good.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Open Shape

**Open Shape** is a measurement type that eliminates the need for calculating square footage or square metres. This method proves particularly useful for measuring distances or elevation changes, making it well-suited for tasks such as measuring fencing, walls, or the length of pipe and cable runs. Additionally, Open Shape measurements can be applied to the sides of structures such as buildings or gazebos.

<figure><img src="https://3108400965-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH1SckI7Noi5Ipj4x33R7%2Fuploads%2FDJPWo9a654R2pB4HKjL5%2Ffence.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=ba1dc307-6c9e-419c-ae48-33a5a041e2a9" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>An example <em>Open Shape</em> measurement, measuring the total length of a fence</p></figcaption></figure>

### Layout (Moasure 2 PRO) <a href="#point-to-point" id="point-to-point"></a>

Layout Mode, exclusive to [**Moasure 2 PRO**](https://www.moasure.com/pages/discover-moasure), simplifies setting or laying out measurements. Users can upload or input coordinates, and Moasure guides them to specified points for accurate positioning and marking. [Learn more.](https://docs.moasure.com/en/use-cases/lay-out-points-from-coordinates-manual-csv-or-cad-import)

### Point to Point <a href="#point-to-point" id="point-to-point"></a>

**Point to Point** measurement is a swift and efficient method for measuring distances or changes in elevation. Once you initiate a **Point to Point** measurement, your Moasure device calculates the distance between your first and second point. Each time you move and pause by placing your Moasure device down and keeping it still, the app will re-calculate the distance between the measurement's first point and the current point. Use **Point to Point** when you want to find the distance or change in elevation/gradient/rise and fall between two points.

{% hint style="info" %}
By default, a *Point to Point* measurement in the Moasure app is set to a [2D view](https://docs.moasure.com/en/moasure-app/understand-views). Switch to [3D view](https://docs.moasure.com/en/moasure-app/understand-views) to see changes in elevation in real time.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://3108400965-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH1SckI7Noi5Ipj4x33R7%2Fuploads%2FEgm8Cg0gvWyWqzXWH3dw%2FPoint%20to%20Point%20GIF3.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=d92d5aa0-e50e-42d7-8fd0-cd3651701d93" alt=""><figcaption><p>Point to Point Measurement</p></figcaption></figure>

### Angle <a href="#angle" id="angle"></a>

**Angle** measurements determine the amount of rotation or separation between two points, either on the same surface or between different surfaces. Expressed in degrees, this provides a quantitative measure of inclination or deviation.

* **Surf (Surface Angle):** Measures the angle between two flat surfaces. Place the Moasure device on one surface, then move it to the other surface. The measured angle reflects the difference between these two planes.
* **Lines (Rotational Angle):** Measures the rotation of the device between two points on the *same* surface. This is useful for assessing the angular difference when rotating the device between two positions.

**Summary**

In summary, the Moasure app offers various measurement types for different projects, from calculating areas, perimeters and elevation changes with Closed Shape to measuring distances and elevation changes with Open Shape, Layout, Point to Point, and Angle.