On a standard tape measure, the biggest marking is the inch mark (which generally has the biggest number, if it has them). As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. For example, ½" has a bigger mark than ¼" which has a bigger mark than ⅛", and so on. Read 1 inch.
On a tape measure labeled with imperial units, the most prominent marks are usually the one-inch marks. These are typically marked by long, thin lines and fairly .
Learning how to read a measuring tape will get you comfortable with this home. Many tape measures will have foot marks designated, eliminating the need to .
