a measurement and marking device has a tape measure body bearing indicia of distance and a plurality of closely set small holes in two parallel lines . larger holes mark each one inch distance . because the holes are set in parallel lines , a closer spacing of holes may be achieved than if the holes were in a single line . a magnet may be provided on a tape measure housing , so as to hold small fasteners such as screws , staples or nails . a method of marking a distance comprises extending the tape , inserting a pencil or similar marking device through a hole at a desired distance and marking the distance through the hole . sweeping the device through an angle will result in marking of an arc .