An article is measured by a pair of arms of a measurement apparatus moveable with respect to each other about a pivot. Each arm has an end remote from the pivot. A flexible, elongate measuring element is associated with the ends of the arms such that the measuring element has one extremity fixed with respect to the end of one arm and another extremity secured to a reel from which the element is paid out. The measuring element is able to move relative to the end of the other arm and is biased to take up slack in the measuring element. In the measurement the measurement element is placed against the article and at least one measurement of the article based on the length of the measurement element paid out from the reel and/or the angular relative displacement of the arms.
