Compiled from 4 sources; we haven't tested this product ourselves yet. How we research
Quick answer
The Penco Pocket Measure (GZ111) is HIGHTIDE's palm-sized tape measure: a stainless-alloy case 40 × 45 × 12 mm with a 2 m yellow tape marked in metric only, no inches. It comes in black, ivory, red, navy and khaki, is made in Taiwan, and lists at ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) in Japan.
On this page10 sections
The red Pocket Measure with its tape out; tape width drawn by eye (1 mm = 4 px).
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Notes on these facts
Made by HIGHTIDE Inc.. Made in Taiwan: HIGHTIDE's Japanese product page gives 生産 (production): 台湾 (Taiwan); the Amazon US listing also says Taiwan. Source. Price: example listing.
Colors: names per HIGHTIDE Japan, checked October 24, 2026. Five colors per HIGHTIDE's Japanese GZ111 page, translated from Japanese; HIGHTIDE notes the Navy looks close to Black in person. Tints were sampled from HIGHTIDE's product photos. The GTIN in the facts is the Black's JAN code. Tints are representative, not measured. Shops stock different colors.
Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026. Conversions to US dollars are approximate, at October 2026 rates (US$1 = ¥158 = ₩1,330 = NT$32.5 = CN¥6.7 = SEK 9.9 = DKK 6.7 = ₺49.6 = C$1.41 = A$1.43 = CZK 21.7; €1 = US$1.12; £1 = US$1.32; CHF 1 = US$1.21).
Key takeaways
HIGHTIDE lists the case at 40 × 45 × 12 mm (1.6 × 1.8 × 0.5 in), with a 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tape.
The tape is marked in centimeters and millimeters only; no inch scale is listed by HIGHTIDE or the retailers we read.
HIGHTIDE Japan lists it at ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) with tax, in five colors.
On Amazon US it averaged 4.4 stars from 177 ratings across colors on October 24, 2026, more than any other single Penco listing we checked except the clipboard.
The case is stainless alloy and the tape iron, per Amazon's HIGHTIDE listing, and it is made in Taiwan.
What is the Penco Pocket Measure?
It’s a tiny retractable tape measure in a painted stainless case, sold by Japan’s HIGHTIDE under its Penco brand. HIGHTIDE says the design reworks the corporate giveaway tape measures once handed out in America, with Penco’s own graphics on the case.
The tape is the classic yellow, and HIGHTIDE prints the Penco logo along the scale too. It’s a desk and bag tool for checking paper sizes, frames or a parcel, not a builder’s tape.
HIGHTIDE files it under rulers and measures in its stationery range and features it in its round-ups of desk items for work. The industrial look is the point: a stainless case with retro paint rather than plastic.
Penco Pocket Measure specs
The case is 40 × 45 × 12 mm and holds a 2 m metric tape. These figures come from HIGHTIDE’s Japanese page, read on October 24, 2026.
Spec
Penco Pocket Measure (GZ111)
Case size
40 × 45 × 12 mm (1.6 × 1.8 × 0.5 in)
Tape length
2 m (about 6 ft 7 in)
Scale
Metric (cm and mm)
Case material
Stainless alloy
Tape material
Iron (Amazon’s HIGHTIDE listing)
Weight
Not stated by HIGHTIDE; Amazon lists 0.06 kg
Colors
Black, Ivory, Red, Navy, Khaki
Made in
Taiwan
Japan price
¥1,320 (about US$8.40) with tax
The case is a little under half a credit card wide (1 mm = 3 px).
Does it measure in inches?
No: the tape is metric only. HIGHTIDE lists a 2 m scale, and Finnish Design Shop and Fred Aldous both describe a metric tape. That suits A-series paper sizes and Japanese notebook specs, which are given in millimeters.
For US buyers measuring in inches, that’s the main drawback. Amazon’s HIGHTIDE listing converts the length to 6.6 ft, but the markings themselves stay in centimeters.
For stationery it can even help: a Hobonichi or TRAVELER’S notebook, a B6 page or a washi tape width is listed in millimeters, so you can check it directly against the maker’s spec.
How much does it cost, and is it popular?
HIGHTIDE Japan lists it at ¥1,320 (about US$8.40), and in the US it sells in our $$ band ($5–20). It is one of the most-rated Penco items on Amazon US.
On October 24, 2026, Amazon US showed 4.4 stars from 177 ratings for the GZ111, shared across its colors. Of the single Penco listings we checked, only the Penco clipboard’s had more; the Penco Storage Container set had 73.
Which color should you choose?
All five colors have the same case and the same yellow tape. HIGHTIDE notes that the Navy looks brighter on screen than in person and is close to Black.
HIGHTIDE also warns that the printed case can arrive with small scuffs or chips from manufacturing, and that the tape rewinds hard, so don’t let it snap back from a long pull.
What else does Penco make for the desk?
The Pocket Measure sits in a desk range that includes clipboards, storage boxes and clips. The Penco Storage Container is a set of four nesting boxes, and the Penco Clipboard O/S is an MDF board in four sizes.
For a ruler that clips to a notebook, see the Midori clip ruler. Midori’s XS compact scissors come from a desk-tool series that also has a 1.5 m tape measure.
Where is the Penco Pocket Measure made?
In Taiwan, per HIGHTIDE’s Japanese page and its Amazon US listing. It comes in a plastic bag. Penco is HIGHTIDE’s own brand, which the Fukuoka company started in 1999.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Penco Pocket Measure have inches?
No. HIGHTIDE lists a 2 m scale, and the retailers we read describe the tape as metric only. If you need inches, choose a different tape.
How long is the Penco tape measure?
2 meters, which is about 6 ft 7 in. Amazon's HIGHTIDE listing calls it a 6.6 ft scale.
How small is the Penco Pocket Measure?
The case is 40 mm wide, 45 mm tall and 12 mm thick (1.6 × 1.8 × 0.5 in), per HIGHTIDE, small enough for a coin pocket.
Is the Penco Pocket Measure metal?
Yes. HIGHTIDE lists the case as stainless alloy, and Amazon's HIGHTIDE listing gives the tape as iron.
Does the Penco tape measure lock?
HIGHTIDE doesn't mention a lock, and it warns that the tape rewinds forcefully, so let it back in slowly.
Is the Penco Pocket Measure made in Japan?
No, in Taiwan, per HIGHTIDE's Japanese page. Penco is a brand of HIGHTIDE, a Japanese company based in Fukuoka.
