extends outward from the front of the handle 23 a parallel and spaced apart from the lower portion of the handle 23 a the back of the handle 23 a opposite the scale 25 a has a smooth and curved outer surface to allow for easier handling the handle 23 a is durable ergonomically correct and lightweight in one embodiment the handle weighs less than one ounce for easy handling in fig6 the clearance between the handle 23 a and the scale 25 a allows the step gauge 10 to be hung or clipped onto a pocket or a pocket protector the step gauge 10 can be carried in the user 39 s hand the compact size and shape of the handle 23 a allows for a secure grip while using the step gauge 10 for measuring awkward or difficult to reach places for the purpose of handling the step gauge 10 with one hand the back of the handle 23 a shown in fig7 has a circular shape allowing for a comfortable and sturdy grip in the user 39 s hand the measuring arm 26 a is mounted on the back plate 31 a horizontal to the scale 25 a in one embodiment the measuring arm 26 a is mounted on the backplate 31 a using a measuring arm screw 28 and measuring arm dowel 27 fig3 in one embodiment fig6 the measuring arm 26 a has a beveled end 26 b and the scale 25 a has a beveled end 25 b the tips 26 c and 25 c of the beveled ends 26 b and 25 b.