Final answer:
A tape measure is the most versatile measuring tool, suitable for various lengths in both imperial and metric units, while meter sticks are also used for metric measurements.
Step-by-step explanation:
When selecting a tool for measuring lengths for various projects, it is important to consider the type of object being measured and the units required. A tape measure is often the most versatile tool as it is flexible and typically has both imperial (feet, yards) and metric (meters) units, making it suitable for a wide range of measuring tasks, from small objects to large distances. For measuring in metric units, a meter stick can also be used, particularly for measuring distances or objects that are not too large. However, when flexibility or a larger range of units is needed, a tape measure remains the preferred choice. If precision in metric units is necessary, for smaller objects like a textbook, the metric units centimeters or millimeters may be more appropriate compared to meters or kilometers.