A drum gauge is disclosed that provides a measurement of the length of the tension rods. In operation the gauge is compressed, placed around each tension rod and released. A display on the gauge provides a numerical value for the relative exposed length of the tension rod(s). The gauge is then moved to each tension rod to determine the length of each rod or the gap or space between the hoops or between the hoop and the lug casings. A nut on the end of each tension rod is adjusted until all the tension rods are adjusted to the same length. The gauge allows the head to be evenly adjusted so the same pitch exists in all locations on the drum head. The gauge has a lip to ensure it is placed consistently on each tension rod and further includes posts to allow the gauge to be used with drums made with different tension rods, counter hoops, claws and lug casings.