Abstract: A non-contact method and apparatus for measuring dimensional variables of a threaded exterior surface of a length of pipe utilizes at least one laser generated parallel scanning light beam transmitter and at least one receiver which is disposed on a frame which moves with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, to measure the amount of the scanning beam width which is blocked by the threaded exterior surface at a plurality of sequential locations along the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and the measured amounts are stored as a function of the sequential locations to produce a profile of the threaded exterior surface and to determine from the profile a desired dimensional variable of the threaded exterior surface.