Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring distances having a distance measurer (1) and a stop element (3; 3?; 3?) enabling precise and mechanically stabile fixed installation on any form of top surfaces. Interchangeable stop elements (3; 3?; 3?) are disposed on a distance measurer (1), and embodied on the side thereof which is orientated towards the object to be measured in such a way that exact installation can take place on the surface of the object. Another use of the stop element is that it can inc;lude a receiving element for securing a distance measurer (1), whereby the distance measurer is pivotally mounted about at least one horizontal rotational axis (12) whilst the distance measurer (1) is in use. The stop element (3?) is formed in such a way that it is possible to adjust the device and subsequently measure different measuring points (C,D) without having to take geometric changes into account as a result of said adjustment.