The invention relates to a method for measurement of a line (S), in particular, an optical distance measurement method, whereby an input means (24,42) of a distance measuring device (20,22) is operated, which triggers a measuring sequence of distance measurements, during which individual measurements (10-16) of distances from the distance measuring device (20,22) triggered by the distance measuring device (20,22) are carried out perpendicular to the line (s) for measurement. According to the invention, at least one maximum value (10,16) and at least one minimum value of the distances are determined from the measuring sequence and the length of the line (s) determined from the at least one maximum value (10,16) and the at least one minimum value (13). The invention further relates to a distance measuring device (20,22), in particular, a hand-held measuring device for carrying out said method.