For soft length, I think I used a measuring tape to follow it hanging. Those figures are necessarily only approximate anyway, for the reasons that I have given. I've never tried measuring while stretching it -- I don't see the point! But I think it can be stretched to the same length as its erect length.
thanks... It is important to know if it was hanging of held parallel to the floor beacuse this last measurement is always 1/2 inch less than measuring hanging... stretched length is the same or approx the erected length you are right