In this study, the applicability of PVDF films for measurements of dynamic strain in a structure was investigated. A relationship between the strain and the voltage response of a PVDF film was analytically derived. Free vibration test on a steel cantilever beam was performed and vibration response of the beam was measured both by a convential foil strain gauge and a PVDF film. Strain-voltage relationship obtained from the experiment was compared with the analytic relationship. Good agreement between the analytic and experimental relationships was observed. It was found that a tailored PVDF film can measure the dynamic strain of a structure as accurate as a conventional foil strain gauge.