A surgical instrument includes a body, a removable insert including a measurement indicator, and an end effector positioned at a distal end of the body. The end effector has a distal interior surface facing a proximal end of the body. The end effector is configured to receive the insert. An actuation feature is in communication with the end effector and the insert when the insert is received in the end effector. The actuation feature is configured to advance the insert distally toward the distal interior surface of the end effector. The measurement indicator of the removable insert is configured to determine the thickness of tissue positioned between the removable insert and the distal interior surface of the end effector. Based on the measured tissue thickness, a user selects a cartridge configured to at least staple (and perhaps also sever) the measured tissue. The cartridge is received within the end effector.