Q&A for How to Use a Vernier Caliper

Least count is the ratio of the smallest division of the main scale to the number of divisions on the vernier scale.

For measuring length, compare the 0 line of the Vernier scale with the main scale. Then check the division that coincides with the main scale. Then add the first reading with the third reading by multiplying.

They can be used in the repair or creation of anything that needs a tight tolerance. These instruments are commonly used in scientific and industrial fields.

The Vernier caliper can measure the inner diameter of an object, the outer diameter of an object, and the depth of an object.

You always get an error when measuring something, it's just probably so small that you don't notice it. If you don't notice it, then the error is probably too small to matter in what you're doing.

It should be written on the caliper. For example, 0.01 mm means you can get reasonably accurate measurements up to 0.01 mm. A lot of other factors, such as measuring force (how hard the jaws are pressed together onto the part), temperature and the quality of the caliper all play a part in the accuracy of the measurement.

It varies by model.

You will need calipers or any measuring instrument with a vernier scale and an accuracy of 0.01 mm. First, move the slide to 7.5 mm on the large scale and then move the slide forward so the vernier scale reads 0.25. Lock the slide with the screw if necessary.

You should use a micrometer screw gauge instead.

It's used to measure the internal and external diameters of objects and the depth of the objects.

If the zero is above reference line the error is negative, and if it is below, the error is positive.

Plastic is the most common material, but you can also buy metallic ones (though they'll be more expensive).

The calibrations on the central spine of the caliper indicate the main scale. The calibrations on the moving jaw just below the main scale iindicate the Vernier scale.

A vernier caliper is used to measure the inner-outer diameter and depth of an object.

Just use the upper jaws. Place them inside the cylindrical object and drag it until it is tight.

It is calibrated using what is known as a "STANDARD". to determine it's accuracy.

The fixed scale is called main scale, and sliding scale is called vernier scale.

Don't. Use a feeler gauge. Feeler gauges are a set of very thin pieces of steel with their thickness printed on each one. Combine 2 or more to make up a friction fit in the gap. Add the thickness of each one to tell what the total gap is.

Measurement with vernier caliper accuracy can be considered to single-digit decimal accuracy. The reasons are instrument, handling and reading errors. For two-decimal readings, a dial caliper or digital caliper can be used. Even here, handling care needs to be taken into account.

There is something known as a "zero error." Sometimes, if the sliding scale's zero is, let's say, 1 mm too far to the left, you add one mm. Or, if the sliding scale's zero is 4 mm too far to the right, you subtract 4 mm. The calibration in itself cannot be adjusted unless you buy a new caliper. But you can take precautions and add/subtract random, systematic and parallax errors.

First, check the main scale reading. The main reading is the reading which coincides with the 0 of Vernier scale. If the 0 of the Vernier scale lies in between two lines, then take the smaller value as the main scale reading. After that, check what number of the Vernier scale coincides with the any line of the of the main scale and multiply it with least count, that is 0.01cm. For example, if the fifth line of the Vernier scale coincides with the main scale, then multiply it with least count and then add it with the main scale reading. This will give you the total measurement.

It depends on the scale you use, but if your scale is in SI units, the smallest division is probably 1mm. However, all vernier calipers are different and may have different smallest divisions.

When you move the slide, most vernier calipers have a wire or rod that sticks out of the right-hand end. Put the right-hand end of the caliper against the top of the hole or step you want to measure, and slide the rod out until it hits the bottom of the hole. Now the reading on the caliper is the depth of the hole/step.

The SI unit of a vernier caliper is in mm. The Vernier caliper is an extremely precise measuring instrument; the reading error is 1/20 mm = 0.05 mm.

Vernier calipers are using centimeters (cm) and millimeters (mm) which are subdivisions of the SI unit for length which is 1 meter (m). Keep in mind that both the cm and the mm are not SI units, but only the meter is.

The biggest problem that may come up is a zero error. This happens when the 0 marks on the main scale and Vernier scale don't match up exactly before you start measuring your object. To solve this, you'll need to calculate how much excess length you measured and subtract it from your final measurement.

Not cleaning your Vernier caliper may result in a buildup of dirt and other grime on the device. If there's a lot of buildup, this might make it harder for you to move the Vernier scale and open and close the jaws.

If you're able to locate the exact center of the circle, the diameter will be any line that passes through this center point.