How To Use A Vernier Caliper: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Read Vernier Caliper » How To Use A Vernier Caliper: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Read a Vernier Caliper for Super Precise Measurements PDF download Download Article A detailed guide to measuring internal or external diameters and depth with a Vernier caliper Co-authored by Ali Garbacz, B.A.

Last Updated: December 31, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Preparing Your Vernier Caliper
    • |
  • Measuring & Reading Results
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A.. Ali earned her B.A. in Linguistics and Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus on East Asia from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2022. She has published articles centering around culture and history for non-profits and has also done news writing for an online news site. Ali now writes as an editor at wikiHow with the hopes of becoming a part in helping to achieve wikiHow’s goal of teaching everyone to do anything. She enjoys the process of researching and learning new things to share with readers and creating content that is both informative and fun. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,211,849 times. Learn more...

If you’re in need of a very precise length measurement, a Vernier caliper is going to be your best friend. This tool is used to measure internal and external dimensions, and it will give you much more specific measurements than a regular ruler. Learning to read a Vernier caliper is easy, and after a bit of practice, you’ll be using it like a pro. Keep reading to learn how to measure using this nifty tool and how to read the numbers you’re seeing.

Things You Should Know

An illustration showing the steps to read a Vernier caliper.
  • Calibrate your caliper before using it by closing the jaws and lining up the 0 marks on the two scales, then place your object between the jaws.
  • Tighten the jaws by sliding the moving scale until the jaws are flush against your object.
  • Record the values being shown on the main scale and moving scale separately, then add them together to get your final measurement.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Preparing Your Vernier Caliper

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Locate both sets of jaws and measuring scales on your caliper. 1 Locate both sets of jaws and measuring scales on your caliper. A Vernier caliper has large jaws that are used for measuring an object’s external diameter, as well as smaller jaws that are used for measuring the internal diameter. There are also two scales. The Vernier scale is the sliding scale that opens and closes the jaws, while the main scale remains fixed in place.[1]
    • Some models also have a depth gauge at the very end of the main scale.
  2. Step 2 Read the scales... 2 Read the scales on your Vernier caliper like you would read a ruler. A caliper usually has a main scale marked with numbered inches or centimeters, plus smaller divisions between them. The sliding (Vernier) scale often has an engraved label that tells you what units are being used.[2]
    • If the sliding scale doesn't have a label, then assume that the numbered divisions represent 1/10 of the smallest division on the main scale.
    • For example, if the main scale's smallest lines represent 0.1 inches, then each numbered division on the Vernier scale represents 0.01 inches.
    • The main scale is "life-size" while the sliding scale is magnified for easy reading. This magnification system allows the Vernier caliper to measure more precisely than a ruler.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Determine the value of the smallest tick marks on the main scale. 3 Determine the value of the smallest tick marks on the main scale. Before making a measurement, count the number of tick marks between two numbers on the main scale. Use this to determine how much distance each of the smaller lines represents.[3]
    • For example, imagine that the numbers on your scale represent 1 inch, and there are five unnumbered tick marks between them.
    • 1 inches ÷ 5 = 0.2 inches. Therefore, each of the unnumbered lines represents 0.2 inches.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Vernier Caliper 4 Clean the object you’re going to measure. Using a soft, dry cloth, wipe off any dirt or grease from the object. Make sure that there’s nothing in the way that will prevent you from getting the most accurate measurement.[4]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Vernier Caliper 5 Loosen the locking screw on your Vernier caliper. This screw is on top of the Vernier scale and prevents the scale from sliding around freely when not being used. Twist the screw counter-clockwise to loosen it and start using your scale.[5]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Vernier Caliper 6 Close the jaws to zero out your Vernier caliper. Before measuring anything, close the jaws so that the 0s on the main scale and Vernier scale line up exactly. Doing so ensures a precise measurement later on. If your caliper isn’t zeroed out from the beginning, you’ll have to correct for this zero error later to get the exact measurement.[6]
    • For example, if the zero on the sliding scale starts out lined up with the 1 mm mark on the fixed scale, you have a positive zero error of +1 mm. Subtract 1 mm from your final measurement to get the correct result.
    • If the zero on the sliding scale is to the left of the main scale zero, you have a negative zero error and must add the error value to your measurement to get the precise number.
    • Slide the Vernier scale so that the zeros line up while watching another mark to see the size of the error.
      • For example, if you’re watching the 0.5 mm mark and see that it moves from the 1 mm mark to the 2.1 mm mark, the zero error is -(2.1 - 1), or -1.1 mm. Add 1.1 mm to your final measurement to correct the error.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Measuring & Reading Results

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Vernier Caliper 1 Open the jaws wide enough to fit around or inside your object. The caliper has two types of jaws. The larger ones tighten around an object to measure the distance across it, and the smaller jaws fit into an opening and can then be pushed outward to measure the internal diameter. Adjust either pair of jaws by sliding the Vernier scale along the track.[7]
    • If your Vernier caliper has a locking screw, twist it clockwise to tighten it once the jaws are in place around or inside your object.
    • To extend the depth gauge, turn the thumb screw closest to the gauge counterclockwise to loosen it, then move the Vernier scale along the track.
    • Stick the depth gauge into the hole so that it touches the very bottom, then adjust the rod’s length using the Vernier scale until the main scale touches the top of the hole. Tighten the thumb screw once again to keep the scale in that position.
  2. Step 2 Read the line on the main scale that’s in line with the 0 on the Vernier scale. 2 Read the line on the main scale that’s in line with the 0 on the Vernier scale. The main scale on a Vernier caliper typically tells you the whole number plus the first decimal of your final measurement. Read this just as you would a ruler, using the 0 mark on the Vernier (sliding) scale to determine which line you should be reading.[8]
    • For example, if the 0 on the sliding scale lines up with the 2 inch mark, your measurement is 2 inches. If it lines up past 2 inches by six 0.1 inch marks, your measurement is 2.6 inches.
    • If the result is between two lines, round to the smaller value. Do not try to estimate a value between the two lines.
    • Use the exact same process when reading the depth measurement.
  3. Step 3 Find the first mark on the Vernier scale that lines up with a line on the main scale. 3 Find the first mark on the Vernier scale that lines up with a line on the main scale. This mark tells you the value of the additional digits of your final measurement. If the 0 mark of the Vernier scale is between two numbers on the main scale, this is how you’ll figure out what the exact measurement is.[9]
    • For example, let's say the tick marks on the Vernier scale represent 0.001 inch increments and that the first mark on the Vernier scale to line up with a tick on the main scale is the 14th mark.
    • This means that the Vernier scale reading is 0.014 (14 x 0.001)
    • It doesn’t matter which line the Vernier scale lines up with on the main scale. The important thing is that you find the first two marks that line up exactly.
    • The process of reading the Vernier scale is exactly the same when you’re measuring depth using the depth gauge.
  4. Step 4 Add... 4 Add the two measurements together. Add the main scale and Vernier scale results together to get the final answer. Make sure you use the correct units as labeled on each scale, or you won't get the right answer.
    • In our example, we measured 2.6 inches on the main scale and 0.014 inches on the Vernier scale. So our final measurement is 2.614 inches (2.6 + 0.014).
    • For another example, if the main centimeter scale reads 0.85, and the Vernier 0.01 cm scale reads 12, adding them together results in 0.85 + 0.012 = 0.862 cm.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I find the least count? Community Answer Community Answer Least count is the ratio of the smallest division of the main scale to the number of divisions on the vernier scale. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 107 Helpful 225
  • Question How do you find the measurement of the vernier scale? Community Answer Community Answer 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 106 Helpful 231
  • Question What are the applications of Vernier caliphs in everyday life? Community Answer Community Answer 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 64 Helpful 130
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Use CalipersHow toUse Calipers Read a CaliperHow to Read Any Type of Caliper Use and Read Dial Vernier CaliperHow toUse and Read Dial Vernier Caliper Use and Read an Outside MicrometerHow toUse and Read an Outside Micrometer Read a Dial IndicatorHow toRead a Dial Indicator Measure Thickness of PaperHow toMeasure Thickness of Paper Read a Measuring TapeHow to Read a Tape Measure in Inches or Centimeters Measure Cylinder BoreHow toMeasure Cylinder Bore Use a RulerHow to Use a Ruler: Standard & Metric Measure in InchesHow Big Is an Inch? Here's How to Measure Accurately Read a RulerHow toRead a Ruler Read a Torque WrenchHow toRead a Torque Wrench Read a BuretHow to Read a Buret Measurement Measure MillimetersHow to Use a Ruler to Measure in Millimeters (Plus Estimating Lengths) Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.physics.smu.edu/~scalise/apparatus/caliper/
  2. ↑ https://www.miniphysics.com/how-to-read-a-vernier-caliper.html
  3. ↑ https://science.uct.ac.za/department-physics/courses-phylab1-course-i-laboratory/using-vernier-calipers-micrometer-screw-gauge
  4. ↑ https://www.odot.org/materials/C97001_WEB_REP/EQUIP_MANUAL/S0480067.pdf
  5. ↑ https://myslu.stlawu.edu/~jmil/physics/labs/common/vernier_caliper.pdf
  6. ↑ https://www.physics.smu.edu/~scalise/apparatus/caliper/
  7. ↑ https://myslu.stlawu.edu/~jmil/physics/labs/common/vernier_caliper.pdf
  8. ↑ https://science.clemson.edu/physics/labs/labs/cupol/vernier/index.html
  9. ↑ https://science.clemson.edu/physics/labs/labs/cupol/vernier/index.html

About This Article

Ali Garbacz, B.A. Co-authored by: Ali Garbacz, B.A. wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A.. Ali earned her B.A. in Linguistics and Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus on East Asia from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2022. She has published articles centering around culture and history for non-profits and has also done news writing for an online news site. Ali now writes as an editor at wikiHow with the hopes of becoming a part in helping to achieve wikiHow’s goal of teaching everyone to do anything. She enjoys the process of researching and learning new things to share with readers and creating content that is both informative and fun. This article has been viewed 2,211,849 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 42 Updated: December 31, 2025 Views: 2,211,849 Categories: Measuring and Marking Tools Article SummaryX

To use a Vernier caliper, start by twisting the locking screw counterclockwise to loosen it. Then, close the jaws of the instrument all the way so you start with your scales lined up at zero. Next, open the jaws and insert an object between them, closing the jaws around it to hold it in place. Once the jaws are closed around the object, look at the number on the main scale that lines up with the sliding scale's zero. Then, find the mark on the Vernier scale that lines up with a number on the main scale. Finally, add those two numbers together to get your measurement. To learn how to read the different scales on a Vernier caliper, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Portuguese Italian Russian Chinese Indonesian Dutch French Korean Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,211,849 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Muhammad Raza

    Muhammad Raza

    Apr 2, 2018

    "I had my AS-level Physics practical the next day, and I had no idea about how to use a vernier caliper. Tried doing..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ali Garbacz, B.A. Co-authored by: Ali Garbacz, B.A. wikiHow Staff Writer 4 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 42 Updated: December 31, 2025 Views: 2,211,849 Muhammad Raza

Muhammad Raza

Apr 2, 2018

"I had my AS-level Physics practical the next day, and I had no idea about how to use a vernier caliper. Tried doing..." more Rated this article: Mohammed Kamil

Mohammed Kamil

Sep 12, 2016

"This website helps me a lot. You did a great, great job. Thanks for this type of informational website, and I must..." more Michael H.

Michael H.

Jan 17, 2024

"Hadn't used a caliper in 40 yrs. Used one virtually every day before that. Found my old one the other day but..." more Craig Sibanda

Craig Sibanda

Feb 27, 2019

"It has helped me to understand the concept of using calipers from the first stage to the last. This has provided a..." more Addy Barda

Addy Barda

Aug 20, 2017

"I have a physics practical tomorrow and this helped me a lot as I didn't attend this being taught how to be..." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Music Notes & Symbols TestMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizHow Many Digits of Pi Do I Know QuizHow Many Digits of Pi Do I Know QuizTake QuizIQ TestIQ TestTake QuizAccurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?Accurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?Take QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Use CalipersHow toUse CalipersRead a CaliperHow to Read Any Type of CaliperUse and Read Dial Vernier CaliperHow toUse and Read Dial Vernier CaliperUse and Read an Outside MicrometerHow toUse and Read an Outside Micrometer

Featured Articles

What 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends BetterJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends Better40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & More40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & MoreMake FriendsHow toMake Friends

Trending Articles

Do I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Am I Quiz151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to Ask151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouDo You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?

Featured Articles

The Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupThe Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupAn Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)An Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male PersonalitiesFrom Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities

Featured Articles

7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHypnotize SomeoneHow toHypnotize SomeoneThe Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try?The Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try? Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesHow to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesWhistle with Two FingersHow toWhistle with Two Fingers

Watch Articles

Grow Out Your BangsHow toGrow Out Your BangsDress PunkHow toDress PunkEnd a Long Distance RelationshipHow toEnd a Long Distance RelationshipDo E Girl EyelinerHow toDo E Girl EyelinerRespond to the Fire EmojiHow toRespond to the Fire Emoji Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look SmallHow to Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look Small

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Am I More Hannah Montana or Miley Stewart?Am I More Hannah Montana or Miley Stewart?The Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign BeautifulThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras Explained24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

IQ Test For KidsIQ Test For KidsTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizKinsey Scale TestKinsey Scale TestTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizCan You Pass Our Lie Detector Test?Can You Pass Our Lie Detector Test?Take QuizWhat Is My Learning Style QuizWhat Is My Learning Style QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Tools
  • Measuring and Marking Tools
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --519

Tag » How To Read Vernier Caliper