Reading analogue calipers - how it works.
To increase reading accuracy, analogue calipers have a so-called vernier next to the scale. The vernier can be used to read units of length in the hundredths range. The scale indicates whole millimetres.
However, correct reading of the measured values using a vernier scale requires practice. Follow these step-by-step instructions to correctly read the measured values from your analogue caliper gauge.
Step 1
Determine the reading accuracy
Firstly, pay attention to the reading accuracy of the caliper. This indicates the accuracy or the measuring steps on the vernier (Fig. 1).
For a caliper gauge with a reading accuracy of 0.02 mm, each step between the lines on the vernier means an additional 0.02 mm. In this case, the measured values are read in 0.02 mm increments.
As an example, take a look at the lines between 0.7 mm and 0.8 mm on the vernier. The first line after the 0.7 mm specification therefore stands for the value 0.72 mm (Fig. 2). The second line indicates the measured value of 0.74 mm. The remaining lines up to 0.8 mm therefore result in these values: 0.76 mm and 0.78 mm.
Step 2
Determine the millimetre
Then look at the 0 on the vernier. Which number on the scale does the line of the 0 correspond to or between which two lines on the scale does the 0 of the vernier lie?
In our example, the 0 of the vernier lies between the numbers 8 and 9 on the scale. This means that we have a measured value between 8 and 9 mm. This results in the first part of the measured value: 8,??.
Step 3
Determine hundredths of a millimetre
Next, determine the number after the decimal point of the final measured value. To do this, take a look at the scale and the vernier. Which scale and vernier lines are exactly on top of each other? The value on the vernier gives the decimal place. Note the reading accuracy of the caliper gauge.
In our example, the scale line with the value 0.74 mm on the vernier is parallel to each other. This results in a measured value of 8.74 mm.
Read correctly - avoid errors
With analogue calipers, make sure you have the correct viewing angle to avoid parallax errors (reading errors).
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