Reading Caliper Dials

Calipers are used to make extremely precise measurements. Dial calipers are precise to the thousandth of an inch (0.001"). A caliper uses two arms to measure the width of an object or the space between two objects.

In the case of a dial caliper, after the tool is in position and extended to the proper distance, the first step is to read the blade. The blade is marked much like a ruler, with marks at each inch and tenth of an inch.

After the measurement values in terms of inches and tenths of an inch, which are obtained by reading the blade, are the more precise measurements, which are given on the dial. The dial gives the exact precise measurement of the distance between the caliper's measuring arms in thousandths of an inch. One 360-degree turn of the dial is equivalent to one tenth of an inch. The dial is marked in hundredths and thousandths of an inch.

Combine the blade reading with the dial reading for the final result. For instance, if the blade reads 1.3 inches and the dial point to 58, the caliper measurement is 1.358 inches.

Resources

• Longislandindicator.com