A vernier caliper is a precision measuring instrument used to measure dimensions with high accuracy.
It
can measure internal and external dimensions, as well as depths. Here’s how to use a standard vernier
caliper:
▎Parts of a Vernier Caliper
1. Main Scale: The fixed scale that is marked in millimeters (mm) or inches.
2. Vernier Scale: A sliding scale that allows for more precise measurements, typically 0.02 mm or 0.01
mm divisions.
3. Jaws: The two arms of the caliper used for measuring external and internal dimensions.
4. Depth Probe: A thin rod that extends from the end of the caliper for measuring depths.
5. Locking Screw: Used to lock the sliding scale in place.
▎Steps to Measure with a Vernier Caliper
1. Preparation:
• Ensure the caliper is clean and free from debris.
• Close the jaws completely and check if the zero mark on the main scale aligns with the zero mark on
the vernier scale. If not, calibration may be needed.
2. Measuring External Dimensions:
• Open the jaws of the caliper.
• Place the object between the jaws.
• Gently close the jaws until they touch the object without applying excessive force.
• Read the measurement:
• Note the value on the main scale just before the zero of the vernier scale.
• Find the line on the vernier scale that aligns with any line on the main scale; this gives you the
additional measurement in mm or inches.
• Combine both readings for the final measurement.
3. Measuring Internal Dimensions:
• Use the smaller jaws (the ones on the opposite side).
• Insert them into the interior of the object until they touch both sides.
• Read the measurement as described above.
4. Measuring Depth:
• Extend the depth probe into the hole or recess you want to measure.
• Ensure it touches the bottom of the hole.
• Read the measurement similarly.
5. Final Calculation:
• The final measurement can be calculated as:
Final Measurement = Reading from Main Scale + Reading from Vernier Scale
▎Tips for Accurate Measurement
• Ensure that you are looking at the scale at eye level to avoid parallax error.
• Apply gentle pressure when closing the jaws to avoid deforming soft materials.
• Always record measurements immediately after taking them to avoid forgetting.
▎Example
If your main scale reads 5 mm and the aligned line on the vernier scale indicates 0.04 mm, then:
• Final measurement = 5 mm + 0.04 mm = 5.04 mm.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a vernier caliper to obtain precise meas Least Count
(LC) = Value of 1 Main Scale Division (MSD) - Value of 1 Vernier Scale Division (VSD) ureThe least count
of a vernier caliper is the smallest measurement that can be accurately read using the instrument. It is
determined by the smallest division on the main scale and the number of divisions on the vernier scale.
Here's how to calculate it:
▎Formula for Least Count
The least count (LC) can be calculated using the following formula:
Least Count (LC) = Value of 1 Main Scale Division (MSD) - Value of 1 Vernier Scale Division (VSD)
▎Steps to Calculate Least Count
1. Determine the Value of 1 Main Scale Division (MSD):
• This is usually marked on the main scale. For example, if the main scale is in millimeters and each
division represents 1 mm, then:
MSD = 1 mm
2. Determine the Value of 1 Vernier Scale Division (VSD):
• Count the total number of divisions on the vernier scale. For example, if there are 10 divisions on the
vernier scale that coincide with 9 divisions on the main scale, then:
VSD = Length of 9 MSD / Number of VS} = 9 mm / 10 = 0.9 mm
3. Calculate the Least Count:
• Substitute the values into the formula:
LC = MSD - VSD
• Continuing with our example:
LC = 1 mm - 0.9 mm = 0.1 mm
▎Example Calculation
• If the main scale has divisions of 1 mm and the vernier scale has 10 divisions that cover 9 mm, then:
• MSD = 1 mm
• VSD = (9 mm)/10 = 0.9 mm
Thus,
Least Count (LC) = 1 mm - 0.9 mm = 0.1 mm
▎Conclusion
The least count of a vernier caliper is crucial for understanding its precision. A smaller least count
indicates a more precise instrument, allowing for finer measurements. In this example, the least count is
0.1 mm, which means you can measure dimensions with an accuracy of 0.1 mm using that particular
vernier caliper. ments for various applications.
