1.

Length Measurement

Manual

1.1 Vernier Caliper

Introduction and Theory
A vernier is a device that extends the sensitivity of a scale. It consists of a parallel scale whose
divisions are less than that of the main scale by a small fraction, typically 1/10 of a division.
Each vernier division is then 9/10 of the divisions on the main scale. The lower scale in below
figure is the vernier scale, the upper one, extending to 120 mm is the main scale.

The left edge of the vernier is called the index, or pointer. The position of the index is what is to
be read. When the index is beyond a line on the main scale by 1/10 then the first vernier line
after the index will line up with the next main scale line. If the index is beyond by 2/10 then the
second vernier line will line up with the second main scale line, and so forth.

Procedure
1. Measure 10 times

1.2. Micrometer
Introduction and Theory
Also called a screw micrometer, this measuring device consists of a screw of pitch 0.5 mm and
two scales, as shown in below.

A linear scale along the barrel is divided into half millimeters, and the other is along the curved
edge of the thimble, with 50 divisions.
The pointer for the linear scale is the edge of the thimble, while that for the curved scale is the
solid line on the linear scale. The reading is the sum of the two parts in mm. The divisions on the
linear scale are equal to the pitch, 0.5 mm. Since this corresponds to one revolution of the
thimble, with its 50 divisions, then each division on the thimble corresponds to a linear shift of
(0.50 mm)/50 = 0.01 mm.
In above figure, the value on the linear scale can be read as 4.5 mm, and the thimble reading
is 44 X 0.01 mm = 0.44 mm. The reading of the micrometer is then (4.50 + 0.44 )mm = 4.94 mm.
Since a screw of thins pitch can exert a considerable force on an object between the spindle
and anvil, we use a ratchet at the end of the spindle to limit the force applied and thereby, the
distortion of the object being measured. The micrometer zero reading should be checked by
using the ratchet to close the spindle directly on the anvil. If it is not zero, then this value will
have to be subtracted from all other readings.

Procedure
1. Measure 10 times