Measuring Instruments

A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible ruler. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibre
glass, or metal strip with linear-measurement markings. It is a common measuring tool. Its design
allows for a measure of great length to be easily carried in pocket or toolkit and permits one to
measure around curves or corners. Today it is ubiquitous, even appearing in miniature form as
a keychain fob, or novelty item. Surveyors use tape measures in lengths of over 100 m (300+ ft).

A graduated cylinder, measuring cylinder or mixing cylinder is a common piece of laboratory

equipment used to measure the volume of a liquid. It has a narrow cylindrical shape. Each marked
line on the graduated cylinder represents the amount of liquid that has been measured.

A rain gauge (also known as an udometer, pluviometer, or an ombrometer) is an instrument used

by meteorologists and hydrologists to gather and measure the amount of liquid precipitation over a
set period of time.

A barometer is a scientific instrument used in meteorology to measure atmospheric pressure.

Pressure tendency can forecast short term changes in the weather. Numerous measurements of air
pressure are used within surface weather analysis to help find surface troughs, high pressure
systems and frontal boundaries.

A thermometer is a device that measures temperature or a temperature gradient. A thermometer

has two important elements: (1) a temperature sensor (e.g. the bulb of a mercury-in-glass
thermometer) in which some physical change occurs with temperature, and (2) some means of
converting this physical change into a numerical value (e.g. the visible scale that is marked on a
mercury-in-glass thermometer). Thermometers are widely used in industry to control and regulate
processes, in the study of weather, in medicine, and in scientific research.

Weighing scales (or weigh scales or scales) are devices to measure weight or
calculate mass. Spring balances or spring scales measure weight (force) by balancing the force
due to gravity against the force on a spring, whereas a balance or pair of scales using a balance
beam compares masses by balancing the weight due to the mass of an object against the weight of
a known mass or masses. Either type can be calibrated to read in units of force such as newtons, or
in units of mass such as kilograms, but the balance or pair of scales using a traditional balance
beam to compare masses will read correctly for mass even if moved to a place with a different (non-
zero) gravitational field strength (but would then not read correctly if calibrated in units of force),
while the spring balance would read correctly in force in a different gravitational field strength (but
would not read correctly if calibrated in units of mass).

A ruler, sometimes called a rule or line gauge, is an instrument used in geometry, technical
drawing, printing, engineering and building to measure distances or to rule straight lines. The ruler is
a straightedge which may also contain calibrated lines to measure distances.

A yardstick is a straightedge used to physically measure lengths of up to a yard (0.9144 metres or

three feet) high. Yardsticks are flat wooden boards with markings at regular intervals.
The term chronometer (From Greek: ) is a specific type of timepiece tested and
certified to meet certain precision standards. In Switzerland, only timepieces certified by the Contrle
Officiel Suisse des Chronomtres (COSC) may use the word 'Chronometer' on them. Outside
Switzerland, equivalent bodies (such as the Japan Chronometer Inspection Institute) have in the
past certified timepieces to the same internationally recognised standards, although use of the term
has not always been strictly controlled.

A hydrometer or areometer is an instrument that measures the specific gravity (relative density)
of liquidsthe ratio of the density of the liquid to the density of water.

A pH Meter is a scientific instrument that measures the hydrogen-ion concentration (or pH) in a
solution, indicating its acidity or alkalinity.[1] The pH meter measures the difference in electrical
potential between a pH electrode and a reference electrode. It usually has a glass electrode plus
a calomel reference electrode, or a combination electrode.[2] In addition to measuring the pH of
liquids, a special probe is sometimes used to measure the pH of semi-solid substances.

A protractor is a measuring instrument, typically made of transparent plastic or glass, for

measuring angles. Most protractors measure angles in degrees (). Radian-scale protractors
measure angles in radians. Most protractors are divided into 180 equal parts.

A taximeter is a mechanical or electronic device installed in taxicabs and auto rickshaws that
calculates passenger fares based on a combination of distance travelled and waiting time. Its
shortened form, "taxi", is also a metonym for the hired cars that use them

A weather vane, wind vane, or weathercock is an instrument for showing the direction of the wind.
They are typically used as an architectural ornament to the highest point of a building.

A multimeter or a multitester, also known as a VOM (Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter), is

an electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit. A
typical multimeter can measure voltage, current, and resistance. Analog multimeters use
a microammeter with a moving pointer to display readings. Digital multimeters (DMM, DVOM) have
a numeric display, and may also show a graphical bar representing the measured value. Digital
multimeters are now far more common due to their cost and precision, but analog multimeters are
still preferable in some cases, for example when monitoring a rapidly varying value.