Introduction:

This experiment aimed to measure the length and diameter of a cylindrical object using a
Vernier calliper and a micrometre screw gauge. The Vernier calliper is a precision instrument
that is used to measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object, while the
micrometre screw gauge is used to measure the thickness, diameter or depth of an object. The
data collected from both instruments were analyzed and presented to determine the accuracy
and precision of the measurements.
Aims:
This experiment aims to measure the length and diameter of a cylindrical object using a Vernier
caliper and a micrometre screw gauge and to analyze the accuracy and precision of these
instruments.

Theory:
Vernier calliper is a measuring tool that uses two scales to determine the measurement of an
object. The main scale provides the coarse measurement, and the Vernier scale provides the
fine measurement, resulting in a highly precise measurement. The micrometre screw gauge is a
precision instrument used for measuring an object's thickness, diameter, or depth, providing
precise measurements on a small scale.

PROCEDURES
Vernia calliper/Height/depth gauge
1. The zero error was checked before the experiment was carried out speaking
2. The object whose dimension was to be measured was held between the
use of the callipers with gentle pressure
3. The main scale reading was noted down just before zero of a main scale
4. The number of the vernier scale division which coincides with the division
of the main scale was noted
5. Using the equation TR = MSR + VSR, the total reading was taken and the
zero correction was applied
6. The zero error was subtracted from the total reading to get the correct
reading
7. The instrument was read for at least three random Vernier position
 The micrometre screw gauge
1. The zero error was checked before the experiment was carried out
2. The object whose dimension was to be measured was held between the
anvil and spindle of the screw gauge with gentle pressure
3. The main scale reading was noted down just before zero or a secular scale
4. The number of circular scale division N which coincide with the main scale
lines was noted down circular scale reading ( CSR ) = NX least count
5. The MSR and the CSR were added to get the reading
6. The zero error with a proper sign from the total reading was subtracted to
get the correct reading
 Thread pitch gauge
1. The type of thread was matched to the gauge
2. Once the correct gauge was determined one of the leaves of the tool was
extended and pressed against the threaded portion of the screw if the teeth
match the spacing of the thread, the user read off the thread pitch stamped
into the leaf
3. The pitch of the screw was recorded
DATA ANALYSIS
The following were the results for various components taken using the Vernier callipers.
Note: There was no Zero error on the Vernier calipers

TABLE 1.

SAMPLE READING MSR VSR TOTAL AVERAGE

COMPONENT NO READING
BEING
MEASURED MSR+VSR

External diameter 1 2.0 0.00 2.00

Of the washer 2 2.0 0.00 2.00 2.00 CM
3 2.0 0.00 2.00
Internal diameter 1 1.0 0.02 1.02
Of the washer 2 1.0 0.03 1.03 1.02 CM
3 1.0 0.01 1.01
Length of the nut 1 3.5 0.04 3.54
2 3.5 0.05 3.55 3.54 CM
3 3.5 0.03 3.53

The other table below shows the results obtained after the measurements were taken using the
micrometre screw gauge;
The micrometre’s zero error was +0.01mm

TABLE 2.
 SAMPLE/ READING TOTAL
COMPONENT NO READING
BEING M.S.R C.S.R AVERAGE
MEASURED (MSR+CSR)
Length of the nut 1. 35.50 0.19 35.68
2. 35.50 0.14 35.63 35.64 mm
3. 35.50 0.13 35.62
Diameter of the 1. 7.50 0.23 7.72
nut 2. 7.50 0.26 7.75 7.73 mm
3. 7.50 0.22 7.71
External diameter 1. 20.00 0.13 20.12
of the washer 2. 20.00 0.17 20.16 20.15 mm
3. 20.00 0.18 20.17

The pitch of the screw was measured to be 1.25 mm

RESULTS ANALYSIS
Different values were taken in different measurements of the same components hence average
value was required indicating low accuracy.
Micrometre screw gauge has a higher accuracy than the vernier calliper. An accuracy of 0.01mm
compared to vernier which is 0.01cm.

SOURCES OF ERRORS
For the vernier calliper, the error was caused by different forces being used, unlike the
micrometre screw gauge where a ratchet is used to regulate the force being used.
Parallax error is caused by being in the wrong position when reading.
Low accuracy of instruments used and presence of zero errors

Conclusion
The experiment was successful in measuring the length and diameter of a nut and
a washer using a Vernier caliper and a micrometer screw gauge. The sources of
error were identified, and it was recommended that instruments be calibrated
regularly to ensure accuracy.
Recommendation:
To ensure accurate measurements, it is recommended that the instruments be
calibrated regularly and handled with care to avoid any misalignment. It is also
recommended that measurements be taken multiple times and the mean values
calculated to reduce any sources of errors.

References:
1. Raghavendra, S. S. (2013). Metrology and measurement. Tata McGraw-Hill
Education.
2. Doebelin, E. O., & Manik, D. N. (2015). Measurement systems: application
and design. Tata McGraw-Hill Education.