Information Sheet No.

3
Vernier Caliper
Objectives

After completing this unit, you will be able to:

1. Measure workpieces to within an accuracy of .001 in. using a 25-division inch vernier
caliper
2. Measure workpieces to within an accuracy of .001 in. using a 50-division inch vernier
caliper
3. Measure workpieces to within an accuracy of 0.02 mm using a metric vernier caliper

Introduction

Vernier calipers are precision measuring tools used to make accurate measurements
to within .001 in. for inch verniers or 0.02 mm for metric verniers. The bar and the movable
jaw may be graduated on both sides or both edges. One side is used to take outside
measurements; the other, to take inside measurements. Vernier calipers are available in inch
and metric graduations; however, some types have both inch and metric graduations on the
same caliper.

VERNIER CALIPERS

Vernier calipers are precision tools used to make accurate measurements to within
.001 in. or 0.02 mm, depending on whether they are inch or metric vernier calipers.

Parts of the Vernier Caliper

The vernier caliper, regardless of the standard of measurement used, consists of an L-

shaped frame and a movable jaw.
The L-shaped frame consists of a bar, which shows the main scale graduations, and
the fixed jaw. The movable jaw, which slides along the bar, contains the vernier scale.
Adjustments for size are made by means of an adjusting nut. Readings may be locked into
place by means of the clamp screws.

Measuring a Workpieces with a 25-division Inch Vernier Caliper

1. Remove all burrs from the workpiece and clean the surface to be measured.
2. Open the jaws enough to pass over the work.
3. Close the jaws against the work and lock the right-hand clamp screw.
4. Turn the adjusting screw until the jaws just touch the work surface. Be sure that the
jaws are in place by attempting to move the bar slightly sideways and vertically while
turning the adjusting nut.
5. Lock the clamp screw on the movable jaw.
6. Read the measurement shown in Fig. 1 as follows:
  The large #1 on the bar = 1.000
 The small #4 past the #1 4 x .100 = .400
 One line is visible past the #4 1 x .025 = .025
 The eleventh line of the vernier
scale coincides with a line on
the bar 11 x .001 = .011
Total reading 1.436 in.

THE METRIC VERNIER CALIPER

Vernier calipers are also made with metric readings, and many have both metric and
inch graduations on the same instrument. The parts of metric vernier calipers are the same
as those of the inch vernier.
The main scale is graduated in millimeters and every main division is numbered. Each
numbered division has a value of 10 mm; for example, #1 represents 10 mm, #2 represents
20 mm, etc. There are 50 graduations on the sliding or vernier scale, with every fifth one
numbered. These 50 graduations occupy the same space as 49 graduations on the main
scale (49 mm). Therefore,
1 vernier division = 49/50 = 0.98 mm
The difference between 1 main scale division and 1 vernier scale division is
1 – 0.98 = 0.02

To read Metric Vernier Caliper

1. The last numbered division on the bar to the left of the vernier scale represents the
number of millimeters multiplied by 10.
2. Note how many full graduations are showing between this numbered divisions and
the zero on the vernier scale. Multiply this number by 1 mm.
3. Find the line on the vernier scale that coincides with a line on the bar. Multiply this
number by 0.02 mm.

In Figure 2:
 The large #4 graduation on the bar 4 x 10 = 40
 Three full lines past the #4 graduation 3x 1 = 3
 The ninth line on the vernier scale
coincides with a line on the bar 9 x 0.02 = 0.18
Total Reading 43.18 mm

Figure 2

DIRECT-READING DIAL CALIPER

Because it is easier to read, the direct-reading dial caliper is gradually replacing the
standard vernier caliper. Dial calipers are manufactured in inch and/or metric standards
and are available with digital readout. A dial indicator, the hand of which is attached to a
pinion, is mounted on the sliding jaw.