Figure 1. This meter stick is calibrated in centimeters (shown as the numbered major divisions) with a least count of millimeters.	Figure 2. An example of a meter stick reading. The object's length is measured to be 41.64 cm. (See text for description.)

A measurement reading usually has one more significant figure than the least count reading of the scale. The least count of our laboratory meter sticks is 0.1cm and therefore a reading can be made to 0.01cm. Figure 2 above shows a meter stick being used to measure the length of a plastic strip. The meter stick is calibrated in centimeters, so we know that the strip is between 41 and 42 cm. The least count of this meter stick is one millimeter, so we know with absolute certainty that the object is between 41.6 cm and 41.7 cm. We then estimate the object's length to the fractional part (doubtful figure) of the least count subdivision. In Figure 2, it we may estimate that the strip is closer to 41.6 cm than it is to 41.7 cm and report the length to be 41.64 cm or 0.4164 m.

Figure 3. The vernier caliper. A common instrument used to measure lengths, depths and diameters. (See text for description.)

When using a meter stick to measure length, for example, it is necessary to estimate the measurement's final digit (tenths of a millimeter). From the above example, the object's length was determined to be 0.4164 m, but the final digit of that measurement is doubtful since that digit was estimated. Unlike a meter stick, the vernier caliper allows the fractional part of the smallest division to be accurately determined, not merely estimated.

The vernier consists of a main scale engraved on a fixed ruler and an auxiliary scale engraved on a moveable jaw (see Figure 3). The moveable jaw is free to slide along the length of the fixed ruler. The main scale is calibrated in centimeters with the smallest division in millimeters. The moveable auxiliary scale has 10 divisions that cover the same distance as 9 divisions on the main scale. Therefore, the length of the auxiliary scale is 9 mm. When the vernier is closed and properly zeroed (see Figure 4), the first mark (zero) on the main scale is aligned with the first mark on the auxiliary scale. The last mark on the auxiliary scale will then coincide with the 9-mm mark on the main scale.

A reading is made by closing the jaws on the object to be measured. Make a note of where the first mark on the auxiliary scale falls on the main scale. In Figure 5, we see that the object's length is between 1.2 cm and 1.3 cm because the first auxiliary mark is between these two values on the main scale. The last digit (tenths of a millimeter) is found by noting which line on the auxiliary scale coincides with a mark on the main scale. In our example, the last digit is 3 because the third auxiliary mark lines up with a mark on the main scale. Therefore, the length of the object is 1.23 cm.

Figure 4. With the jaws closed, this is what a properly zeroed vernier caliper should look like. Click on the image to enlarge it.	Figure 5. An example of a vernier reading. The object's length is measured to be 1.23 cm. Click on the image to enlarge it.

Care must be taken to insure that the vernier caliper is properly zeroed (see Figure 4). (With misuse, it is possible that the vernier will not read zero when the jaws are closed, thus leading to systematic errors.) The vernier in Figure 6 is improperly zeroed. To correct this, a zero correction must be made. A correction may be either positive or negative. If the first mark on the auxiliary scale lies to the right of the main scale, then the reading is too large and the error is positive. The zero reading in Figure 6 is +0.05 cm and should be subtracted from any measurement reading. Similarly, if the first mark on the auxiliary scale lies to the left of the main scale zero-mark, then the error is negative and the correction should be added from the measurement reading.

Figure 6. An improperly zeroed caliper. In this case, the error is positive (+0.05 cm) and is to be subtracted from the measurement reading. Click on the image to enlarge it.

Before the triple-beam balance is used to make a measurement, verify that the balance is properly zeroed. Fine adjustments may be made by turning the knob under the balance pan.