ENGLISH VERNIER CALIPERS AND HEIGHT GAGES

- Decimal-inch vernier calipers are used in machine shop applications when the degree of precision to
thousands of an inch is adequate. They are used for measuring lengths of parts, distances between holes,
and both inside and outside diameters of cylinders.
- Vernier height gages are widely used on surface plates and on machine tables. The height gage with an
indicator attachment is used for checking locations of surfaces and holes. The height gage with scriber
attachment is used to mark reference lines, locations, and stock allowances on castings and forging.
DECIMAL – INCH VERNIER CALIPER
- The basic parts of a vernier caliper are a main scale which is similar to a steel rule with a fixed jaw and a
sliding jaw with a vernier scale. The vernier scale slides parallel to the main scale and provides a degree
of precision to 0.001”. Calipers are available in a wide range of lengths with different types of jaws and
scale graduations. A decimal – inch vernier caliper which is commonly used in machine shops is shown.

- The main scale is divided into inches and the inches are divided into 10 divisions
- Each divisions equal to 0.1”
- The 0.1” are divided into 4 parts and is equal to 0.025”
- The vernier scale consists of 25 divisions and each division is equal to .001”
Reading and setting a measurement on a decimal – inch vernier caliper
- A measurement is read by adding the thousandths reading on the vernier scale to the reading from the
main scale.
Procedure: To read measurement on a decimal – inch vernier caliper
- Read the number of 1” graduations, 0.1” graduations, and 0.025” graduations on the main scale that is
on the left of the zero graduation on the vernier scale.
- On the vernier scale, find the graduation that most closely coincides with a graduation on the main scale.
Add this vernier reading which indicates the number of 0.001” graduations to the main scale reading.
Example: Read the measurement on this vernier caliper
Vernier scale graduation coincides with main scale graduation

- In reference to the zero division on the vernier scale, read one 1” divisions, seven 0.1” divisions, and
three 0.025” divisions on the main scale (1” + 0.7 + 0.075 = 1.775”)
- Observe which vernier scale graduation most closely coincides with a main scale graduation. The eight
vernier scale graudation coincides; therefore, 0.008” is added to 1.775”
(Measurement: 1.775” + 0.008” = 1.783”)
English Vernier Caliper (Fractional-Inch Vernier Caliper)

- The enlarged fractional-inch vernier caliper is shown.

- The main scale is graduated in 16ths of an inch.
- The vernier scale is graduated in 128ths of an inch.
Reading and setting a measurement on a fractional vernier caliper
- A measurement is read by adding the 128ths of an inch graduation reading on the vernier scale to the
reading from the main scale.
Procedure: To read measurement on a fractional vernier caliper
- Read the number of 1” graduation and 16ths of an inch graduation on the main scale that is on the left of
the zero graduation on the vernier scale. Convert the 16ths of an inch graduation reading to 128ths of an
inch graduation.
- On the vernier scale, find the graduation that most closely coincides with a graduation on the main scale.
Add this vernier reading which indicates the number of 128ths of an inch graduation to the main scale
reading.
- After noting the total reading, find the lowest term if possible.
Example: Read the measurement on this vernier caliper
Vernier scale graduation coincides with main scale graduation

Vernier Scale

Main Scale

- In reference to the zero division on the vernier scale, read one 1” division and one 16ths of an inch
division; (1” + = ). in 128ths of an inch division is equivalent to
- Observe which vernier scale graduation most closely coincides with a main scale graduation. The sixth
vernier scale graudation coincides; therefore, is added to
Measurement: + = (therefore, the final reading is )
METRIC VERNIER CALIPER (main scale: 1mm/ vernier scale: 0.05mm)

- The main scale is divided in millimeter divisions; each millimeter division is equivalent to 1 millimeter.
- Every tenth millimeter graduation is numbered in sequence as 1cm, 2cm, 3cm, etc.
- The vernier scale has 20 divisions; each division is 0.05mm. Every second millimeter graduation is
numbered in sequence as 1, 2, 3, etc.
Reading and setting measurements on metric vernier caliper
- A measurement is read by adding the 0.05 millimeter reading on the vernier scale to the reading from
the main scale.
Procedure: To read measurement on a decimal – inch vernier caliper
- Read the number of millimeter divisions on the main scale that is on the left of the zero graduation on
the vernier scale.
- On the vernier scale, find the graduation that most closely coincides with a graduation on the main scale.
Multiply the graduation by 0.05 millimeter and add the value obtained to the main scale reading.
Example: Read the measurement on this vernier caliper
Main Scale

Vernier scale Vernier scale graduation coincides with main scale

graduation
- To the left of the zero division on the vernier scale, read 38 millimeter divisions on main scale.
- Observe which vernier scale graduation most closely coincides with a main scale graduation. The
fifteenth vernier scale graduation coincides. Since each vernier scale graduation represents 0.05mm,
multiply 15 times 0.05mm = 0.75mm. Add 0.75mm to 38mm
Measurement: 0.75mm + 38mm = 38.75mm
ENGLISH MICROMETER
- Micrometers are basic measuring instruments used by machinists in the processing and checking of
parts. Micrometers are available in a wide range of sizes and types. Outside micrometers are used to
measure dimensions between parallel surfaces of parts and outside diameters of cylinders. Other types
such as depth micrometers, screw thread micrometers, disc and blade micrometers, bench micrometers
and inside micrometers also have wide application in the machine shop.

The 0.001 – Inch Micrometer

- The part to be measured is placed between the anvil and the spindle. The barrel of a micrometer consists
of a scale which is one inch long. The one inch length is divided into ten divisions each equal to 0.100
inch. The 0.100-inch divisions are further divided in four divisions each equal to 0.025 inch.
- The thimble has a scale which is divided into twenty-five parts. One revolution of the thimble moves
0.025 inch on the barrel scale. Therefore, a movement of one graduation on the thimble equals of
0.025 inch or 0.001 inch along the barrel.
Reading a 0.001-Inch Micrometer
- A micrometer is read by observing the position of the bevel edge of the thimble in reference to the scale
on the barrel. Observe the greatest 0.100-inch division and the number of 0.025-inch divisions on the
barrel scale. To this barrel reading, add the number of the 0.001-inch divisions on the thimble that
coincide with the horizontal line (reading line) on the barrel scale.
Procedure: To read a 0.001-inch micrometer
 Observe the greatest 0.100-inch division on the barrel scale.
 Observe the number of 0.025-inch divisions on the barrel scale.
 Add the thimble scale reading (0.001-inch division) that coincide with the horizontal line on the barrel
scale.
Example 1: Read the micrometer setting shown.
Horizontal (Reading) Line

- Observe the greatest 0.100-inch division on the barrel scale.

 (Three 0.100” = 0.300”)
- Observe the number of 0.025-inch divisions between the 0.300-inch mark and the thimble.
 (Two 0.025” = 0.050”)
- Add the thimble scale reading that coincide with the horizontal line on the barrel scale.
 (Eight 0.001” = 0.008”)
- Micrometer reading: 0.300” + 0.050” + 0.008” = 0.358”
Example 2: Read the micrometer setting shown.

Barrel Scale Reading: _______________ Barrel Scale Reading: _______________

Thimble Scale Reading: _______________ Thimble Scale Reading: _______________
Micrometer Reading: _______________ Micrometer Reading: _______________
The Vernier (0.0001-Inch) Micrometer
- The addition of a vernier scale on the barrel scale of a 0.001-inch micrometer increases the degree of
precision of the instrument to 0.0001 inch. The barrel scale and the thimble scale of vernier micrometer
are identical to that of a 0.001-inch micrometer. The figure shows the relative positions of the barrel
scale, thimble scale and vernier scale of a 0.0001-inch vernier micrometer.
Vernier Scale (0.0001” division) Thimble Scale (0.001” division)

Barrel Scale (0.100” division)

- The vernier scale consists of ten divisions. The vernier divisions on the circumference of the barrel are
equal in the length to nine divisions of the thimble scale. The difference between one vernier division
and one thimble division is 0.0001-inch.
Reading a Vernier (0.0001-Inch) Micrometer
- Reading a vernier micrometer is the same as reading a 0.001-inch micrometer except for the addition of
reading from the vernier scale. A particular vernier graduation coincides with a thimble scale graduation.
This vernier graduation gives the number of 0.0001-inch divisions that are added to the barrel and
thimble scale readings.
Example 1: Read the vernier micrometer setting shown.

- Read the barrel scale reading. (Three 0.100” divisions plus three 0.025” divisions = 0.375”)
- Read the thimble scale. The reading is between the 0.009” and 0.010” divisions. (Therefore, the thimble
reading is 0.009”)
- Read the vernier scale. (The 0.0004” division of the vernier scale coincides with a thimble scale)
- Vernier micrometer reading: 0.375” + 0.009” + 0.0004” = 0.3844”
Example 2: Read the vernier micrometer setting shown.

Barrel Scale Reading: _______________ Barrel Scale Reading: _______________

Thimble Scale Reading: _______________ Thimble Scale Reading: _______________
Vernier Scale Reading: _______________ Vernier Scale Reading: _______________
Vernier Micrometer Reading: _______________ Vernier Micrometer Reading: _______________
METRIC MICROMETER
The 0.01-Millimeter Micrometer
- The construction, parts, and operation of a 0.01-millimeter micrometer are basically the same as a 0.001-
inch micrometer.
- The barrel of a 0.01-millimeter micrometer consists of a scale which is 25 millimeters long. The 25-
millimeter barrel scale length is divided into 25 divisions each equal to 1 millimeter. Every fifth
millimeter is numbered from 0 to 25 (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25). On the lower part of the barrel scale each
millimeter is divided in half (0.5 mm).
- The thimble has a scale which is divided into 50 parts. One revolution of the thimble moves 0.5
millimeter on the barrel scale. Therefore, a movement of one graduation on the thimble equals of 0.5
millimeter or 0.01 millimeter along the barrel.
Procedure: To read a 0.01-millimeter micrometer
 Observe the number of 1-millimeter divisions on the barrel scale.
 Observe the number of 0.5-millimeter divisions (either 0 or 1) on the lower part of the barrel scale.
 Add the thimble scale reading (0.01-millimeter division) that coincides with the horizontal line (reading
line) on the barrel scale.
Example 1: Read the micrometer setting shown.

- Observe the number of 1-millimeter divisions on the barrel scale. (Read as 8 mm)
- Observe the number of 0.5-millimeter divisions on the lower barrel scale. (Read as one 0.5 mm
divisions)
- Add the thimble scale reading that coincides with the horizontal line on the barrel scale. (Read twenty-
six 0.01 mm divisions)
- Micrometer reading: 8mm + 0.5mm + 0.26mm = 8.76mm
Example 2: Read the micrometer setting shown.

Barrel Scale Reading: _______________ Barrel Scale Reading: _______________

Thimble Scale Reading: _______________ Thimble Scale Reading: _______________
Micrometer Reading: _______________ Micrometer Reading: _______________
The Vernier (0.001-Millimeter) Micrometer
- The addition of a vernier scale on the barrel scale of a 0.01-millimeter micrometer increases the degree
of precision of the instruments to 0.001 millimeter. The barrel scale and the thimble scale of a vernier
micrometer are identical to that of a 0.01-millimeter micrometer.
Reading a Vernier (0.001-Millimeter) Micrometer
- Reading a vernier (0.001-millimeter) micrometer is the same as reading a 0.01-millimeter micrometer
except for the addition of reading from the vernier scale. Observe which 0.001-millimeter division on
the vernier scale coincides with a division on the thimble scale.
Example 1: Read the vernier micrometer setting shown.

- On the barrel scale, read 8.5mm.

- On the thimble scale, read the number of 0.01-millimeter divisions. The reading is between the thirteen
and fourteen 0.01-millimeter divisions. Read as 0.13mm.
- Read the vernier scale. The 0.004-millimeter division coincides with a thimble scale division. Add the
0.004 millimeter to the barrel and thimble scale readings.
- Vernier Micrometer Reading: 8.5mm + 0.13mm + 0.004mm = 8.634mm
Example 2: Read the vernier micrometer setting shown.

Barrel Scale Reading: _______________ Barrel Scale Reading: _______________

Thimble Scale Reading: _______________ Thimble Scale Reading: _______________
Vernier Scale Reading: _______________ Vernier Scale Reading: _______________
Vernier Micrometer Reading: _______________ Vernier Micrometer Reading: _______________