Vernier Measurement
The Vernier scale is used on various measuring tools such as the Vernier caliper and the Depth Gauge. The Vernier scale can be used with Fractional (US) and Metric systems. For the purposes of this training module we will always refer to the Metric Vernier scale.
The Vernier scale consists of a fixed scale and a sliding scale. The fixed scale is divided with graduations in 1 millimeter increments. The sliding scale has 10 graduations in increments of.5.
In order to read a measurement, use the zero mark on the left end of the vernier scale to use as a guide to read a measurement on the fixed scale.
In the example shown at the right, the zero mark is resting between 26 and 27 mm. Therefore the base measurement is 26 mm.
Next, the decimal measurement must be taken. For this, find a line on the Vernier that most closely matches any line on the fixed scale.
Using the example drawing, the "4" on the Vernier scale is lining up directly with a line on the fixed scale.
Combining the previous reading with this reading, the result would be 26.4 mm.
The designations on the Vernier scale are in increments of.5. For example, if a reading on the Vernier scale falls on the.5 (i.e. 2.5, 3.5 etc) designation this would indicate 5/100th's of a millimeter.