Experiment No: ______________
Date:___________________________
VERNIER CALLIPERS
Aim: To measure the length and diameter of a given cylindrical object by using vernier
callipers .
Apparatus required: Vernier Calliper, a solid cylinder
Figure:
Theory / Description of Apparatus :
A Vernier calliper is a tool used to measure linear dimensions of objects accurately.
Parts of a Vernier Calliper
• Main Scale: A fixed ruler with standard measurements (in cm and mm)
• Vernier Scale: A sliding scale that helps read smaller divisions.
• Jaws:
o Outside Jaws: Measure the external dimensions of an object.
o Inside Jaws: Measure the internal dimensions of an object.
• Depth Rod: Measures the depth of holes.
• Thumb Screw: Locks the movable part in place.
Principle: A Vernier calliper can measure objects with precision up to 1 mm that a regular
scale cannot. It uses two scales - a fixed main scale and a sliding vernier scale - to achieve high
accuracy. It is based on the principle of “Difference between 2 scales”. The vernier scale, with
finer graduations than the main scale, slides parallel to it. First, the main scale is read to get the
whole units (like mm or cm), then the vernier scale is used to measure the fractional parts more
precisely. By aligning the scales, the measurement is read where they coincide.
Formula:
1. Least Count: The smallest measurement that can be made with vernier callipers is called
its least count. It is the difference between values of one main scale division (MSD) and
one vernier scale division (VSD). One main scale division (MSD) is the distance between
two successive marks on the main scale. Vernier scale division (VSD) is the distance
between two successive marks on the Vernier scale. Since we cannot directly measure
VSD,
1
𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝐿𝐶 = × 1 𝑀𝑆𝐷
𝑛
n= The total number of divisions on vernier scale .
2. Zero Error: Zero error in a measuring instrument is the error that occurs when the
instrument does not read zero when the measurement should be zero. In vernier
calliper, keep the jaws closed to observe the zero mark of the main scale.
Type Description Correction
No error Vernier zero mark aligns with main No correction needed
scale zero mark.
Positive Zero Vernier zero mark is to the right of Subtract zero error from the
Error main scale zero mark. reading.
Negative Zero Vernier zero mark is to the left of Add zero error to the reading.
Error main scale zero mark.
3. Total Reading = MSR + (CVD x LC) ± Zero error
Where MSR is the Main Scale Reading and CVD is the coinciding vernier scale division
Procedure:
1) Calculate the least count of the vernier callipers.
2) Close the jaws and find zero error. Repeat the measurements at least three times and take
the mean value.
3) Place the cylindrical object horizontally between the jaws and fix the screw.
4) Read the MSR before the zero of vernier scale and note the coinciding vernier scale
division (CVD) on vernier scale.
5) Calculate the total reading using formula 3. This gives observed length of the object.
6) Repeat the measurements at least three times and take the mean value
7) Place the object vertically between the jaws and fix the screw and repeat the steps from
4 to 6 to take the mean value of the diameter of the object.
Observation:
1) To find least count of the vernier calliper
1 MSD = ________ mm
Number of divisions in vernier scale n=________
Least Count of vernier callipers = ____________ cm
2) To find zero error
(i) ___________ cm (ii) ___________ cm (iii) ___________ cm
3) To find the measured length and diameter of the object
Dimension S.no MSR (cm) CVD VSR = CVD x LC Observed Reading
(cm) = MSR +VSR (cm)
Length of 1
the cylinder 2
3
Diameter of 1
the cylinder 2
3
Calculation:
Mean Zero error = _______________ cm Mean Zero correction= _______________ cm
Mean observed length = _______________ cm
Mean corrected length = Mean observed length ± Mean Zero correction
= ___________________________ ± ___________________________
=___________________________ cm
Mean corrected diameter = Mean observed diameter ± Mean Zero correction
= ___________________________ ± ___________________________
=___________________________ cm
Result: The length of the given cylinder is __________________ cm. The diameter of the given
cylinder is ______________ cm.
