If the calipers are not properly zeroed before you begin, then your reading will likely be inaccurate.
For example, if you want to measure the outer diameter of a pipe, then open the calipers wider than the outside of the pipe and then close them around the outside of it.
For example, if you want to measure the inner diameter of a screw hole on a piece of furniture, then open the calipers until they are pressed against the inside of the hole to get your measurement.
For example, if you want to measure the depth of a screw hole, then place the caliper jaws against the rim of the hole and extend the bar down into the hole until you hit the bottom.
For example, if the largest number is 4, then start by writing 4 in (10 cm). Next, if the next number is 1, then your new number would be 4. 1 in (10 cm). Note that each mark between the second set of digits stands for 0. 025 in (0. 064 cm), so if the second number falls on the second notch between 3 and 4, then your new number would be 4. 35 in (11. 0 cm). Use the last digit to fill in the third space after the decimal. For example, if the notch is aligned with the 7 for this spot, then your final measurement would be 4. 357 in (11. 07 cm).
For example, if your measurement for the inner diameter of a pipe is exactly 2 in (5. 1 cm), record the measurement as 2. 000 in (5. 08 cm).
Properly zeroed calipers are essential to getting an accurate measurement, so make sure to do this!
For example, to measure the length of a nail, open the calipers wider than the length of the nail and close them so that 1 jaw is touching the head of the screw and the other is against the pointed end of the screw.
For example, to measure the inner diameter of a pipe, open the calipers until they are pressed against the inside of the pipe to get your measurement.
For example, to measure the depth of a hole, place the caliper jaws against the rim of the hole and extend the bar down into the hole all the way to the bottom.
For example, the readout may say 0. 365 in (0. 93 cm) or 4. 987 in (12. 67 cm). Record the entire number as your measurement. Some digital calipers have a button to change the measurement from imperial to metric or vice versa. Check to see if this is a feature of your calipers and press the button if needed.
