Vernier Calipers

Anant Kumar

1. – Outside jaws: Used to measure external di- 5. – Main scale (in inch)
mensions 6. – vernier scale (in cm)
2. – Inside jaws: Used to measure internal di- 7. – vernier scale (in inch)
mensions 8. – Retainer: Used to block movable parts.
3. – Depth probe: Used to measure depth of
containers
4. – Main scale (in cm)

Contents
1 Introduction 2

2 Details of the Instrument 2

2.1 Anatomy of the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Least Count of the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Zero Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.4 Using the device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3 Worked Out Examples 4

4 Exercise Problems 7

1
Details of the Instrument 2

1 Introduction
Measurement is a fundamental aspect of any experimental science and Physics is no exception.
Of the various measurable quantities, length is a quantity that we frequently require to measure.
At one extreme, our vast universe extends this measuring exercise to light-years, the distances so
vast that we cannot see them with our eyes. On the other extreme of the smallest distances, new
discoveries are pushing it down to a fermi (which is 10−15 m) or even less. These distances are
so small that, again, we cannot perceive them with our eyes. At every 1 to 2 order of magnitude
change in distances, our instruments to measure them accurately can differ. When the distances
that we want to measure, are in the range of 10−2 mm to 1 mm, we use Vernier calipers and
Screw Gauge for precise measurement. In this handout, Vernier calipers and associated ideas are
discussed.

2 Details of the Instrument

Vernier calipers, an instrument for making very accurate linear measurements was introduced in
1631 by Pierre Vernier of France. Vernier calipers are widely used in scientific laboratories and
in manufacturing for quality control measurements.

2.1 Anatomy of the instrument

Its main parts are shown in the front page. There is a main scale which is graduated in cm
(labeled by 4. ) on one side and in inch (labeled by 5. ) on the other side. Clamped on the main
scale, there is a vernier scale ( 6. or 7. ) that can be moved along the main scale. There are two
jaws. The outside jaws ( 1. ) which can be used to measure outer dimensions of objects, e.g. the
length of a rod, the diameter of a cylindrical or spherical object, edge length of cube etc. and the
inside jaws ( 2. ) that are useful in measuring internal diameter of hollow cylindrical objects or
pipes. The depth probe or the depth strip ( 3. ) can be used to measure the depth of objects like
beakers. The retainer ( 8. ) is spring loaded and is used to stop the movable parts from moving.

2.2 Least Count of the instrument

Observing carefully, we find that one main scale division (MSD) does not have the same length
as one vernier scale division (VSD). In fact, with the 0th mark of the main scale aligned with the
0th mark of the vernier scale, the 9th mark of the main scale coincides with the 10th mark of the
9
vernier scale. That is, 9 MSD = 10 VSD. This means that 1 VSD = MSD. Since one MSD is
10
equal to 1 mm. This means that 1 VSD = 0.9 mm. The least count (LC for short) is defined as
the difference between the length of one main scale division and the length of one vernier scale
division, i.e.

LC = 1 MSD − 1 VSD = 1 mm − 0.9 mm = 0.1 mm = 0.01 cm (2.1)

Hence, the least count of vernier calipers is 0.01 cm, i.e. it can measure upto a 100th of a
centimeter.

2.3 Zero Error

Normally, with the jaws closed the 0th mark of the main scale should coincide with the 0th mark
of the vernier scale as has been shown in Figure 1a. However, due to various reasons, it might
happen that with the two jaws closed, the 0th marks of the two scale do not coincide. We then
say that the vernier caliper has a zero error. If the 0th mark the of vernier scale is slightly to the
right of the 0th mark of the main scale, as shown in Figure 1b, the zero error is positive. If, on

Anant Kumar Mob. No. 9002833857, 9932347531

Details of the Instrument 3

the other hand, the 0th mark of the vernier scale is to the left of the 0th mark of the main scale,
as shown in Figure 1c, the zero error is negative.

(a) No zero error (b) Positive zero error (c) Negative zero error

Figure 1: Zero error in a vernier caliper.

2.4 Using the device

In order to use the device for measuring the external dimensions of the object, grip the object
using the external jaws as shown in Figure 2. Look at the mark on the main scale which lies
just to the left of the 0th marking of the vernier scale. This is the main scale reading (MSR). In

Figure 2: Grip the object using the jaws.

the example, shown in Figure 3, the MSR is 2.4. Next, look for one of the mark on the vernier
scale, that coincides with any mark on the main scale. The division on the vernier scale that is
coincident with any mark on the main scale is the vernier scale reading (VSR). In the example
in Figure 3, VSR=7. Then the measured value is given by

Meausred value = MSR cm + VSR × LC cm (2.2)

For the example shown in Figure 3,

measured value = 2.4 cm + 7 × 0.01 cm = 2.47 cm

If the device has zero error, the required measurement is obtained by subtracting the zero error:

Meausred value = MSR cm + VSR × LC cm − Zero error (in cm) (2.3)

Note that Vernier calipers can be used to measure (1) outer dimensions like diameter of a sphere
or edge of a cube (2) inner dimensions like inner diameter of a hollow cylinder and (3) depth of
a hollow cylinder.

Anant Kumar Mob. No. 9002833857, 9932347531

Worked Out Examples 4

Figure 3: Reading the scale. In this caliper, the verier scale has twenty divisions.

3 Worked Out Examples

Example 1. The jaws of the Vernier calipers shown in Figure 4 are in contact with each other.
Find the zero error of this Vernier calipers.

Solution: The least count of given Vernier calipers is

LC = MSD − VSD = 1 − (9/10) = 0.1 mm = 0.01 cm
The main scale reading is MSR = 0 cm and the vernier scale reading is VSR = 3. Thus,
Zero error = MSR + VSR × LC = 0 + 3 × 0.01 = 0.03 cm

Figure 4: Example 1: Vernier calipers with positive zero Figure 5: Example 2: Vernier calipers with neg-
error. ative zero error.

Example 2. The jaws of the Vernier calipers, shown in Figure 5, are in contact with each other.
Find the zero error of this Vernier calipers.

Solution: This is an interesting problem. What is the MSR? Usually, it is the first reading of the
mark on the main scale immediately to the left of the 0th marking of the vernier scale. But in
this case, there are no marks on the main scale to the left of the 0th mark of the vernier scale.
So we observe carefully to estimate the distance of the 0th mark of the vernier scale and the 0th
mark of the main scale. In this case, it seems to be less than 1 mm, so we take MSR = −1 mm
= −0.1 cm. The VSR = 4 and the least count LC = 0.01 cm. So we get
Zero error = MSR + VSR × LC = −0.1 + 4 × 0.01 = −0.06 cm

Anant Kumar Mob. No. 9002833857, 9932347531

Worked Out Examples 5

Example 3. The Vernier calipers of Example 1 is used to measure the edge of a cube. The
readings are shown in the Figure 6. Find the edge length of the cube.

Figure 6: Example 3: Measuring the edge of a cube with the Vernier caliper of Example 1.

Solution: The reading are MSR = 2.5 cm and VSR = 7. Thus

a = MSR + VSR × LC − Zero error = 2.5 + 7 × 0.01 − 0.03 = 2.54 cm

Example 4. The Vernier calipers of Example 2 is used to measure the edge of a cube. The
readings are shown in the figure 6. Find the edge length of the cube.

Figure 7: Example 3: Measuring the edge of a cube with the Vernier caliper of Example 2.

Solution: The readings are MSR = 2.4 cm and VSR = 8. Thus,

a = MSR + VSR × LC − Zero error = 2.4 + 8 × 0.01 − (−0.06) = 2.54 cm

Example 5. N divisions on the main scale of a Vernier calipers coincide with (N + 1) divisions
on its Vernier scale. If each division on the main scale is of a units, determine the least count of
the instrument.

Anant Kumar Mob. No. 9002833857, 9932347531

Worked Out Examples 6

N Na
Solution: Since (N + 1) VSD = N MSD. Therefore, 1 VSD = MSD = units. So
N +1 N +1
the least count
Na a
LC = 1 MSD − 1 VSD = a − = units.
N +1 N +1

Example 6. The edge of a cube is measured using a Vernier calipers (9 divisions of the main
scale are equal to 10 divisions of Vernier scale and 1 main scale division is 1 mm). The main scale
division reading is 10 and first division of Vernier scale was found to be coinciding with the main
scale. The mass of the cube is 2.736 g. Calculate the density in g/cm3 up to correct significant
figures.

Solution: Given: 1 MSD = 1 mm. Since 10 VSD = 9 MSD, we get 1 VSD = (9/10) MSD =
0.9 mm. So the least count LC = 1 MSD − 1 VSD = 1.0 − 0.9 = 0.1 mm = 0.01 cm.
Since the main scale reading is 10, it equals 10 mm or 1.0 cm. Also the vernier scale reading
is 1, so the edge of the cube

a = MSR + VSR × LC = 1.0 + 1 × 0.01 = 1.01 cm

The measured value of a has three significant digits. The volume of the cube is V = a3 = 1.03 cm3
and the density is
mass 2.736
= = 2.6563 = 2.66g/cm3
volume 1.03
after rounding off to three significant digits.

Example 7. The diameter of a cylinder is measured using a Vernier calipers with no zero error.
It is found that the zero of the Vernier scale lies between 5.10 cm and 5.15 cm of the main scale.
The Vernier scale has 50 divisions equivalent to 2.45 cm. The 24th division of the Vernier scale
coincides exactly with one of the main scale divisions. Find the diameter of the cylinder.

Solution: From the given data, one main scale division (MSD) and one Vernier scale division
(VSD) are
1 MSD = 5.15 cm − 5.10 cm = 0.05 cm
and
2.45
1 VSD = cm = 0.049 cm
50
So the least count (LC) of this Vernier calipers is

LC = 1 MSD − 1 VSD = 0.001 cm

For the given measurement, main scale reading (MSR) is 5.10 cm and the vernier scale reading
(VSR) is 24. Hence, the diameter D of the cylinder is

D = MSR + VSR × LC = 5.10 + 24 × 0.001 = 5.124 cm

Anant Kumar Mob. No. 9002833857, 9932347531

Exercise Problems 7

4 Exercise Problems
Problem 1. The jaws of the Vernier calipers shown in Figure 8 are in contact with each other.
Find the zero error of this Vernier calipers. (Ans: 0.19 cm)

Figure 8: Problem 1.

Problem 2. The jaws of the Vernier calipers shown in Figure 9 are in contact with each other.
Find the zero error of this Vernier calipers. (Ans: −0.12 cm)

Figure 9: Problem 2.

Problem 3. The zero error of the Vernier calipers shown in Figure 10 is 0.09 cm. What is the
diameter of the sphere being measured in the figure. (Ans: 3.14 cm)

Figure 10: Problem 3.

Anant Kumar Mob. No. 9002833857, 9932347531

Exercise Problems 8

Problem 4. The zero error of the Vernier calipers shown in Figure 11 is −0.5 mm. What is the
diameter of the sphere being measured in the figure. (Ans: 3.14 cm)

Figure 11: Problem 4.

Problem 5. The smallest division on main scale of a Vernier calipers is 1 mm and 10 vernier
scale division coincide with 9 main scale divisions. While measuring the length of a line, the zero
mark of the Vernier scale lies between 10.2 cm and 10.3 cm and the third division of Vernier scale
coincide with a main scale division. Determine (a) the least count of the Vernier calipers, and
(b) the length of the line. (Ans: 0.01 cm, 10.23 cm)
Problem 6. The main scale of a Vernier calipers is calibrated in mm and 19 divisions of main
scale are equal in length to 20 divisions of vernier scale. In measuring the diameter of a cylinder
by this instrument, the main scale reads 35 divisions and 4th division of vernier scale coincides
with a main scale division. Find (a) least count of the Vernier calipers and (b) radius of the
cylinder. (Ans: 0.005 cm, 1.76 cm)
Problem 7. Least count of a Vernier calipers is 0.01 cm. When the two jaws of the instrument
touch each other the 5th division of the vernier scale coincides with a main scale division and
the zero of the vernier scale lies to the left of the zero of the main scale. Furthermore while
measuring the diameter of a sphere, the zero mark of the Vernier scale lies between 2.4 cm and
2.5 cm and the 6th vernier division coincides with a main scale division. Calculate the diameter
of the sphere. (Ans: 2.51 cm)
Problem 8. The jaws of a Vernier calipers touch the inner wall of calorimeter without any undue
pressure. The position of zero of vernier scale on the main scale reads 3.48 cm. The 6th division
of the vernier scale coincides with a main scale division. Vernier constant of calipers is 0.01 cm.
Find actual internal diameter of calorimeter, when it is observed that the instrument has a zero
error of −0.03 cm. (Ans: 3.57 cm)
Problem 9. The thin metallic strip of the Vernier calipers moves downward from top to bottom
in such a way that it just touches the surface of a beaker. Main scale reading of calipers is 6.4 cm
whereas its Vernier constant is 0.1 mm. The 4th division of the vernier scale coincides with a
main scale division. If the instrument has no zero error, determine the depth of the beaker. (Ans:
6.44 cm)
Problem 10. In an instrument, there are 25 divisions on the vernier scale which coincides with
24 divisions of the main scale. 1 cm on main scale is divided into 20 equal parts. Find the least
count of the instrument. (Ans: 0.002 cm)

Anant Kumar Mob. No. 9002833857, 9932347531