Vernier Calipers

Vernier calipers are very useful when precise measurement is needed. Vernier calipers are used in many science experiments.

A vernier caliper can measure to the nearest 0.1mm. A vernier caliper is shown below.

The ten divisions of the vernier scale on vernier calipers are spaced over 0.9 cm of the main scale and the aim is to select the vernier graduation which is nearest to being in line with a main scale graduation.

Figure 1: Vernier Caliper

History of Vernier Calipers

Vernier Calipers were introduced in 1631 by Pierre Vernier, a French mathematician,scientist and engineer. In 1631, Pierre Vernier published a publication called La Construction, l'usage, et les propriétés du quadrant nouveau de mathématiques. In this book, Pierre Vernier described his invention, the Vernier caliper with 2 graduated scales.

Click here to read about how to read a vernier caliper.

How to read a vernier caliper