Calipers: Advantages and Disadvantages of the 3 types

While many people generically refer to calipers as “Vernier Calipers”, there are actually 3 types of measuring caliper: vernier, dial, and digital. The difference is primarily in the indicator, which brings both advantages and disadvantages.1)

Parts of a Vernier Caliper

Vernier calipers

Advantages:

  • Available in many lengths
  • Available in many versions (e.g. leg length and form)
  • Fewer moving parts than dial or digital calipers
  • Virtually impervious to damage from many liquids (e.g., machine oils, coolant)
  • Normally cheaper than the digital equivalent (there is almost always a digital equivalent to be found)
  • No battery required

Disadvantages:

  • Not as accurate as dial and digital
  • Reading a vernier isn't as easy as reading a dial or digital
  • Typically only available in either inches OR metric (not both on the same scale)

Dial calipers

Advantages:

  • More accurate than vernier
  • Easier to read than vernier
  • Analog display is preferred over digital by some users
  • No battery required

Disadvantages:

  • 300mm / 12“ is usually the maximum length available
  • Legs only available in “standard” versions
  • Sensitive to dust and grime
  • Difficult to repair

Digital calipers

Advantages:

  • Available in many lengths
  • Available in many versions (e.g., length and form)
  • Most can display both metric and inches
  • More accurate than vernier or dial calipers
  • Easier to read than vernier or dial calipers
  • Available power sources include battery OR solar
  • Able to set zero at any point (very handy for “distance to go” measurements, such as turning or boring a set size. Does the math for you.)
  • Many are available with data output and other useful functions such as providing:
    1. Easier & quicker data recording
    2. Wireless recording via bluetooth
    3. Error free recording (i.e., the reading is recorded directly)
    4. SPC,(required by some QA systems) performed with a couple of clicks.
    5. Digital output (e.g., that can be provided to your customer)

Disadvantages:

  • Battery life in “cheaper” types is often very limited
  • Solar powered versions may not function in low light situations (Users report that a flashlight quickly remedies that problem)
  • Susceptible to environmental damage (e.g., liquids such as oils or coolants can cause them to malfunction)
  • If non-functioning (after replacing the battery) they can be difficult or impossible to repair