How to read an imperial dial caliper

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Step 1 – Look at the main scale

When taking measurements, you should first read the value on the main scale.

This will be the number immediately to the left of the reference edge.

On an imperial dial caliper, this will be given in inches and tenths of an inch. Each increment on the scale is equal to 0.1 inches.

Step 2 – Look at the dial indicator

Next, read the value shown on the dial indicator.

On most imperial dials, each increment is equal to 0.001 inches.

Step 3 – Add the two values together

To get your total reading, add the two values together.

In this example, the caliper is showing a reading of 0.769 inches.

0.7 (shown on the beam scale) + 0.069 (shown on the dial scale) = 0.769 inches.