What is the reading of this dial caliper

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What is the reading of this dial caliper? Enter your answer in the box below out to 3 decimal places. If you need a bigger picture, right click on the image and select “open image in new tab” (Chrome browser – other browsers may have slightly different wording).
What is the reading of this dial caliper? Enter your answer in the box below out to 3 decimal places. If you need a bigger picture, right click on the image and select “open image in new tab” (Chrome browser – other browsers may have slightly different wording).

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

Dial Caliper Reading: 4.207 inches

Explanation

A dial caliper is a precision measuring tool used to measure internal and external distances very accurately, typically to the thousandth of an inch (0.001″). The measurement is read using two parts:

  1. The main scale (in inches, usually in increments of 0.100″)
  2. The dial (which measures in increments of 0.001″)

Step-by-Step Process to Read the Caliper:

  1. Read the Main Scale:
    • Look at the linear scale (on the beam of the caliper).
    • Count the number of full inches to the left of the dial’s pointer.
    • Also, include any additional 0.1 inch (100 thousandths) marks after the inch mark and before the dial’s pointer.
    In this image:
    • The pointer is past 4 inches.
    • It’s also past the 0.2 inch mark after the 4.
    • So, the main scale reading is 4.200 inches.
  2. Read the Dial:
    • The dial shows finer increments (each small tick = 0.001″).
    • Read the number the pointer is indicating on the dial.
    In this image:
    • The dial pointer is at 7, meaning 0.007 inches.
  3. Add the Two Readings:
    • Main scale = 4.200
    • Dial = 0.007
    • Total = 4.207 inches

Final Answer: 4.207 inches

Why This Matters:

Accurately reading a dial caliper is critical in engineering, manufacturing, and machining to ensure components meet precise specifications. Even a small error in reading (like 0.001″) can lead to significant problems in mechanical assemblies. Practicing with tools like these helps develop the precision mindset essential for quality control and metrology work.

Always remember to:

  • Read the main scale first,
  • Add the dial measurement,
  • Double-check both readings for accuracy.

This ensures reliable and consistent measurements every time.

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