A dial caliper is a type of caliper that is very similar in function to a Vernier caliper. Capable of inside, outside, and usually depth measurements, a dial caliper is multifaceted. The main readout mechanism on a dial caliper is a simple dial face. Being able to accurately read the face of a dial caliper requires some practice and is based on number of total rotations as well as smaller increments. Dial calipers are great for making differential measurements to determine the different in size between two separate parts. Back to entire glossary
