An IP rating is a numerical way to represent the degree to which your tool is protected from infiltration of particles or liquids. The IP in IP rating is short for International Protection or Ingress Protection. Every gage you buy should come with IP rating so that you can determine which level of protection you need for the task at hand. An IP rating typically consists of two numbers with two similar but different meanings. The first digit refers to the level of protection from solid matter, such as dust or other particles. The second digit refers to the level of protection from liquid matter, such as water. An IP rating is an important way to know that your gage is protected in the specific context of a precision measurement job. Back to entire glossary