Measurement & Vectors · Physics

Vernier Callipers Simulation

Slide the jaw of a vernier calliper to grip a cylinder, a sphere or a tube, read the main scale and the coinciding vernier division, and correct for zero error. Measure outside and inside diameters, then solve practice readings.

Interactive virtual lab · no download · works on phones and laptops

Chapter: Units and Measurements
For: Class 11 · JEE · NEET
Time: ~12 min

Vernier Callipers is a Pro simulation

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How to use it

1Drag the sliding jaw (or use the arrows) until it touches the object.
2Find the vernier mark that lines up exactly with a main-scale mark.
3Change the number of vernier divisions and the zero error in the panel.
4Practice: read the callipers and type your answer.

What to notice

Least count = 1 MSD − 1 VSD = (value of 1 main-scale division) / (number of vernier divisions).
Reading = MSR + (coinciding vernier division × LC) − zero error.
If the vernier's zero is to the right of the main-scale zero with the jaws closed, the zero error is positive: subtract it.
Outside jaws measure outer diameter, inside jaws the inner diameter, and the strip at the end measures depth.

For teachers

A ready-made teaching kit comes with this lab

Lesson plan
20 min, 4 steps
Ask the class
4 questions with answers
Quick quiz
6 questions, printable
Key formulas
2 formulas

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About the Vernier Callipers simulation

Vernier callipers measure lengths to a tenth (or a fiftieth) of a millimetre. A sliding vernier scale has n divisions that together equal n − 1 main-scale millimetres, so each vernier division is slightly shorter and exactly one of them lines up with a main-scale mark. Which one tells you the fraction of a millimetre: that is the least count at work.

In this vernier callipers simulation you slide the jaw to grip a cylinder, a sphere or a tube, choose 10, 20 or 50 vernier divisions, add a positive or negative zero error, and read the main scale and the coinciding division with a magnifier. Use the inside jaws for a tube's inner diameter, then test yourself in practice mode. It covers Units and Measurements in Class 11, the vernier practical, and the reading questions in JEE Main and NEET.

Also covers: vernier caliper, vernier callipers, least count, vernier constant, zero error, main scale reading, vernier scale, internal diameter, depth, units and measurement.

Frequently asked questions

What is the least count of a vernier calliper with 10 divisions?

0.1 mm: 10 vernier divisions equal 9 mm, so each is 0.9 mm and LC = 1 − 0.9 = 0.1 mm.

How do you find the zero error of vernier callipers?

Close the jaws. If the vernier's zero is to the right of the main-scale zero, the error is positive (count the coinciding division × LC); if to the left, negative. Subtract it, with its sign, from every reading.