ZERO ERROR OF VERNIER

CALLIPERS AND MICROMETER SCREW-GAUGE

Authors: Sir Omangi & LION

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1. Vernier Callipers
When the jaws of a vernier callipers are closed and the zero mark of the vernier scale
coincides with the zero mark of main scale, then there is no zero error as shown in figure 1
below.

To measure using a vernier callipers, we normally open up the jaws of the vernier callipers by
sliding the vernier scale to the right to give some reading.
When the jaws of a vernier callipers are closed and the zero mark of the vernier scale is to the
right of the zero mark of the main scale then the vernier callipers has a positive zero error as
shown in figure 2 below.
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We read the positive zero error from zero mark of the vernier scale. Hence, the zero-error
shown above is +0.07 cm.
When the zero mark of the vernier scale is to the left of the zero mark of the main scale, then
the vernier callipers has a negative zero error as shown in figure 3 below.

We read the negative zero error from the 10th division, i.e., backward. Hence, the negative
zero error shown above is -0.08 cm.

2. Micrometer Screw gauge

When the micrometer screw gauge is closed such that the spindle and anvil are in contact and
the zero mark of the thimble scale coincides with the centre line of the sleeve scale, then the
micrometer screw gauge has no zero error as shown in figure 4 below.

To measure using a micrometer screw gauge, rotate the ratchet clockwise until the jaws touch
the object. As soon as the object is gripped tight enough, it starts to slip, making a
characteristic sound.
When the zero mark of the thimble scale is below the centre line of the sleeve scale, the
micrometer screw gauge is said to have a positive zero error as shown in figure 5 below.

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We read the zero error from the zero mark of the thimble scale upwards. Hence, the error
shown above is +0.02 mm
When the zero mark of the thimble scale is above the centre line of the sleeve scale, the
micrometer screw gauge is said to have a negative zero error as shown in figure 6 below.

We read the negative zero error from the zero mark of the thimble scale downwards, up to the
mark that coincides with the centre line of the sleeve scale. Hence, the error shown above is
-0.03 mm.

NOTE
Reading a vernier callipers or Micrometer screw gauge with a zero error;
True ( correct ) reading=Actual reading onthe instrument −(± zero error )

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SOLVED EXAMPLES

1. The figure below shows a vernier callipers scale.

State the correct reading if the instrument has a zero error of -0.03 cm.

SOLUTION

Main scale reading=6.1 cm

(
Vernier scale reading= 7 ×
1
100)cm→ 0.07 cm

Reading=( 6.1+0.0 7 ) cm
¿ 6.17 cm
Correct reading=6.17− (−0.03 )
¿ 6.20 cm

2. The vernier callipers below has a zero error of +0.04.

2 3

0 10

State the true reading of the instrument.

SOLUTION
Main scale reading=1.8 cm

(
Vernier scale reading= 3 ×
1
100)cm → 0.03 cm

Reading=( 1.8+0.03 ) cm
¿ 1.83 cm
True reading=1.83−( +0.04 )

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¿ 1.79 cm
3. The micrometer screw-gauge below has a zero error of -0.15mm.

State its actual reading.

SOLUTION

Sleeve scale reading=4.5 mm

Thimble scale reading= 1 6 ×( 1
100)mm → 0.16 mm

Reading=( 4.5+ 0.16 ) mm

¿ 4.65 mm
Actual reading=4.6 6−(−0.15 )
¿ 4.8 1 mm

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PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. The figure below shows a vernier callipers being used to measure the diameter of a
cylindrical metal of mass 250g and length 20cm. The reading on the callipers when the jaws
were fully closed without the metal was + 0.08cm.

Main scale

0 1 2 3 4 5

0 10

Small scale

Metal

a). Determine the diameter of the cylindrical metal.

b). Calculate the volume of the cylindrical metal
c). Determine the density of the cylindrical metal

2. A spherical ball bearing of mass 0.0024 kg is held between the anvil and spindle of a
micrometre screw gauge. The reading on the gauge when the jaws are closed without
anything in between is 0.11mm.

0 25

20

a). Determine the diameter of the ball bearing.

b). Find the density of the ball bearing correct to 3 significant figures.

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