Reading Micrometer and Vernier Calipers

Micrometer

Zero Error for Micrometer

No zero error

This micrometer has zero error. The zero marking on the thimble is below the datum line. So this micrometer has a positive zero error. How do we count the zero error? In this case we will take the reading on the thimble. Thimble reading = 0.03 mm So the micrometer has a zero error of +0.03 mm. Whatever reading we take on this micrometer we would have to subtract +0.03 mm

The zero marking on the thimble is above the datum line. So this micrometer has a negative zero error. In this case we will have to count the number of divisions on the thimble between the zero marking and the datum line.

No. of divisions = 3 Measurement of each division = 0.01mm So the micrometer has a zero error of -0.03 mm.
Whatever reading we take on this micrometer we would have to subtract -0.03 mm

Vernier Calipers