Accurate and precise, a digital caliper is capable of giving you correct readings for different physical properties of an object like depth, height, width, and length. Ideal for DIYers and professionals, a digital caliper can work for a lot of different applications in your daily life including jewelry making and 3D printing. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the best digital caliper for your needs.
Comparison Table
Top 10 Best Digital Calipers
Neiko Electronic Digital Caliper – Most Consistent Digital Caliper
These stainless-steel calipers feature a large LCD screen and easy to read measurements. The Neiko Electronic Digital Caliper offers both outside and internal measurements that are accurate to .001-inch.
Benefits
This caliper can instantly convert from SAE or Metric, and you can zero the display at any point on the slide. The Neiko Electronic Digital Caliper includes three measuring modes that include millimeter, inch, and fractions with one button that quickly change between the modes.
Design and Material
The Neiko Electronic Digital Caliper features a thumb-roll machine-grooved mechanism along with a position lock for definite adjustments. The hardened stainless-steel shaft has a depth-measurement probe along with precision ground jaws.
Drawbacks
The build quality of the calipers is on the cheap side. The buttons are also made of cheap rubber.
Overall
The Neiko Electronic Digital Caliper is versatile and easy to read with a finely polished stainless-steel frame. Precise and accurate, this caliper has an easy-to-read LCD screen and two long-life batteries along with a storage case that has a custom fit making this caliper a better value.
- This is a great caliper for its consistent readings
- This caliper is ideal for inner and outer measuring surfaces
- This is an incredibly accurate caliper that is perfect for an engineer or contractor
- It comes with cheap rubber buttons
- The build quality is a little cheap
VINCA Electronic Digital Vernier Micrometer Caliper – Most Affordable Digital Caliper
Featuring a large LCD screen, the VINCA Electronic Digital Vernier Micrometer Caliper is a stainless-steel measuring tool. This is a high-quality, low-priced digital caliper that offers a fraction, inch, and metric conversion.
Features
This is a DIYer and professional caliper that features a polished stainless-steel exterior along with accurate results and smooth gliding. This fully calibrated caliper has a measuring range between 0 and 6 inches as well as a very large screen.
Design and Material
With an easy-to-read multi-measurement display, the VINCA Electronic Digital Vernier Micrometer Caliper also has a sturdy metal build. This is a very accurate caliper in comparison to analog metal calipers, and it’s easy to zero it out.
Drawbacks
The VINCA Electronic Digital Vernier Micrometer Caliper has an adjustment wheel that is pretty cheap. Plus, it is rather stiff when you take it right out of the box.
Overall
The VINCA Electronic Digital Vernier Micrometer Caliper is made with sturdy metal and is easy to zero out. This caliper is accurate and easy to read.
- Its easy-to-read caliper
- This caliper is sturdy and easy to zero out
- The LCD screen is large and easy to see
- It’s a little stiff right out of the box
- The adjustment when is pretty cheap
Mitutoyo Digital Caliper – Most Versatile Digital Caliper
Precise and easy to read the Mitutoyo Digital Caliper offers a measuring range between 0 and 6-inches in 0.0005-inch increments. Using an advanced onsite sensor (AOS), this caliper is water, dirt, and oil-resistant and can provide readouts in either metric units or inches.
Features
This versatile caliper can measure depth, inside, outside, and step values. The Mitutoyo Digital Caliper includes a digital LCD readout that is easy to read and very accurate.
Design and Material
This electromagnetic inductive sensor allows both incremental and absolute measurement readings. The Mitutoyo Digital Caliper also includes an SR44 silver oxide battery and a handy protective case.
Drawbacks
It has very small buttons that are super hard to press. Also, it doesn’t have any detailed markings, which is fine until the battery dies and then you’re stuck.
Overall
This is a handy and accurate digital caliper that offers reading in metric units or inches. It is water-resistant, so you can use it in bad weather and gives you precise readings for your projects.
- This is a highly accurate digital caliper that reads the exact position every time
- It doesn’t run through batteries
- It has a high-quality build
- It does not include detailed markings
- The buttons are very tiny and hard to press
iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN Digital Electronic Caliper – Most Accurate Digital Caliper
Featuring IP54 Protection, the iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN Digital Caliper is extremely accurate and will keep track of its origin position after its set. It includes a large, easy to read LCD display as well as a high-quality finish that makes slider movement extra smooth.
Features
With unlimited measuring speed, the iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN Digital Electronic Caliper offers standard USB data output and accuracy to 0.0001-inches. This is a water and dust-resistant tool that you don’t have to reset zero on.
Design and materials
Made with hardened stainless steel, the iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN Digital Electronic Caliper comes with a lapped finish and uses a 3 Volt CR2032 battery that typically has a two-year lifespan. It is compatible with a USB cable and can be used in relative humidity up to 80 degrees.
Drawbacks
These calipers have a sliding mechanism that tends to catch and doesn’t operate very smoothly. The directions are also not very good.
Overall
This is a well-built digital caliper that is both dust and water-resistant thanks to its IP54 rating. The iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN Digital Electronic Caliper is accurate and offers unlimited measuring speed.
- This is a very affordable digital caliper
- It is precise and well-built
- The LCD display has good contrast
- The directions aren’t very good
- The sliding mechanism isn’t very smooth
EAGems Digital Caliper – Easiest To Use Digital Caliper
Made of durable stainless steel, the EAGems Digital Caliper offers IP54 Protection and precise fractional measurements in Metric and SAE. Equipped with a large LCD display, this is a simple to use tool that is affordable and accurate.
Features
Accurate to .0005-inches, the EAGems Digital Caliper provides a four-way to determine tricky dimensions without having to deal with a small and incorrect number on an analog caliper. This is a great tool for hobbyists and professionals that display measurements in fraction form as well.
Design and Materials
Made with brushed and smooth stainless steel, the EAGems Digital Caliper is dust and water-resistant and measures both outside and inside dimensions as well as depth and step. You can set it to zero at any position allowing you to make differential measurements.
Drawbacks
The carrying case that comes with the calipers is flimsy and weak and will probably not last very long. The calipers themselves are pretty heavy, which can make them hard to use for long periods of time.
Overall
Including a molded plastic carrying case, this durable digital caliper allows you to find quick and accurate measurements. The EAGems Digital Caliper is a good-quality product that offers a lot of value.
- It’s very affordable and easy to use
- You get precise measurements every time
- It is water-resistant so you can use it outside
- The case is flimsy and weak
- The calipers are pretty heavy
LOUISWARE Stainless Steel Caliper – Most Accurate Measurement Digital Caliper
Constructed of hardened stainless steel, the Louisware Stainless Steel Caliper comes with an extra-large LCD screen and includes metric and inch conversions. Providing accurate measurements, it can give you external, internal, and height dimensions.
Features
Giving you a zero setting in any position, the Louisware Stainless Steel Caliper includes a convenience conversion chart on the back of the tool making it perfect for automotive and industrial applications. It also has an easy to see LCD display and is accurate to + 0.02 mm or 0.001 inches.
Design and Materials
Designed to be used in professional and home settings, the Louisware Stainless Steel Caliper has an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold. This compact tool is handy enough to fit in your pocket and is oil, water, and dirt resistant.
Drawbacks
Users have found that the slide is harder to use than they expected. Plus, the thumbwheel can be a little sloppy during use.
Overall
This is an accurate and easy to use caliper that comes with stellar customer service if you should have an issue. The Louisware Stainless Steel Caliper is water-resistant and durable making it a great choice for professionals and DIYers.
- It has great customer service
- This caliper is easy to read and accurate
- It’s water-resistant, so you can use it anywhere
- The slide is harder to use than you expect
- The thumbwheel can be a little sloppy
REXBETI Digital Caliper – Easiest to Control Digital Caliper
This six-inch measuring tool is made with stainless-steel and delivers measurements in fractions, inches, and metric units. Ideal for professional and home use, the Rexbeti Digital Caliper is well-polished and rounded as well as accurate and precise.
Features
Accurate to 0.0005-inches, the Rexbeti Digital Caliper is a good option for 3D printing and displays precise measurements on a clear and easy to read LCD display. Using less power than other calipers on the market, this is an accurate and reliable caliper that features a smart design and is made from quality materials.
Design and Materials
Offering precise measurements, the Rexbeti Digital Caliper features highly precise assembly and characteristics of a professional-grade model. You can use this caliper in harsh weather conditions, and thanks to its stainless-steel construction, it has a range of up to six inches and is pretty easy to use, right out of the box.
Drawbacks
Users have had issues with the size of the number, particularly how small the last three digits of the inch and decimal are. Also, the jaws are pretty sharp and can bite into plastic objects, which gives you an incorrect measurement.
Overall
With jaws that move smoothly, the Rexbeti Digital Caliper offers accurate results, this tool is machined with high precision preventing sharp edges and burrs. This is an easy to control tool that lasts longer than other calipers on the market.
- It can hold its measurement, so you don’t have to re-zero constantly
- This is a good quality product with good mechanicals
- It works smoothly and the buttons are easy to use
- The numbers are too small in the last three digits of the decimal and inch mode
- The jaws are sharp and bite into what you want to measure, which can be difficult if its plastic
Hornady Digital Caliper – Fastest Measuring Speed Digital Calipers
These precision measuring calipers feature a fast-measuring speed and an extra-large LCD screen. With an accuracy of .001 inches, the Hornady Digital Caliper is an easy to operate tool that comes with a battery and protective carrying case.
Features
Created to precisely measure bullet length, overall cartridge length, case length, primer pocket depth, and outside and inside case diameter. Featuring four-way measurement, this caliper comes with a plastic storage case and resolution of .0005-inches.
Design and Materials
Featuring an easy-to-read LCD screen, the Hornady Digital Caliper includes a simple to operate adjustment wheel and a knob that will slide into the lock position. Featuring a stainless-steel construction, this caliper has a dial that is shock-resistant dial and accurate to 0.001-inches.
Drawbacks
The battery cover on this caliper could be better designed since it is easy to inadvertently take it off. Plus, for what you get, the price is a little bit expensive.
Overall
This is an easy-to-use caliper that is accurate and a good quality instrument. The Hornady Digital Caliper accurate and easy to use instrument quick and precise and has an attractive design.
- It’s a good product that works well and looks nice
- This is a simple to use and accurate product
- It’s precise and quick
- The battery cover design could be better
- It’s a little expensive for what you get
Kynup Digital Caliper – Best Waterproof Digital Caliper
With an IP54 Waterproof design rating, the Kynup Digital Caliper is a stainless-steel tool with a large LCD screen that can easily switch from metric units to inches. This is a precise and fast caliper that is accurate to .0005 inches.
Features
Offering zero calibration and accurate readings, the Kynup Digital Caliper can bet set to zero at any position. It is easy to operate and includes three buttons to help you to find the measurements you need to find.
Design and Materials
Made with heavy-duty stainless steel, this is a water and dust resistant tool that automatically shuts off after being inactive for five minutes. It has an anti-rust design along with a frame that includes a lockable head.
Drawbacks
Users have found that it isn’t as water-resistant as they expected. Plus, the display is a little hard to get used to when it shows measurement results.
Overall
This is an easy to use, water-resistant caliper that is accurate and precise. The Kynup Digital Caliper can be used for a wide range of applications and is perfect for both home and professional use.
- It does the job well and is very precise
- This is an easy tool to use
- You can use it for a lot of different applications
- It’s not very water-resistant
- The display takes some getting used to
MeasuGator Silverine Digital Caliper – Best Lightweight Digital Caliper
Made with premium stainless-steel, the MeasuGator Silverine Digital Caliper is accurate, well-aligned, and easy to use. It also comes with several add-ons and a protective carrying case.
Features
Accurate to 0.001 of an inch, the MeasuGator Silverine Digital Caliper has an automatic turn off feature and an easy to access battery when it’s time to change it. The display is designed to respond quickly to movement and make instant measurements.
Design and Material
This pleasant to use caliper has smooth sliding action and features an easy-to-read display with large digits. The MeasuGator Silrverine Digital Caliper includes outer jaws with perfect alignment and inner jaws that are sharp and thin.
Drawbacks
Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer measurements in fractions. And the size of the tool is a little large for some users making it awkward to hold in their hands.
Overall
This attractive tool offers solid construction and is easy to operate with your thumb. The MeasuGator Silverine is lightweight and will maintain balance when the jaws of the tool are open.
- This is a nice-looking tool that works well
- It’s an accurate and well-built tool
- It comes with several accessories and a conversion chart
- It doesn’t offer fractions
- It’s a little large and awkward to handle
Considerations When Choosing the Best Digital Calipers
What are digital calipers?
A measuring instrument that is used for inspection in manufacturing, digital calipers provide precise measurements of objects. A marked scale on a long beam with an attached pair of jaws is used to take step, inside, and outside measurements. You will find an additional depth probe that slides along the side of the beam for taking depth measurements.
A read is generated electronically and displayed on a high-resolution, digital screen. A digital caliper is able to take differential measurements that are used to find the difference in measurements between two objects. You can also zero the display at any time along the scale.
Faster and easier to use than dial calipers, digital calipers make less error and are more fragile electronically and mechanically. You will typically see digital calipers used in carpentry, machining, mechanical engineering, and metalworking.
Buying Guide For The Best Digital Caliper
Calibration
The ability for the caliper to determine as close results as possible, calibration is the process of an instrument correcting its zero value with a sample that is well-calibrated. With a perfectly calibrated digital caliper, you can get results that are highly accurate.
Measurement Accuracy
There is a certain level of accuracy with every instrument. Represented in millimeters, this accuracy varies between 0.01 mm and 0.04 mm. With lower accuracy ratings, you get highly accurate results. Basically, the ratings are an indication of how much deviation will appear in your results.
Measurement Units
When you look at various digital calipers, there will be options that are more versatile than others. You can see how versatile it is by looking at the measuring units that are available with the caliper. Inches is the preferred method of measurement, but sometimes you will need fractions or millimeters for certain applications. Always look for a digital caliper that is able to display all the units you require.
Reliability
Always pay attention to the warranty that the manufacturer offers since it will give you an idea how durable the caliper is. A long warranty shows how much faith the manufacturer has in the product. Since a digital caliper is a handheld instrument, you will need to be careful with it. Plus, there is a good chance that dust and water will damage the LCD display. Also, look for IP ratings that were given by the manufacturer.
FAQs
How Does A Digital Caliper Work?
A digital caliper uses sensors that activate when its jaws are moved away or towards each other. When the scale moves through, it will align until the distance is settled. That’s when it will send a signal to the LCD display to provide a reading that you can see.
Are Digital Calipers Accurate?
They are very accurate. Some of the best digital calipers can provide resolution as precise and minute as 0.0005-inches with an accuracy reading of 0.005 inches. A digital caliper is remarkably precise and is ideal for intricate, small measurements.
Summary/Conclusion
A good replacement for several different tools, a digital caliper is an accurate and precise way to measure objects. There are lots of choices when it comes to digital calipers on the market today, so it’s important to consider all your options and compare them to your needs to make sure you get the right digital caliper for the projects you have planned.
John Billiou
LOCATION: Visalia, California
OCCUPATION: President
John Billiou assumed operations of the family business in 1989 with a “big appetite” for success.
Based in Central California, Billiou's Has been serving the Parts Needs of Lawn & Garden Dealers Across the Western United States for 70 Years.
Today, the company distributes new equipment and parts in 13 Western states and John said their No. 1 customers are cities and counties.
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