6 Best Digital Calipers for Easy-to-Read Measurements
Digital calipers are not a new alternative to dial calipers, although a lot of consumers are reluctant to convert. This is due in no small part to the number of options available and the often confusing nature of digital caliper reviews.
The best digital caliper will be precise, easy to use, resistant to water, and have an easy to read screen. Each of the following calipers are good choices, whether you’re in the machining, metalworking, carpentry, engineering, or other related field.
Mitutoyo calipers are at the top of their class but come at a price so it all comes down to what you plan on using this tool for, and how often.
Our Favorite Digital Calipers
| Product | Range | Accuracy | Fractions? | Made In | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mitutoyo 500-196-30 | 0 to 6" | +/- 0.001" | No | Japan |
 | iGaging 100-700-33 | 0 to 6" | +/- 0.001" | Yes | China |
 | Mitutoyo 500-197-30 | 0 to 8" | +/- 0.001" | No | Japan |
 | iGaging 100-333-8B | 0 to 6" | +/- 0.001" | Yes | China |
 | Neiko 01407A | 0 to 6" | +/- 0.001" | Yes | China |
 | Housolution | 0 to 8" | +/- 0.001" | Yes | China |
Digital Caliper Reviews
#1 – Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Digital Caliper
When looking for a quality digital caliper, it doesn’t get better than the Japanese-made Mitutoyo’s 500-196-30. The advanced onsite sensor (AOS) is an electromagnetic inductive sensor which provides resistance against dirt, oil, and water.
It measures depth, inside, outside, and step values with an accuracy of .0005 inches or .01 millimeters for maximum precision.
The measuring range itself goes from zero to size inches (150 millimeters) and easily swaps between imperial and metric measurements. It can also switch between absolute and incremental measurement readings as needed.
Like other Mitutoyo calipers, this product includes a signed certificate of calibration specific to its unique serial number which is required for industrial and commercial applications. Also included is an SR44 silver oxide battery in its own packaging to ensure no power has been drawn prior to using. The Mitutoyo can be found in professional metal shops and auto repair shops as well as in home garages or on the reloading benches of gun and ammo enthusiasts who demand consistent precision.
Users of the 500-196-30 note that the quality can be felt the moment you open the package and pick the caliper up. The quality continues, with reports that the caliper doesn’t need to be reset unless you change the battery, as well as the ability to give stable, repeatable readings.
Customers who have bought other Mitutoyo calipers in the past note that the quality remains strong, while power use has become more efficient, leading to an even longer battery life.
The single biggest concern brought up by consumers isn’t regarding the caliper itself, but rather the risk of getting a counterfeit or knock-off tool instead of a genuine Mitutoyo.
Made in China instead of Japan like the real thing, these knock-offs have several features to watch out for. The two most obvious signs are the use of an LR44 battery instead of an SR44 and a display which only reads 0.000 and not 0.0000.
The official version reads in the ten-thousandths and always includes an SR44 battery which must be installed before using. The shipping information may show either China or Japan. When purchasing the 500-196-30, it is vital that you always purchase from a reputable online dealer.
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#2 – iGaging ‎100-700-33 Digital Caliper
If you are looking for an electronic caliper that will go the extra mile and is capable of standing the test of time, then the iGaging 6-inch electronic caliper is an ideal fit. This digital caliper us engineered with durability in mind and is considered by many to be the best digital caliper for the money.
In addition to standard inch and metric measurements, this iGaging displays fractions up to 1/128th. It carries IP54 protection for enhanced water/dust resistance and uses super high accuracy, absolute memory technology.
Some users state that the iGaging caliper requires an occasional reset when in use. However, removing the caliper’s battery and replacing it while holding the jaws together for a period of one second, should reset the zero point.
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#3 – Mitutoyo 500-197-30 Digital Caliper
For those needing a premium digital caliper with a longer 0 to 8″ (0 to 200mm) scale, the Mitutoyo 500-197-30 is hard to beat. Made in Japan, this precision tool offers +/-0.001″ accuracy and 0.0005″ (0.01mm) increments for precise readings.
This electronic caliper measures inside diameter, outside diameter, and depth, proving extremely versatile. Also included is a SR44 silver oxide battery, protective case, and signed certificate of calibration specific to its serial number.
It is worth keeping in mind that the Mitutoyo Absolute Digital Caliper does not have an automatic on/off switch. However, keeping an extra battery on hand can eliminate issues, on the off chance that you fail to shut the caliper off following previous use.
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#4 – iGaging 100-333-8B Electronic Caliper
If you’re a fan of standard digital calipers, but have grown tired of poor quality units that are seemingly incapable of accurate measurement, then the iGaging 100-333-8B is worthy of your attention.
If your eyesight isn’t as good as it used to be, this caliper features one of the largest LCD displays available (2-3/8″ x 7/8″). It measures to .0000 in SAE mode, .00 in metric mode, or 1/128 inch as fractions.
The iGaging IP54 calipers are constructed of water, oil, and dust resistant hardened stainless steel. For its price, it is built quite well.
In certain cases, some consumers have had difficulty removing the 100-33-8B’s battery compartment cover. However, this issue can be resolved by wiggling the compartment lid left to right upon removal.
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#5 – Neiko 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper
The Neiko 01404A digital caliper should make a welcomed addition to any toolbox, especially when one is in need of extremely accurate measurements.
These popular calipers feature a quick-change button that alternates between three measuring modes, including inch, fraction, and millimeter measures. For enhanced durability, these low priced calipers are constructed of highly polished stainless steel.
It’s worth noting that these Neiko calipers (like others in this price range) don’t come with a certification of calibration. While most will find this to be of little concern, some consumers desire such a certification upon purchase.
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#6 – Housolution Absolute Scale Caliper
When you want an affordable but effective caliper, it’s hard to go wrong with Housolution. This precision device is all-metal (stainless steel and zinc alloy) with a silver paint scheme. It’s rated IP54 against rust, dust, water, and corrosion.
A single button allows you to cycle between imperial, metric, and fractional measurements with a range up to eight inches (or 200 mm) and an accuracy of within 0.001 inches or 0.02 mm.
There are two sets of jaws and a probe, allowing you to measure both internal and external diameter, as well as depth and step. A single click lets you measure the absolute or relative value automatically.
To save on battery, the caliper will shut off automatically after five minutes of non-use. The absolute Scale (ABS) feature means you can track your origin point even if the tool was shut off, and the clear LCD display means you won’t have to use a magnifying glass to see the readings.
For the low price point, this is an incredibly good caliper. However, it’s not designed for heavy daily use and may wear out after a while. For home or office use, however, it’s really hard to beat.
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FAQs
What is a Digital Caliper Used For?
A digital caliper is a precision tool designed to read finite measurements to the highest possible degree of accuracy.
This tool is used for everything from automotive repair to woodworking, providing vital measurements for consideration. Such tooling is most apt at measuring thicknesses and can be used to compare such measurements across a larger plane.
Digital calipers are capable of taking extremely precise measurements, often as small as .0005″ (or .01 mm). This proves invaluable when attempting to make precise cuts, or when trying to determine the diameter of a specific seal.
A digital caliper can be used to read the thickness of a given surface or can be used to determine the diameter of a bore. These measurements can then be recorded, and recounted as an accurate measure of the given surface that was measured.
Are Digital Calipers More Accurate Than Dial Types?
In general, digital calipers are far easier to read than standard dial type calipers. Calipers of this type also tend to be far more accurate than dial style calipers as well. This is due to the fact that digital calipers take all of the guesswork out of reading a given measurement.
The use of digital calipers eliminates any need to squint while looking at undersized dash-marks, instead providing you with a concise reading of that which was measured.
Digital calipers also display measurements down to the decimal, thereby providing a far more accurate measure than that typically produced by a dial-style caliper. Some models even show fractional measurements for greater convenience.
What Sizes Do Digital Calipers Come In?
The most common sizes of digital calipers include 6″, 8″, 12″, 24″, or even 40″. This measure denotes the length of a caliper, as well as the maximum overall thickness of an object that can be measured.
Calipers on the larger end of this size spectrum are used to measure automotive parts and larger industrial components, while smaller 6″ calipers tend to be heavily used within the woodworking trade.
In terms of popularity, 6″ calipers still reign supreme, with 8″ or 12″ calipers coming in second. Calipers of this size prove quite versatile, and can be used to measure the vast majority of bores and surfaces that one will encounter during any given project. Most tend to be economically priced, making them a true value to the avid craftsman of any skill level.
Features to Look For
As with any tool, there are several key features worth looking for, when considering the purchase of a digital caliper. Each of these features hold distinct value, and should not be overlooked when comparing products in a side-by-side fashion.
The following are several key features to look for when seeking out a quality pair of digital calipers.
Battery Life
Few circumstances are as aggravating as pulling out a set of digital calipers, only to find that they lack sufficient charge for use. Simply put, a set of digital calipers with dead batteries are of little value.
Therefore, it is important to consider the size, type, and longevity of any battery that is specified for use in a particular caliper. Just like having an extra battery available for your cordless drill, having a backup battery for your digital caliper is a wise move.
Readout Complexities
While some digital calipers provide only a basic readout of any measurement that is to be taken, others provide users with an array of display options. These selections often include options for metric readings, imperial conversions, and fraction conversions.
It is up to you to determine whether or not such options provide value in their particular situation. Inches (decimals) and millimeters are standard on just about model but displaying inches with fractions are less common.
Backlighting
Many high-end digital calipers feature a backlit display, allowing for simplified reading in low-light conditions. While this feature might provide little value to some consumers, other users are likely to find favor in such intricacies.
This tends to be especially true for those who routinely work in confined or dimly lit spaces. Be aware than backlighting can greatly reduce the battery lifespan.
