By Team Aakash Byju's

Explained: Least count of Vernier Caliper Formula with Example

Let us first understand the definition of Vernier Calliper.  It is a measuring device used to measure linear dimensions.

Vernier Calliper is helpful in finding the diameters of round objects with the help of measuring jaws.

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Do you know how the Vernier Calliper looks?  Find it here:

One of the important uses of the Vernier Caliper is that it gives an accurate and precise measurement.

Least Count of Vernier Caliper is the difference between one main scale division & one vernier scale division. It is also known as the Vernier Constant.

Mathematically, the vernier constant is expressed as VC = 1 MSD (main scale division) – 1 VSD (vernier scale division)

It is also written as Least count Vernier Calipers = smallest reading on main scale/number of divisions on Vernier scale.

Consider the following example of finding the least count of Vernier Caliper: The main scale of the vernier scale has marks of 1 mm on it. The total number of divisions on the vernier scale is 20. This matches the 16 main scale divisions.

One main scale division (MSD) = 1 mm 20 vernier scale divisions (VSD) = 16 main scale divisions, MSD Therefore, 1 VSD = 16/20 = 4/5 = 0.8 mm Therefore, LC = 1 MSD - 1 VSD = 1 - 0.8 = 0.2 mm

Some more examples of usage of Vernier Calipers are in:

– Science labs – Educational sectors – Medical usages and – Industries such as steel    and aerospace.

The information collected from the measurement of least count is actually an error that can be positive or negative, based on the position of zero on the vernier and main scale.

The zero error is positive when the jaws of the Vernier Caliper are closed and the reading is positive, away from the actual reading of 0.00 mm.

The zero error can be found by the formula: Actual reading = Main scale + Vernier scale – (Zero error)

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