What determines the maximum resolution of a slide caliper?

What determines the maximum resolution of a slide caliper?

• A. The graduation on the dial closest to the needle
• B. The main scale division
• C. The jaw thickness
• D. The screw pitch

Answer: (A)

The maximum resolution comes from the smallest division you can read on the readout. In a slide caliper with a dial, that is the graduation on the dial that lines up with the pointer—the finest increment the instrument can display. This dial increment sets how precisely you can read the measurement (often 0.01 mm or 0.001 in). The main scale gives the larger units, but the dial’s smallest division is what limits resolution. Jaw thickness affects contact and zeroing, not how finely you can read the measurement. Screw pitch affects motion feel and speed, not the smallest readable increment.

The maximum resolution comes from the smallest division you can read on the readout. In a slide caliper with a dial, that is the graduation on the dial that lines up with the pointer—the finest increment the instrument can display. This dial increment sets how precisely you can read the measurement (often 0.01 mm or 0.001 in). The main scale gives the larger units, but the dial’s smallest division is what limits resolution. Jaw thickness affects contact and zeroing, not how finely you can read the measurement. Screw pitch affects motion feel and speed, not the smallest readable increment.