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10 Best Calipers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Mitutoyo 505-746 Dial Caliper.001" Graduation, 0.1" per Revolution, 0-12" Range, 0.002" Accuracy, White Face

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,312
Type
Measurement Range
Material

Most important from
245 reviews

Type
The Mitutoyo calipers are outstanding, offering reliable performance without the need for batteries or electronic components.
Measurement Range
Absolutely love these calipers. The 12-inch range is perfect for building parts at work.
Material
Good price for the quality, although there's a bit more plastic than preferable.

The Mitutoyo 505-746 Dial Caliper is a high-quality measurement tool that offers several notable strengths. It features a 0-12 inch measurement range with impressive accuracy of 0.002 inches, making it suitable for precise tasks. The caliper has a white face dial for easy readability and a new digital movement design that ensures ultra smooth sliding. Its titanium nitride coating enhances wear resistance, promising durability and longevity.

The lock screw for the digital bezel and sliding jaw adds convenience by holding positions securely during use. Additionally, the caliper is compact and lightweight, with dimensions of 17.7 x 5.5 x 1.4 inches and a weight of just 1 pound, making it easy to handle and store. However, the product may not be ideal for those who prefer digital readouts over dial readouts, as this is an analog tool. Also, the higher price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

This caliper is best suited for professionals and hobbyists who require precise and reliable measurements in their work.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,312
Type
Measurement Range
Material

Most important from
245 reviews

Type
The Mitutoyo calipers are outstanding, offering reliable performance without the need for batteries or electronic components.
Measurement Range
Absolutely love these calipers. The 12-inch range is perfect for building parts at work.
Material
Good price for the quality, although there's a bit more plastic than preferable.
#2

Starrett 120 Series Dial Slide Calipers for Accurate Measurement with Fitted Plastic Case - White Face, 0-6" Range, .001" Graduation - 120A-6

Rating
10.0
Type
Measurement Range
Accuracy and Resolution

Most important from
295 reviews

Type
This caliper excels in delivering repeatable, accurate measurements without the need for batteries or digital readouts, making it ideal for precise woodworking and hand tool work.
Measurement Range
The dial is easy and quick to read, allowing measurements down to 64ths or even 128ths, which is more than sufficient for detailed tasks.
Accuracy and Resolution
Accuracy remains consistent regardless of the pressure applied, unlike cheaper calipers that produce varying results with slight changes in thumb pressure.
Material
Made in the USA, the 120A version boasts a solid stainless steel construction with no plastic parts, resulting in a robust, flex-free feel that inspires confidence in its durability.
Additional Features
The fine adjustment roll and anti-backlash gear make setting and reading measurements smooth and reliable, enhancing user experience during intricate work.

The Starrett 120 Series Dial Slide Calipers are a solid choice if you need precise measurements within a 0-6 inch range. They offer an accuracy of ±0.001 inch, which is excellent for most detailed tasks. Made from tough stainless steel, these calipers are built to last and handle regular use without easily wearing out.

The dial features anti-backlash gear control and knife-edge contacts, making it easy to get accurate readings for both inside and outside measurements. Plus, the fine adjustment roll lets you make smooth, one-handed changes. A handy lock screw helps keep your measurement steady. The calipers come in a protective plastic case, which is convenient for storage and transport.

Because it uses a mechanical dial rather than a digital display, reading measurements might take a bit more practice if you're used to digital tools. While these calipers provide reliable precision, they don't include some modern extras like electronic data output. They suit hobbyists, machinists, or anyone needing dependable, traditional dial calipers without extra bells and whistles.

Rating
10.0
Type
Measurement Range
Accuracy and Resolution

Most important from
295 reviews

Type
This caliper excels in delivering repeatable, accurate measurements without the need for batteries or digital readouts, making it ideal for precise woodworking and hand tool work.
Measurement Range
The dial is easy and quick to read, allowing measurements down to 64ths or even 128ths, which is more than sufficient for detailed tasks.
Accuracy and Resolution
Accuracy remains consistent regardless of the pressure applied, unlike cheaper calipers that produce varying results with slight changes in thumb pressure.
Material
Made in the USA, the 120A version boasts a solid stainless steel construction with no plastic parts, resulting in a robust, flex-free feel that inspires confidence in its durability.
Additional Features
The fine adjustment roll and anti-backlash gear make setting and reading measurements smooth and reliable, enhancing user experience during intricate work.
#3

Digital Caliper Measuring Tool, Stainless Steel Vernier Caliper Digital Micrometer with Large LCD Screen, Easy Switch from Inch Metric Fraction, 6 Inch Caliper Tool for DIY/Household

Rating
9.7
Measurement Range
Accuracy and Resolution
Material

Most important from
9194 reviews

Measurement Range
The caliper is accurate up to 150mm and doesn't require frequent zeroing, making it very reliable.
Accuracy and Resolution
This caliper outperforms others with its high quality and ability to measure in fractions, millimeters, and inches.
Material
These are the best cheap calipers available, far superior to plastic alternatives, and worth the slightly higher price.
Additional Features
Comes with pre-installed batteries and spares, adding convenience and value.

The Jiavarry Digital Caliper is a versatile tool made from high-strength stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to water and dirt. Its 6-inch measuring range, coupled with an impressive accuracy of ±0.001 inches and a resolution of 0.0005 inches, makes it suitable for both professional and DIY applications. The large LCD screen enhances readability, and the ability to switch between inches, millimeters, and fractions with a single button adds to its user-friendly design.

Furthermore, the auto-off feature helps conserve battery life, and it comes with two spare batteries, which is a thoughtful addition. The caliper's four measurement modes (inside, outside, depth, and step) make it a highly functional tool for varied tasks, from woodworking to automotive mechanics. However, the product does require batteries, which might be a consideration for some users.

Additionally, while it boasts a high customer rating, some might find the 12-ounce weight slightly heavy for prolonged use. The tool is well-regarded and ranks highly in the industrial and scientific category, indicating a strong performance and user satisfaction. This digital caliper is especially beneficial for those who need precise measurements and versatility in their measuring tools.

Rating
9.7
Measurement Range
Accuracy and Resolution
Material

Most important from
9194 reviews

Measurement Range
The caliper is accurate up to 150mm and doesn't require frequent zeroing, making it very reliable.
Accuracy and Resolution
This caliper outperforms others with its high quality and ability to measure in fractions, millimeters, and inches.
Material
These are the best cheap calipers available, far superior to plastic alternatives, and worth the slightly higher price.
Additional Features
Comes with pre-installed batteries and spares, adding convenience and value.

Buying Guide for the Best Calipers

Calipers are precision instruments used to measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object. They are essential tools in various fields such as engineering, metalworking, woodworking, and even in medical applications. When choosing a caliper, it's important to consider the specific needs of your tasks to ensure you select the right type and features that will provide accurate and reliable measurements.
TypeCalipers come in different types, including vernier, dial, and digital calipers. Vernier calipers have a scale and require manual reading, which can be precise but may take practice. Dial calipers have a dial that shows the measurement, making them easier to read than vernier calipers. Digital calipers display the measurement on an electronic screen, offering the easiest and quickest reading. Choose vernier calipers if you need high precision and are comfortable with manual reading. Dial calipers are suitable for those who prefer a mechanical display, while digital calipers are ideal for quick and easy measurements.
Measurement RangeThe measurement range of a caliper indicates the maximum distance it can measure. Common ranges include 0-6 inches (0-150 mm), 0-8 inches (0-200 mm), and 0-12 inches (0-300 mm). For most general purposes, a 0-6 inch caliper is sufficient. If you need to measure larger objects, consider a caliper with a greater range. Choose a range based on the typical size of the objects you will be measuring.
Accuracy and ResolutionAccuracy refers to how close the caliper's measurement is to the actual value, while resolution is the smallest increment the caliper can measure. Higher accuracy and finer resolution are important for tasks requiring precise measurements. For example, a caliper with an accuracy of ±0.001 inches and a resolution of 0.0005 inches is suitable for high-precision work. For general use, a caliper with an accuracy of ±0.01 inches and a resolution of 0.01 inches may be sufficient. Choose based on the level of precision required for your tasks.
MaterialCalipers are typically made from stainless steel, carbon fiber, or plastic. Stainless steel calipers are durable and resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for heavy-duty and long-term use. Carbon fiber calipers are lightweight and also resistant to corrosion, but may not be as durable as stainless steel. Plastic calipers are the least durable but are lightweight and suitable for less demanding tasks. Choose stainless steel for durability, carbon fiber for a balance of weight and durability, and plastic for light-duty applications.
Additional FeaturesSome calipers come with additional features such as data output for transferring measurements to a computer, depth gauges for measuring depths, and thumb wheels for fine adjustments. These features can enhance the functionality and ease of use of the caliper. Consider what additional features might be useful for your specific needs. For example, if you need to record measurements digitally, a caliper with data output would be beneficial. If you frequently measure depths, a depth gauge would be useful.

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