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10 Best Calipers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NEIKO 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper Measuring Tool, 0 - 6 Inches Stainless Steel Construction with Large LCD Screen Quick Change Button for Inch Fraction Millimeter Conversions, Digital Caliper Measuring Tool

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,253
Type
Accuracy and Resolution
Material

Most important from
23039 reviews

Type
Ideal for DIY and hobbyist use where precision within 0.001 inches is sufficient, although it lacks advanced features like data output for professional machining.
Accuracy and Resolution
Offers exceptional value with accuracy comparable to more expensive analog calipers, delivering consistent measurements around 0.001 inches.
Material
Stainless steel construction provides durability and precision beyond typical plastic models, making it reliable for various home and hobby projects.
Additional Features
The large digital display and quick-change button for switching between inches, fractions, and millimeters make measurements straightforward and easy to read.

The NEIKO 01407A is a stainless steel electronic digital caliper that offers solid performance for general measurement tasks. It covers a standard 0 to 6 inches (0 to 150 mm) range with good accuracy (0.001 inches / 0.02 mm) and fine resolution, making it suitable for most DIY projects, hobbies, and basic industrial use. One standout feature is the quick-change button that lets you easily switch between inches, fractions, and millimeters, which is handy if you work with different units.

The extra-large LCD screen provides clear, easy-to-read measurements, reducing the chance of errors, and the splash and dust resistance adds some durability for workshop environments. The stainless steel build with a knurled thumb roller and locking screw ensures smooth, stable operation when measuring inside, outside, depth, or steps, which adds to its versatility. It also comes with a sturdy protective case for storage and transport.

A small LR44 battery is required, which will need replacing over time, and while the accuracy is good enough for most users, it might not satisfy those needing ultra-precise measurements for professional machining. The design is straightforward without advanced features like data output for computers. For those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use digital caliper that handles basic to intermediate measuring tasks well, this model represents a solid choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,253
Type
Accuracy and Resolution
Material

Most important from
23039 reviews

Type
Ideal for DIY and hobbyist use where precision within 0.001 inches is sufficient, although it lacks advanced features like data output for professional machining.
Accuracy and Resolution
Offers exceptional value with accuracy comparable to more expensive analog calipers, delivering consistent measurements around 0.001 inches.
Material
Stainless steel construction provides durability and precision beyond typical plastic models, making it reliable for various home and hobby projects.
Additional Features
The large digital display and quick-change button for switching between inches, fractions, and millimeters make measurements straightforward and easy to read.
#2

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

Rating
8.5
Type
Measurement Range
Material

Most important from
248 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
8.5
Type
Measurement Range
Material

Most important from
248 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.
#3

Mitutoyo 505-742J Dial Caliper, 0.1" per Rev, 0-6" Range, 0.001" Accuracy

Rating
8.2
Accuracy and Resolution
Material
Additional Features

Most important from
640 reviews

Accuracy and Resolution
The dial readout is exceptionally crisp and easy to read, allowing interpolation well beyond the stated accuracy for precise measurements.
Material
Its smooth sliding action and solid feel reflect a high-quality build that inspires confidence even for DIY users.
Additional Features
The analog dial is favored over digital readouts because it requires no batteries, ensuring it's always ready to use.

The Mitutoyo 505-742J Dial Caliper is a reliable measuring tool with a 0 to 6-inch range and an accuracy of 0.001 inches, making it suitable for precise measurements of outer diameter, inner diameter, depth, and steps. Its newly designed dial mechanism offers smooth sliding and strong shock protection, which helps in durability and ease of use. The improved surface finish and new dial face enhance readability and longevity, while the lock screws allow you to fix the dial bezel and sliding jaw securely, preventing accidental changes during measurement.

One downside is that it uses plastic material, which might not feel as sturdy as metal calipers and could affect long-term durability in heavy-duty environments. For typical workshop or hobbyist use, the caliper provides excellent precision and user-friendly features. If you need a simple, accurate tool for everyday measurements and appreciate clear dial readings, this Mitutoyo model fits well. However, it may not be the best choice if you require a more rugged, metal-bodied instrument for very demanding tasks.

Rating
8.2
Accuracy and Resolution
Material
Additional Features

Most important from
640 reviews

Accuracy and Resolution
The dial readout is exceptionally crisp and easy to read, allowing interpolation well beyond the stated accuracy for precise measurements.
Material
Its smooth sliding action and solid feel reflect a high-quality build that inspires confidence even for DIY users.
Additional Features
The analog dial is favored over digital readouts because it requires no batteries, ensuring it's always ready to use.

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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