Calipers

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Calipers are a type of measuring instrument used to measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object. They are often used in fields such as medicine, mechanical engineering, and metalworking.

History[edit | edit source]

The earliest known use of calipers dates back to the ancient Greeks, who used them to measure distances and angles. They were later adopted by the Romans, who improved upon the design and used them in a variety of applications.

Types of Calipers[edit | edit source]

There are several types of calipers, each with its own specific uses and advantages. These include:

  • Vernier Calipers: These calipers feature a main scale and a sliding vernier scale, which allows for precise measurements.
  • Dial Calipers: These calipers use a dial to display the measurement, which can be easier to read than a vernier scale.
  • Digital Calipers: These calipers use a digital display to show the measurement, which can be more accurate and easier to read than other types of calipers.

Use in Medicine[edit | edit source]

In the field of medicine, calipers are often used to measure body fat percentage. This is done by measuring the thickness of skin folds at various points on the body. Calipers can also be used in surgical procedures to measure the size of an incision or the distance between two points.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Calipers Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD