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Reference.org
Calipers
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<p>Calipers or callipers are an instrument used to <a href="/facts/Measurement/rsLLbn1s">measure</a> the <a href="/facts/Linear_dimension/bC4W2dHd">linear dimensions</a> of an object or hole; namely, the <a href="/facts/Length/EwFyAqGH">length</a>, width, thickness, diameter or depth of an object or hole. The word "caliper" comes from a corrupt form of <a href="/facts/Caliber/q4hhaID2">caliber</a>. </p><p>Many types of calipers permit reading out a measurement on a ruled <a href="/facts/Scale_ruler/Xw3JLjkB">scale</a>, a <a href="/facts/Dial_(measurement)/nyX6TVjJ">dial</a>, or an electronic <a href="/facts/Digital_display/yX1Mypk0">digital display</a>. A common association is to calipers using a sliding <a href="/facts/Vernier_scale/DNBM09sG">vernier scale</a>. </p><p>Some calipers can be as simple as a <a href="/facts/Compass_(drafting)/0uNSeGy9">compass</a> with inward or outward-facing points, but with no scale (measurement indication). The tips of the caliper are adjusted to fit across the points to be measured, and then kept at that span while moved to separate measuring device, such as a <a href="/facts/Ruler/jKWAdmso">ruler</a>. </p><p>Calipers are used in many fields such as <a href="/facts/Mechanical_engineering/cbId4fye">mechanical engineering</a>, <a href="/facts/Metalworking/eAT0Pvz2">metalworking</a>, <a href="/facts/Forestry/puvod5MV">forestry</a>, <a href="/facts/Woodworking/JSttCtkP">woodworking</a>, <a href="/facts/Science/IJoaD7rs">science</a> and <a href="/facts/Medicine/2fnp90Je">medicine</a>. </p>