The 7 Best Digital Calipers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The 7 Best Digital Calipers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed and hope the blog can help you.

Discover how to choose the best digital calipers that “measure up” to your highest standards.

Editor’s Note: Testing for this article took place in late 2023 and these products remain our current top recommendations for 2024 until we revisit this category. Stay tuned for our 2024 updates.

Calipers have been around for centuries, standing the test of time as one of the most effective and accurate measuring tools. Even though several types of calipers are available to serve different functions, vernier calipers have proven to be the best general-purpose option for measuring the outside diameter, inside diameter, and depth of various objects.

Older dial and venier calipers, though effective for a time, are now being replaced by the new advancements that digital calipers are capable of. As Jonathan Warshaw, a woodworker with over 15 years of experience and owner of SimpleWoodworker, states, “digital calipers boast versatility in measuring a wide range of materials and dimensions, and they overcome the parallax error often encountered with dial and venier calipers.”

Digital calipers make extremely precise measurements for woodworkers, construction workers, and even mechanics. Our favorite digital caliper is the Clockwise Tools Digital Caliper because of its IP54 weather-resistant material; large, easy-to-read display; automatic shut-off feature; and data transfer port.

To take advantage of everything digital calipers offer, learn more about choosing the best digital calipers and check out what we found in our hands-on testing of the following models.

1. BEST OVERALL: Clockwise Tools Digital Caliper
2. RUNNER-UP: Vinca Electronic Digital Micrometer Caliper
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Adoric Digital Caliper Measuring Tool
4. UPGRADE PICK: iGaging 8” Absolute Origin Digital Caliper 
5. BEST EASY OPERATION: Neiko Electronic Digital Caliper
6. BEST WATER-RESISTANT: iGaging EZ-Cal Digital Caliper 
7. BEST FOR HARSH CONDITIONS: Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper

How We Tested the Best Digital Calipers

When we assembled a list of hand tools, we wanted to ensure we recommended only the best digital calipers. To ensure that was the case, we performed hands-on testing with all these modelsand consulted experts on their opinions.

Warshaw attests, “When on the hunt for a digital caliper, it’s pivotal to consider factors such as accuracy, ease of use, durability, and the range of measurements it can handle. Additionally, the digital readout clarity, battery life, and the material of construction are crucial.”

The first test involved the setup to ensure that all of these models were easy to assemble, activate, calibrate, and use. Next, we set out to test their accuracy, checking the thickness of some leather, angle iron, and wood.

In the next test, we checked the depth of several finely machined photography tube extensions we had on hand. Last, we checked the inner dimensions of the same extensions. For tools that could handle the elements, we checked the accuracy of some greasy, dirty fittings under the hood of an old project car.

Last, we compared all of the features each model had to offer to ensure they were worth the investment. With these tests performed, we could assemble a list of accurate, easy-to-use digital calipers that will deliver.

Our Top Picks

We performed hands-on testing with the following models to help shoppers decide which digital caliper is right. Consider the top picks listed in several categories for the best set of digital calipers.

Best Overall

Clockwise Tools Digital Caliper

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With polished stainless steel and a large digital display, the Electronic Digital Caliper from Clockwise Tools takes measurements down to 0.0001 inches. It has large push buttons on the digital display that allow the user to toggle between metric, standard, and fraction measurements.

The Clockwise Tools caliper features stainless steel construction and offers IP54 protection certification to ensure the tool can withstand moisture and dirt. A data transfer port uploads measurements to a computer. An automatic shutoff kicks in after 5 to 7 minutes of dormancy to preserve battery life. While these calipers don’t have a calibration certificate, they are precalibrated before shipment.

During testing, the large display was the star of the show since it’s very easy to read. Also, sliding the jaws open and grabbing a quick, accurate measurement was simple (thanks in part to that big display). The one thing we didn’t like was the analog rule, as the markings are anything but traditional.

Product Specs 

• Range: 0 to 6 inches/150mm
• Measurement styles: Imperial, metric, and fractions
• Additional features: Data port

Pros

• Large display is very easy to read; suitable for newcomers as well as pros
• IP54 weather resistance makes it suitable for rough or wet weather
• Automatic shutoff activates after 5 to 7 minutes to preserve battery life
• Data transfer port uploads measurements to a computer for added convenience

Cons

• Analog markings on the rule may be a little confusing for some users

Get the Clockwise Tools digital caliper on Amazon or Walmart.

Runner-Up

Vinca Electronic Digital Micrometer Caliper

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Anyone hunting for a quality set of calipers might consider the Vinca DCLA-0605 Electronic Digital Micrometer. These 6-inch digital calipers from Vinca are made with polished stainless steel for durability and ease of use. The tool has a 1.5-inch LCD display and can clearly show measurements with an accuracy of up to 0.0001 inches. The user can convert measurements to inches, millimeters, or fractions, and it features a data port for electronic measurement retrieval.

Unfortunately, this pair of calipers doesn’t have a calibration certificate, but every model is factory-calibrated before shipment. They also don’t have IP54 certification, although Vinca offers a one-year warranty and a sturdy storage case for protection.

We found the Vinca very easy to read as a digital caliper and when using its analog rule. The build quality was spot on and gave this caliper a heavy-duty feel. And while the battery cover occasionally popped off, we felt this model was priced well.

Product Specs 

• Range: 0 to 6 inches/150mm
• Measurement styles: Imperial, metric, and fractions
• Additional features: Data port

Pros

• Analog rule is very easy to read and adjust with the 3 built-in measuring modes
• ⅕-inch LCD display shows measurements clearly and accurately
• Durable stainless steel construction held up well while testing

Cons

• Battery cover popped off occasionally while in use

Get the Vinca digital caliper on Amazon.

Best Bang For The Buck

Adoric Digial Caliper Measuring Tool

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For an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on accuracy, Adoric’s 6-inch digital caliper is hard to beat. This model provides measurements down to 0.01 of an inch and has a 1.5-inch-wide display. The construction is all plastic and provides measurements in imperial or metric units.

This caliper’s product description boasts carbon fiber components, but we didn’t find any in the model we tested. However, we did find that the display was very easy to read, and despite being all plastic, the model was easy to use. The battery cover did pop off a few times, but the affordable price point and accuracy make it worth considering as a value-minded pick.

Product Specs 

• Range: 0 to 6 inches/150mm
• Measurement styles: Imperial and metric
• Additional features: None

Pros

• Affordable price point compared to similar options on the market
• Large 1.5-inch LCD display is easy to read and has an automatic shutoff for conserving battery life
• Provides measurements down to 0.01 of an inch for accuracy

Cons

• Battery cover pops off from time to time
• Plastic construction (we found no carbon fiber); may not be as durable as some comparable options

Get the Adoric measuring tool on Amazon.

Upgrade Pick

iGaging 8” Absolute Origin Digital Caliper

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Any at-home machinist looking to upgrade from their old caliper to a serious tool should check out iGaging Absolute Original 0-8″ Digital Caliper. This model features stainless steel construction, metric and imperial measurements, and measurements down to 0.0001 inch. It also features a data port for electronic data transfer.

This tool features IP54 protection, meaning it’s less likely to take damage from the elements if used outside of a controlled environment. Also, its larger size allows it to grab measurements on larger parts than the standard caliper.

The iGaging Absolute Origin’s larger proportions was the first thing we noticed during testing, as it can grab measurements from larger objects. Also, we liked that the contrasting marks on the analog rule were easy to read, and its weather resistance adds quite a bit of value, especially when taking the type of outdoor measurements the larger jaws allow. The screen is a little small, but the digits fill it completely for semi-easy reading.

Product Specs 

• Range: 0 to 8 inches/200mm
• Measurement styles: Imperial, metric, fractions
• Additional features: Cable port

Pros

• Larger than traditional digital calipers on the market
• Contrasting marks on the analog ruler are easy to read
• Weather resistance adds quite a bit of value; comes with IP54 protection

Cons

• Small screen is a little difficult to read compared to some other options available

Get the iGaging digital electronic caliper on Amazon.

Best Easy Operation

Neiko Electronic Digital Caliper

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When it comes to grabbing measurements quickly and accurately, Neiko’s 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper is worth a look. This factory-calibrated caliper features a knurled set screw and thumbwheel and offers measurements between 0 and 6 inches, or 150mm, in metric, imperial, or fractions. It features a built-in data port for data transfer.

However, it lacks a warranty or IP54 protection certification. Despite these drawbacks, its ease of operation and stout design make it work well for accurate measurements.

We thought the Neiko 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper was especially easy to use during testing. First, we liked that the contrasting rule and digital display were both easy to read (though the digit size for decimals does shrink). Also, the thumbwheel was easy to operate for grabbing quick measurements and swapping between inside jaws, outside jaws, and depth measurements.

Product Specs 

• Range: 0 to 6 inches/150mm
• Measurement styles: Imperial, metric, fractions
• Additional features: Data port

Pros

• Easy-to-read contrasting analog rule and digital display
• Built-in data port can record measurements on a computer for added convenience
• Slides smoothly with the thumbwheel mechanism for accurate positioning

Cons

• Digit size for decimals shrinks while in use; may not be ideal for some users

Get the Neiko digital caliper on Amazon.

Best Water-Resistant

iGaging EZ-Cal Digital Caliper

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Those who regularly work in wet conditions and need a water-resistant digital caliper will appreciate the iGaging IP54 Electronic Digital Caliper. This tool’s IP54 certification ensures it can withstand water and dirt and accurately measure up to 0.0001 inch. It features stainless steel construction and a 2-inch-wide display with large digits for easy reading. It converts measurements between imperial, metric, and fractions as well.

We found the EZ-Cal extremely easy to use during testing, with its extra-large digital display, contrasting analog rule, and easily operated jaws. On top of the weather resistance, this caliper’s large digital display and stainless steel construction feel sturdy and reliable, and we wouldn’t hesitate to use it in wet conditions.

Product Specs 

• Range: 0 to 6 inches/150mm
• Measurement styles: Imperial, metric, and fractions
• Additional features: None

Pros

• Extra-large analog rule display provides ample ease of use; suitable for those with poor vision
• Measures accurately at up to 0.0001 inches for reliability
• IP54 weather resistance for rough or wet conditions

Cons

• Just one screw holds the slide in place; may not be as durable as some comparable options

Get the iGaging digital caliper on Amazon.

Best For Harsh Conditions

Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper

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Anyone needing to measure an object or component in truly awful conditions should check out Mitutoyo’s 500-722-20 Digimatic Caliper. This model features stainless steel construction and IP67-certified protection to withstand dirt, grime, dust, water, vehicle coolant, and antifreeze.

Mitutoyo’s digital calipers offer some of the highest levels of accuracy on the market: up to 0.0005 inch/0.1 millimeter. Moreover, it comes in a sleek protective case for added protection. It’s expensive, offers decimal readouts only, and lacks a data port for transferring measurements to a computer.

During our test, we immediately felt the difference in build quality and materials that went into this digital caliper compared to the others. It’s a heavy-duty tool, and it weighs 1 pound. We also liked the weather resistance, as we felt totally comfortable measuring hoses on one of our leaky old project cars. Also, it’s hard to argue with the degree of accuracy this model offers.

Product Specs 

• Range: 0 to 6 inches/150mm
• Measurement styles: Imperial and metric
• Additional features: None

Pros

• Extreme environmental resistance; IP67 certification resists dirt, grime, dust, water, coolant, and antifreeze
• One of the easiest to use and extremely accurate; measures within 0.0005 inches
• Heavy-duty construction; made with durable stainless steel

Cons

• It is expensive compared to some other options on the market
• Small screen compared to other options on the market

Get the Mitutoyo digital caliper on Amazon.

Also Tested:

WEN Electronic 6.1-Inch Digital Caliper

We continue to give WEN tools a try since the brand truly does offer some diamonds in the rough, especially at affordable prices. We wanted to try the 10761 Electronic 6.1-inch digital caliper for its extra-large display and agreeable price, hoping this would be one of those diamonds.

However, it just turned out rough. First, understand that the display is outstanding. It really is one of the better displays in the test. However, this model would not hold