Measuring diameters with calipers©

Calipers are comprised of a fixed arm, scale and moveable arm. There are a wide variety of calipers available. The most widely used type is the light, hardwearing, metal alloy caliper. Wear is minimal.

Calipers measure the diameter of a tree directly.

General instruction for use of calipers for measuring diameter

1. Place fixed arm and scale flush against the tree perpendicular to the tree axis, at the desired height and orientation;
2. adjust the moveable arm until it is flush against the trunk;
3. read the scale
4. repeat measurement if necessary for eliptical shaped trunk.

Requirements:

• durable but light,
• scale easy to read,
• sliding arm easy to move and perpendicular to scale.

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Document URL	http://online.anu.edu.au/Forestry/mensuration/CALIPERS.HTM
Editor	Cris Brack ©
Last Modified Date	Fri, 9 Feb 1996