The best height gauge is important and a very helpful tool for machinists. It is used for measuring the height of small parts, comparing the heights, and marking them. You can use it to measure the difference in height of 2 points as well.
A high spec electronic height gauge is able to carry out various measuring tasks such as center-line distances, internal/external diameters, and step heights. For your information, an electronic height gauge is precise up to .001″ & claims consistency of .0001″.
You can choose the vernier or dial or digital model. The vernier height gauge makes use of vernier scale to provide the measurement reading, while the digital one displays the reading on an LCD screen. The use of a digital height gauge is surely very intuitive and easy. In comparison, you need to learn how to read a vernier scale when using the vernier height gauge. The dial scale is pretty intuitive and straightforward as well.
A height gauge measures the height from a certain reference, commonly the base itself. Therefore, it requires a flat and level surface to stand on. It should be a carbide surface plate so that you can eliminate any possible error during the measurement.
The main parts of a height gauge include a rigid base, a beam with the main scale, a slider with the display reading (vernier scale or digital LCD), a lock nut, a measuring and scribing stylus, a stylus clam, and some fine adjustment screws. The typical measuring range of height gauges is about 6″ but you can find the longer ones.
It comes with a carbide scribing stylus that can mark the height of that object. In some situations, you can clamp a dial test indicator to the height gauge for measurements of squareness, flatness, straightness, roundness, etc.
Top 10 Best Height Gauges in 2024
| Pictures | Range | Special Feature | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Taytools Digital Height Gauge [Best Overall] |  | 0-150 mm | Durable structure | Price! |
| 2. Mitutoyo 570-312CAL Absolute Digimatic Height Gauge |  | 0-300 mm | LCD Screen Display unit; Certificate of Traceability | Price! |
| 3. Mitutoyo 506-207 Vernier Height Gauge |  | 0-200 mm | Fine-adjustment Carriage | Price! |
| 4. Mitutoyo 570-227 LCD Absolute Digimatic Height Gauge |  | 0-200 mm | Compatible with mini processors and computers | Price! |
| 5. Fowler 54-175-006-0 Z-Height-E Jr. Electronic Height Gauge |  | 0-150 mm | Hold the key to freeze the reading | Price! |
| 6. Wixey WR200 Digital Height Gauge |  | 0-100 mm | Stable magnetic base | Price! |
| 7. Wixey WR25 3" Mini Digital Height Gauge |  | 0-76 mm | Can also measure the depth of slots and bores with the plunger | Price! |
| 8. Starrett 3751AZ-6/150 Electronic Height Gauge |  | 0-150 mm | Comes with a fine adjustment thumb roll | Price! |
| 9. Shars Digital Electronic Height Gauge |  | 0-300 mm | Switchable metric/inch units | Price! |
| 10. Fowler 54-192-340-0 V3 Digital Height Gauge |  | 0-407 mm | Cast Iron base for optimal stability | Price! |
1. Taytools DHG Digital Height Gauge [Best Overall]
If you are looking for a durable height gauge with a very rigid base, this one can be a good choice. It has a solid and substantial cast base and a hardened stainless steel base. This high gauge is digital and offers a range of 6 inches or 0 -150mm. The accuracy of the height gauge is 0.001 inches per 6 inches.
Using the buttons on the display unit, you can quickly convert from inches to metric scale and vice versa. Another very good feature of this tool is that it switches off after 5 minutes of inactivity, which saves its battery. You get a 3-volt CR2032 battery that can last up to a year.
Buy Now!
Pros:
- Durable structure
- Auto turn-off feature
- Stainless steel beam
Cons:
- You have to reset to zero every time before using
2. Mitutoyo 570-312 Absolute Digimatic Height Gauge
Mitutoyo is still one of our favorite brands when it comes to reliable measuring instrument. In this case, Mitutoyo 570-312 must be your attention to consider as the second choice of the best height gauge. Its quality and reliability is well-known great but you need to spend more for the price.
For the specification, this Mitutoyo digital instrument offers you a range of 12″ which is generally taller than the other models here, a resolution of .0005″ which is good and an accuracy of .0015″. It has a high-quality display unit that displays the measurements in both inches and mm. You get a hand-operated feed wheel on the gauge that allows you to make fine adjustments manually. The scriber of this height gauge is a carbide tipper and, as a result, lasts longer.
Last advantage that you can obtain from this tool is its data output. If you want to record your measurements, this instrument allows you to transfer the readings through SPC cable.
Buy Now!
Pros:
- Certified by Mitutoyo’s American Association for Laboratory
- Long battery life
- Easy to use
Cons:
- A bit pricey
3. Mitutoyo 506-207 Vernier Height Gauge [Metric Model]
If you don’t need the fancy one and familiar with a vernier scale, we recommend Mitutoyo 506-207 because this model comes with vernier scale. We can assure that Mitutoyo is a well-known brand for making top-quality machinist and engineer’s tools.
The Mitutoyo 506-207 offers you a range of 0-200mm with maximum permissible error is ±0.03 mm. This premium vernier model has very fine graduations. It comes with a hand-operated slider on it for making fine adjustments.
Furthermore, this height gauge is very lightweight, which makes it easy to carry. You get a carbide tip scriber that allows excellent height marking and lasts a long time.
Buy Now!
Pros:
- Satin chrome finish for no glare
- Lightweight
- Allows fine adjustments
Cons:
- Metric graduation; limited users
4. Mitutoyo 570-227 LCD Absolute Digimatic Height Gauge [Metric Model]
The next best height gauge is also from Mitutoyo, but it is the digital version. The measuring range of this Mitutoyo 570-227 is also 200 mm, and it offers you an maximum permissible error of ±0.03 mm. The display unit of this gauge has high contrast and sharp figures, making viewing much easier.
In the package, you get an SR44 battery that powers the display unit of the height gauge. For recording the measurements, the SPC statistical process control output can transfer the results to an external device such as computer.
Buy Now!
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Comes with a carbide scriber
- Fine and uniform slider adjustment
Cons:
- Metric only
5. Fowler 54-175-006-0 Z-Height-E Jr. Electronic Height Gauge
Another options that you can consider is the Fowler 54-175-006-0. It gives you a range of 6″ and the smallest reading on the display is .0005″. In terms of accuracy, it’s fine up to .001″.
Nicely, since it’s digital, you are instantly easy to change the reading either to an inch or metric through the button. The hold function allows you to freeze the reading.
This height gauge is very durable and has a satin chrome finish that prevents it from rusting and makes it glare free. Furthermore, you get a carbide-tipped scriber and relative and absolute measuring functions.
Buy Now!
Pros:
- Hand operated slider
- Hold key to freeze the reading
- 2 Batteries included
Cons:
- Hard to read display
6. Wixey WR200 Digital Height Gauge with Fractions [For Woodworking]
If you are searching for a fine-quality height gauge that serves the purpose and comes at an affordable price, you should get this one.
The Wixey WR200 height gauge offers you an accuracy of .001″. You get a display unit on this tool that displays large digits that are very easy to read. You can get the measurements in both inch, fractions, and millimeters. Due to fraction reading, this one is suitable for woodworking projects.
Another incredible feature of this instrument is that it comes with a magnetic base that allows you to position it easily. The manufacturer also offers a one-year replacement warranty with it.
Buy Now!
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Sturdy structure
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Great for woodworking
Cons:
- Offer a comparatively lesser range
7. Wixey WR25 3″ Mini Digital Height Gauge [for Hand Routers, Router Tables, and Table Saws]
The Wixey WR25 3″ Mini Digital Height Gauge is very different compared to the traditional height gauges. It is a small self-standing gauge with magnetic feet. On the gauge, you get a low profile for back fence adjustments. It allows both horizontal and vertical measurements. It is ideal for hand routers, router tables, and table saws.
You get a CR2032 battery in the package to power the display unit. You get a locking rule in it as well to repeat measurements.
Buy Now!
Pros:
- Can also measure bore and slot depth
- High accuracy
- Easy repeatability feature
Cons:
- Offer a comparatively lesser range
8. Starrett 3751AZ-6/150 Electronic Height Gauge
Starrett 3751AZ-6/150 is a digital height gauge that offers you a measuring range of 0-6″, resolution of .0005″, and accuracy of .001″.
Surely, like many digital measuring instruments, the reading can be set to be an inch or mm. You can also set the zero point at any point you want.
This premium quality height gauge comes with a high contrast display unit. It works powered by CR2032 battery. Aside from that, you get a steel scriber for marking. You will also get a fine adjustment thumb roll feature as well.
Buy Now!
Pros:
- Easy to read
- Hold slide position feature
- Auto turn-off feature
Cons:
- Scribe is not carbide tipped
9. Shars 303-4461 Digital Electronic Height Gauge 18″ Range
Another great brand to have in mind is Shars. This Shars height gauge is a great choice to go when you need more range measurement as it accommodates a 18″ range of measurement. Aside from that, ou get a high-contrast display screen to easily view the measurements. You get a carbide scriber for marking the measurements. The accuracy of this height gauge is ±.002″/.05mm, while its resolution is .0005″/0.01mm.
As its range is 18″, the accuracy is actually divided into 3 area of accuracy.
- For the range of 0-6″, the accuracy is ±0.0012″
- For the range of 6-12″, the accuracy is ±0.0016″
- For the range of 12-18″, the accuracy is ±0.002″
This electrice device allows you to switch instantly from inch to metric, and conversely. For reading, it comes with high contrast LCD. And to support accurate measurement, it comes with fine adjustment device and las longer carbide tipped scriber. In terms of durability, it’s made of hardened steel, precisely ground and the base is microlapped.
Buy Now!
Pros:
- Fine adjustment
- Includes carbide scriber
- High accuracy
Cons:
- Hard to view readings
10. Fowler 54-192-340-0 V3 Digital Height Gauge
Last but not least, you have the Fowler 54-192-340-0 V3, which features an electronically adjustable measuring force to help you measure the height easily. You can measure height, diameter, central line, and perpendicularity with this height gauge. You get a vast range of accessories with this heavy duty instrument, which makes it very versatile.
The base of this gauge is made from cast iron which gives it extra stability. Taking readings with this gauge is very easy as the display unit is user-friendly.
When buying this model, you are buying the Trimos V3 series, ruby ball for measuring insert, charger, etc.
Buy Now!
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- High Accuracy
- Versatile
Cons:
- Pricey
What Is a Height Gauge?
A digital height gauge uses high-quality, hardened stainless steel as the material. It consists of a solid cast iron base that is robust to ensure its rigidity and stability.
Then, there’s a beam that extends from the base up including a printed scale in imperial & metric formats.
Usually, imperial digital scale ranges from 0 – 12” whereas the metric scale ranges from 0 – 300 mm. Even more, they can measure up to 80”.
Generally, an electronic gauging slider is equestrian on the beam. Besides that, it features a few buttons for Power ON/OFF, HOLD, TOL, SET, MM/INCH, ON/OFF/ZERO, and ABS.
In addition, the slider has a carbide scriber tip on the jaw. Furthermore, the slider and the attached scriber are able to slide up/down along the scale. You can also lock both in place.
Then, use a fine-tune thumb-wheel to make the final adjustments and lock it in place with a second locking screw.
You can also find a port of data output where you can send the data to a printer or computer via a special cable.
Basic Things To Consider When Choosing the Right Height Gauge for You
When it comes to choosing the best height gauge for yourself, there are some really important features that you need to consider before buying.
1. Type
You will find two main types of height gauges, i.e., the digital ones that come with an LCD to display the readings and the analog ones which you can use to manually take all the readings. If you are someone who needs a tool that is more convenient and gives you very quick results, then the digital ones are a good choice. You will also see featured electronic height gauges that offer electronically adjustable measuring forces to make the task even easier.
2. Range
The range of height gauges may vary a lot, but generally, it’s between 200 mm to 300 mm. But you will also find height gauges that have ranges less than 100 mm, which might limit you from measuring the height of objects that are slightly bigger. Alternatively, there are height gauges that offer a range up to 500 mm. So, always keep in mind that you have to check the range before buying depending on its use.
3. Graduation
Clear and crisp graduation will surely aid in making your task of taking readings much more manageable. Fine and prominent graduation is also an indicator that the height gauge is premium quality. So, go for the one that has clearer graduations.
4. Accuracy
The quality of your results entirely depends on the accuracy of the height gauge. A minor error can lead to more significant faults. You should always check the accuracy of the gauge before buying it. Make sure that the gauge has an accuracy of at least 0.03 mm.
Conclusion
Measuring the heights of small objects and parts of a machine can be tricky sometimes. And if you do not have the right tool for it, you can end up with much more frustration. That’s why you should choose the right height gauge. We hope that you have now decided which tool suits your job, but if you are still not sure about it, we have some suggestions for you.
As the best overall option, we will recommend the Taytools digital height gauge, as it is a premium height gauge with a rigid base and offers high accuracy. You get a sturdy hardened stainless steel scriber on it. If you want to buy a digital height gauge, then you should get the Mitutoyo 570-312, which comes with a high-contrast digital display and a hand-operated slider. If you are familiar with vernier caliper, then the Mitutoyo 506-207 height gauge can be a great choice. It comes with vernier scale, that means you need to manually take the reading.