Using a Measuring Cylinder

This demonstration shows how to correctly measure the volume of a liquid using a measuring cylinder, a common piece of laboratory equipment.

1. Place the measuring cylinder on a flat, stable surface.
2. Pour the liquid slowly into the cylinder without splashing.
3. Bend down so your eyes are level with the surface of the liquid.
4. Read the measurement at the bottom of the meniscus (the curved surface of the liquid).
5. Record the volume using the correct units (milliliters or cubic centimeters).

Using a measuring cylinder - David Read:

Measuring Volume Using a Graduated Cylinder - Wisc-Online:

📄 How to Read a Meniscus When Using Graduated Cylinders - westlab: https://www.westlab.com/blog/how-to-read-a-meniscus-when-using-graduated-cylinders

• Try measuring different amounts of liquid to practice accuracy.
• Compare measurements from different-sized cylinders.

• Handle glass cylinders carefully to avoid breakage.
• Clean and dry the cylinder after use to prevent contamination.
• Avoid overfilling to prevent spills.

• Why must you read the measurement at eye level? (To avoid parallax error and ensure accuracy.)
• What is the meniscus, and why do we read from the bottom of it? (It is the curved surface of the liquid caused by surface tension; reading from the bottom gives a consistent and correct measurement.)
• Why are measuring cylinders more accurate than beakers or flasks? (Because they are marked with finer volume graduations.)