millimeterskala

A millimeter scale, or millimeterskala, is a measurement scale marked in millimeters used on rulers, calipers, micrometers, and other precision instruments. A millimeter is one thousandth of a meter, and most scales display marks every 1 mm, with longer lines at every centimeter and printed numbers at regular intervals.

The millimeter scale became standard as the metric system spread worldwide in the 19th and 20th centuries, replacing many traditional inch-based rulers. Today it is widely used in science, engineering, manufacturing, woodworking, and education.

On common rulers the scale is printed or etched on a flat strip of metal or plastic. Each 1 mm increment is a light line; every 10 mm is a longer line, and some rulers include subdivisions such as 0.5 mm or 0.1 mm, or additional scales such as a vernier scale for greater precision.

The scale is used to measure length by aligning the object's edge with a zero mark and reading the closest marks. In more precise tools like vernier calipers or micrometers, the reading combines the main scale with a secondary scale to obtain precise measurements typically down to 0.01–0.02 mm.

Readings depend on instrument quality, user technique, and potential parallax error. Zero error and wear can affect accuracy, so calibration is important.

See also: Metric system, ruler, caliper, micrometer.