Digital calipers can take differential measurements, which are used to determine the difference in measurements between two objects by zeroing the display at any point on the scale. Some digital calipers can switch between standard and metric units, and some can output readings to a computer or printer to record measurements. Digital calipers provide faster, easier, and more error-free measurements than dial calipers, but they are mechanically and electronically more fragile and do not resist coolant very well. Vernier calipers are more durable than digital calipers because they have no internal moving parts, but they can be more difficult to read.
Digital calipers are commonly used in metalworking, mechanical engineering, machining, woodworking, medicine and other fields.