Quick question! Which is better for measuring a ream of paper: micrometer screw gauge or vernier calipers?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Screw gauge.. thickness, diameter.. screw gauge.. calipers is used when you have hollow stuff.. and wanna measure from the inside! (atleast thats what i remember :D)

anonymous · Answer

screw gauge definately but i used vernier callipers

jamesj · Answer

Compare the accuracy of the two and then ask yourself for a piece of paper will their relative accuracy matter.

For example, if you used the two of them to measure the thickness of a book, then surely the relative accuracy is irrelevant compared to the thickness of a book.

anonymous · Answer

There is a sub-question, though. It's asking me for the measurement of a singular piece of paper using the measurement I was able to take using the vernier calipers or the gauge. I'm guessing the accuracy is relevant, then?

jamesj · Answer

Whenever you report a measurement in an experimental science, you should report the reading together with the inaccuracy.  For example:
$$ 8.0 \pm 0.5 \mu m $$

anonymous · Answer

Mm, yes, I understand. Thank you very much!