Top 16 Difference between Analog and Digital Multimeter

Multimeter is a popular type of handheld electrical measuring instrument.

Like its name as multimeter, it works as an ammeter, voltmeter, and ohmmeter to measure current, voltage, and resistance respectively. It is also called Ampere-Volt-Ohm (AVO) meter or Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter (VOM).

There are two types of multimeters.

1. Analog type multimeter
2. Digital type multimeter

These two classified multimeters are capable of measuring and displaying accurate reading in different ways. Also, both are used for different purposes as they come up with different specifications.

In this tutorial, we are going to study what is the difference between analog and digital multimeter.

Analog Multimeter vs Digital Multimeter

Let’s compare the analog and digital multimeter in tabular form.

#	Content	Analog Multimeter	Digital Multimeter
01	[Definition] What is the analog & digital multimeter?	The multimeter having the ability to measure electrical quantities and to display their reading on the scale by moving the pointer is called ‘Analog Multimeter’.	The multimeter having the ability to measure electrical quantities and to display their reading on screen by the numerical value is called ‘Digital Multimeter’.
02	Synonyms	Sometimes, the Analog multimeter is called ‘AMM’ or ‘Analogous multimeter’.	The digital multimeter is also called ‘DMM’.
03	Representation of measuring signal	This instrument shows a continuous signal.	This instrument shows the discrete signal.
04	Size of multimeters	The analog multimeter occurs in a large size as compared to the digital multimeter.	The digital multimeter occurs in a small or pocket size.
05	Reading display	In an analog multimeter, the reading displays on the reading scale (like vacuum fluorescent).	In a digital multimeter, the reading displays on the digital (like LED or LCD) screen.
06	Calibration	This multimeter has the ability to provide manual calibration.	This multimeter has the ability to provide automatic calibration.
07	Measurement accuracy	In the case of measurement, it gives less accuracy.	It gives more accuracy as compared to the analog multimeter.
08	Cost	Analog multimeter can easily get at a low cost.	Digital multimeter is very costly.
09	Output readability	It indicates the approximate or less accurate reading due to pointer moves over the calibration scale.	It indicates accurate reading due to the numerical value.
10	Nature of the signal in multimeter	The moving pointer or needle gives a continuous movement in order of magnitude for momently changes of the signal.	This does not give a continuous movement in order of magnitude.
11	Polarity function of both multimeter	In an analog multimeter, the positive and negative polarities are represented by using the right and left sides of pointer deflection respectively.	In a digital multimeter, the positive and negative polarities are represented by using the positive and negative signs respectively.
12	Auto-polarity function	It does not have an auto-polarity function. It requires the test leads and probes to detect the polarities.	It has an auto-polarity function.
13	Sensitive	This is a very sensitive type of instrument.	This is not much sensitive type of instrument.
14	Operation	It is not easy to handle as compared to the digital multimeter.	It is very easy to handle.
15	Speed of operation	The analog multimeter has a lower speed.	The digital multimeter has a higher speed.
16	Error	This instrument contains a number of different scales. Thus, the user can be confused to find out accurately measured units. They were often a cause of the error.	The user gets an accurate reading in numerical form. Thus, there is not much error in a digital instrument.

These 16 points have covered the difference between analog and digital multimeters. And this difference describes the advantages and disadvantages of an analog and digital multimeter.

Read more related:

• Pros & cons of Digital Multimeter
• Analog signal vs Digital signal

Multimeter Uses

These types of instruments are widely used in-

• electrical circuit lab for testing circuits,
• troubleshooting a communication circuit,
• electrical project lab,
• maintaining and performing many kinds of tasks in outdoor fields like a substation.

These are the basic applications in daily life. Mostly linemen or technicians already know the importance and benefits of having a multimeter tool.

If you have any queries regarding analog multimeter and digital multimeter, drop your comment below.

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Thanks for Reading!