A graduated cylinder is a precise measuring tool designed to determine the volume of liquids. It offers accurate measurements, setting it apart from less precise tools like beakers or flasks. This guide will help you understand its features and where to purchase one.
What is a Graduated Cylinder and Why You Might Need One
A graduated cylinder, also known as a measuring cylinder, is a tall, narrow vessel marked with precise volume increments. It measures liquid volumes with greater accuracy than standard laboratory beakers or flasks, which are primarily for mixing or holding liquids. While not as precise as volumetric flasks or pipettes, graduated cylinders offer a good balance of accuracy and ease of use for many tasks.
These cylinders are widely used beyond professional laboratories. For instance, they are valuable for home science experiments where precise liquid amounts are necessary. Hobbyists might use them for crafting activities like soap making or candle making, which often require exact ingredient ratios. Gardeners can also benefit from using a graduated cylinder to accurately mix solutions like fertilizers or pesticides, ensuring proper concentrations. Graduated cylinders can also measure the volume of solid objects by observing water displacement.
Key Features to Consider Before Your Purchase
When selecting a graduated cylinder, material is a primary consideration. Glass cylinders, often borosilicate, offer high clarity and chemical resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of chemicals and durable for long-term use. Plastic options, typically polypropylene (PP) or polymethylpentene (PMP), are lighter and more resistant to breakage, advantageous in environments where glass might shatter, such as classrooms or busy home settings. While some plastics offer good chemical resistance, glass maintains better transparency and resists staining more effectively.
Another important feature is the cylinder’s accuracy class. Graduated cylinders are categorized into Class A and Class B. Class A cylinders provide higher accuracy with tighter tolerances, suitable for applications requiring very precise measurements, such as scientific research or pharmaceutical work. Class B cylinders have broader tolerance limits and are used for routine measurements, educational purposes, or general laboratory work where extreme precision is not required.
The specific volume or capacity of the cylinder also matters, with common sizes ranging from 10 mL up to 2000 mL. Smaller cylinders, such as 10 mL, offer finer measurement divisions and higher precision for small liquid volumes, while larger capacities are useful for less critical, bulk measurements.
Top Places to Buy Graduated Cylinders
Several avenues exist for purchasing graduated cylinders. Online retailers like Amazon and eBay offer a wide variety of options, including both glass and plastic cylinders. For professional-grade equipment or a broader selection, specialized online lab supply stores are a reliable choice. Companies such as Fisher Scientific, Cole-Parmer, Thomas Scientific, and Carolina Biological Supply provide extensive catalogs of laboratory glassware and plasticware.
Educational supply stores, both online and physical, are another excellent resource, particularly for students, teachers, or those conducting home science experiments. These stores, like Carolina Biological Supply or Educational Innovations, often stock durable plastic graduated cylinders designed for repeated use in learning environments. Additionally, specialty science or hobby shops may carry basic labware suitable for enthusiasts. While hardware or home improvement stores like Home Depot or Ace Hardware primarily stock general measuring cups, these are less precise and not suitable for applications requiring the accuracy of a true graduated cylinder. Comparing prices and reading product reviews across these platforms can help ensure you find the best graduated cylinder for your specific needs.