What is a Digital Multimeter?

A digital multimeter, or DMM, measures and verifies multiple electrical quantities, including voltage, current and resistance. It’s a daily diagnostic tool used by technicians and electrical engineers and combines the features of a voltmeter, ammeter and ohmmeter. A digital multimeter typically includes probes, clamps or leads, which are inserted into inputs on the instrument and then connected to the device under test to make a measurement.

See Digital Multimeters from Keithley Instruments to Meet Any Measurement Requirement

What is a digital multimeter used for?

A DMM is primarily used to verify one of the three factors of Ohm’s Law voltage (volts), current (amps) and resistance (ohms). This simple equation, expressed below, is commonly used by electrical engineers during diagnostic testing.

V = I x R

V = voltage

I = current

R = resistance

Engineers in the lab and in the field also use digital multimeters to verify the state of a system or circuit for safety purposes. For instance, voltages in excess of 42V or currents in excess of 10 mA can provide painful shocks, and in some cases, be lethal. Resistances are also rated for certain powers (watts) and can get hot when driving higher currents and voltages. Digital multimeters essentially help engineers verify that a device under test is safe to work on.

Types of Digital Multimeters

General purpose digital multimeter

General Purpose Multimeter	Used By	Used To	Form Factor	Overview
	Beginners and Hobbyists	Troubleshooting simple circuits and get a general idea of what is and isn't working.	Handheld	They don't provide a high degree of accuracy but readings are fool proof.

Often used by hobbyists, these DMMs measure voltage, resistance, continuity and current to troubleshoot simple circuits. They don’t provide a high degree of accuracy—just a general idea of what’s working. Simplicity is key and readings are fool proof.

Handheld digital multimeter

Handheld Digital Multimeter	Used By	Used To	Form Factor	Overview
	Electricians, electrical contractors and HVAC specialists	Make measurements and troubleshoot potentially hazardous system in the field.	Handheld	Handheld DMMs should be used when mobility is required.

Also known as digital voltmeters, handheld digital multimeters are used by electricians, electrical contractors and HVAC specialists to make measurements and troubleshoot potentially hazardous systems in the field. Handheld DMMs should be used when mobility is required.

Advanced digital multimeter

Advanced Digital Multimeter	Used By	Used To	Form Factor	Overview
	Electrical and electronic engineers	Perform more advanced measurements and gain confidence in their designs.	Bench Top	These DMMs are extremely precise and have a variety of advanced functionality

Also known as bench DMMs or commercial DMMs, these instruments are used by electrical and electronic engineers to perform more advanced measurements and gain confidence in their designs. These instruments are extremely precise and have a variety of advanced functionality, including the ability to program automation, slow or speed up measurements to observe low-level or transient signal behavior, and interface with other instruments.

Compact digital multimeter

Compact Digital Multimeter	Used By	Used To	Form Factor	Overview
	Electrical and electronic engineers	Perform more advanced measurements and gain confidence in their designs.	Rack Mounted	Used when precise measurements are needed, but space is limited.

These multi-channel multimeters are used in manufacturing when precise measurements are needed, but equipment space is limited. They embed cards with switches and mux to "squeeze" tens or even hundreds of channels into a single mainframe.

How to Use a Digital Multimeter

Running lab tests using a digital multimeter is easy. Follow these six simple steps to set up your device and begin measuring your device under test (DUT):

Check for physical damage on your digital multimeter and DUT.
Connect the appropriate probes to the color-coded inputs of your digital multimeter.
Configure your digital multimeter settings to the desired mode (resistance, voltage, or current).
Verify the functionality of your digital multimeter by testing it with a known voltage source.
Use the probes or clamps to measure by placing them on the positive and negative terminals of the DUT.
Keep an eye on the digital multimeter's display screen for safety warnings while working.

1. Inspect your digital multimeter and DUT for signs of physical damage.

2. Insert the appropriate probes into the DMM inputs (the probes and inputs are typically color coded for ease of use).

3. Set your DMM to resistance, voltage or current mode, depending on what you’re measuring.

4. Test that your DMM is working correctly with a known voltage source.

5. Hold the tip of the probes or clamps to the positive and negative terminals of the DUT to make your measurements.

6. As you’re working, watch the DMM’s display screen for safety warnings.

Note: The steps above cover the basics of how to use a digital multimeter, but engineers should always consult the model-specific instruction manual before operating a digital multimeter to ensure practices are safe and measurements are accurate.

Digital Multimeter vs. Oscilloscope

A digital multimeter allows you to read the voltage at any one moment in time, but oscilloscopes show how the voltage changes over time by graphically displaying a waveform. Oscilloscopes are often used over digital multimeters when troubleshooting more complex circuits.

Digital Multimeter	Used to:	Circuit type:
	Read the voltage at any one moment in time.	Simple Circuits

Oscilloscope	Used to:	Circuit type:
	Measure how the voltage changes over time.	Complex Circuits

How to Choose a Digital Multimeter

When it comes to choosing the right digital multimeter for your application, there are a number of considerations, starting with where you will be using it. You’ll also want to look at accuracy, speed and the number of channels needed to ensure the instrument will meet the demands of your job.

How to find the best digital multimeter for your needs

Don’t break the bank: DMM6500, 2100 Series, 2110 Series
The most precise reading: DMM7510, 2002 Performance DMM
The need for speed: DMM6500, DAQ6510, DMM7510
Give me more channels: DAQ6510, DAQ2750, 3700A
I want it all: DMM7512

Digital Multimeter Resources

Ready to take your DMM knowledge to the next level? Learn more about digital multimeters and how to use them in the Tektronix Learning Center, where you can find these and many other resources:

If you’re thinking of purchasing an advanced digital multimeter, view our DMM comparison table, browse our collection of digital multimeters or request a product demo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does a digital multimeter work?

A digital multimeter uses a combination of analog and digital circuitry to measure electrical quantities. The analog circuitry converts the input signal to a voltage that is proportional to the quantity being measured. The digital circuitry then converts this voltage to a digital display.

What are the different types of digital multimeters?

General Purpose Digital Multimeter

Used by beginners and hobbyists
Used to troubleshoot simple circuits and get a general idea of what is and isn't working
Handheld
Don't provide a high degree of accuracy
Readings are fool proof

Handheld Digital Multimeter

Used by electricians, electrical contractors and HVAC specialists
Used to make measurements and troubleshoot potentially hazardous systems in the field
Handheld
Should be used when mobility is required

Bench Digital Multimeter

Also known as bench DMMs or commercial DMMs
Used by electrical, electronic engineers and scientists
Used to perform more advanced measurements and gain confidence in their designs
Used to troubleshoot electronics and perform failure analytics
Extremely precise, may be used to calibrate other measurement devices
An essential tool for electrical research at the university level
Have a variety of advanced functionality
Includes the ability to program automation, slow or speed up measurements to observe low-level or transient signal behavior, and interface with other instruments

Compact Digital Multimeter

Also known as rack-mounted multimeters
Used in manufacturing when precise measurements are needed, but equipment space is limited
Embed cards with switches and mux to "squeeze" tens or even hundreds of channels into a single mainframe

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the different types of digital multimeters:

Feature	General Purpose Digital Multimeter	Handheld Digital Multimeter	Bench Digital Multimeter	Compact Digital Multimeter
Used by	Beginners and hobbyists	Electricians, electrical contractors and HVAC specialists	Electrical and electronic engineers	Manufacturing
Used to	Troubleshoot simple circuits and get a general idea of what is and isn't working	Make measurements and troubleshoot potentially hazardous systems in the field	Perform more advanced measurements and gain confidence in their designs	Make precise measurements in limited space
Form factor	Handheld	Handheld	Bench top	Rack-mounted
Accuracy	Low	Medium	High	High
Functionality	Basic	Basic with some advanced features	Advanced	Advanced with multiple channels

What are the safety precautions when using a digital multimeter?

When using a digital multimeter, it is important to follow the following safety precautions:

Always disconnect the power source before connecting the multimeter.
Never Disable safety mechanisms
Never touch the probes with your bare hands.
Choose the correct probes based on application
Use the correct range for the measurement you are taking.
Do not overload the multimeter.
Store the multimeter in a safe place.

How to test for continuity with a digital multimeter?

To test for continuity with a digital multimeter, you will need to:

Set the multimeter to the resistance range.
Touch the probes together.
If the multimeter displays a reading of 0 ohms, the circuit is continuous.
If the multimeter displays an infinite reading, the circuit is not continuous.

What is the difference between a multimeter and a digital multimeter?

A multimeter is a general-purpose measuring instrument that can measure voltage, current, and resistance. A digital multimeter (DMM) is a type of multimeter that uses digital circuitry to display the measurement results.

The main difference between a multimeter and a DMM is the way the measurement results are displayed. A multimeter uses an analog display, which means that the measurement results are shown as a needle that moves across a scale. A DMM uses a digital display, which means that the measurement results are shown as a number on a screen. DMMs are generally more accurate and easier to read than multimeters. However, they are also more expensive.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between multimeters and DMMs:

Feature	Multimeter	Digital Multimeter
Display	Analog	Digital
Accuracy	Lower	Higher
Ease of use	More difficult	Easier
Price	Lower	Higher