A caliper (British spelling also calliper) is a device used to measure the distance between two symmetrically opposing sides. A caliper can be as simple as a compass with inward or outward-facing points. The tips of the caliper are adjusted to fit across the points to be measured and after the caliper is removed, the distance is read by using a measuring tool (ruler) between the tips of the caliper. This invaluable tool comes in handy for many uses in the home, office, work-site, or academic setting