How does a digital multimeter differ from an analog multimeter?

A digital multimeter differs from an analog multimeter primarily in how the readings are displayed. A digital multimeter provides a clear numerical reading on an electronic display, making it easier to read and understand the exact measurement. This type of multimeter utilizes digital circuits to process and display the measured electrical values (such as voltage, current, and resistance) in numeric form, eliminating any potential for parallax errors that are sometimes encountered with analog devices.

In contrast, an analog multimeter uses a needle that moves along a scale to indicate the measurement, which can be more challenging to interpret accurately due to the analog nature of the readings. Users can experience difficulty in reading the exact value, especially if the needle is near a marking.

The distinction between these two types of multimeters is significant for users who benefit from quick and precise readings, which is a notable advantage of digital multimeters.