How to Use a Multimeter or Voltmeter to Measure Electricity

Need to check the life of a battery or diagnose a problem with outlet wiring in your home? Learning how to use a multimeter tester can help you solve these problems, which is why it’s a useful instrument to keep in your toolbox. You can use a multimeter tool to troubleshoot many types of issues, so use this guide to learn how to use a multimeter in various DIY scenarios.

Multimeter vs. Voltmeter: What’s the Difference?

Scratching your head over the difference between a multimeter and a voltmeter? A multimeter and a voltmeter are different electrical measuring tools with one thing in common: they each measure potential voltage. The difference between the tools is that voltage is the only measurement a voltmeter can determine. 

As the name implies, a multimeter is capable of multiple measurements. Multimeters can measure current and resistance in addition to voltage. The additional functionality of a multimeter makes it an electrician’s tool of choice.

What Is a Multimeter?

A multimeter, sometimes referred to as a volt-ohm meter, is a versatile tool for homeowners to keep on hand that tests different units of electricity—voltage (AC and DC), current, and resistance.

• Voltage: Measured in volts, alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) are two forms of voltage that a multimeter can test. AC is the flow of an electrical current that changes directions, usually found in the electrical wiring throughout your home. DC is the flow of an electrical charge in one direction, normally used in batteries, vehicles, and other electronics.

• Current: Current is measured in amps or amperage, and a multimeter tests the strength of a current to determine the amount of electricity flowing through a circuit. It’s an important safety measure to test the current amount when you’re doing an electrical project, such as wiring a light switch, to ensure the electricity is completely off.

• Resistance: Measuring resistance determines the opposite flow of electricity, using ohms as the unit of measurement. Resistors are most commonly used in household appliances and electrical devices. 

• Continuity: Continuity tests measures for a complete path of current. All circuits need a continuous path for electricity to flow through. For example, if an appliance fails, it could be because there’s an open circuit, meaning it’s devoid of continuity. Replacing the component could fix the appliance, allowing it to work properly again.

There are digital multimeters and analog multimeters that perform the same function but have a different display. A digital multimeter features an LCD display, whereas an analog multimeter has a needle that moves over a numerical scale.

Anatomy of a Multimeter

Let’s review the different parts of a multimeter. Remember, the features can differ from model to model, so your multimeter may not have the same options as the ones listed.

• Display: The display is the LCD screen (digital) or scale (analog) that depicts the reading of the electrical measurement. 

• Selection knob or button: This is the knob or button that allows you to switch between different units of measurement. Here are some of the abbreviations that you may see on your multimeter:

  • AC volts (V with a wavy line over it)

  • DC volts (V with three hyphens and a straight line on top)

  • Resistance (ohms or Ω)

  • Amps (A)

  • Milliamps (mA)

  • Continuity (diode symbol or a soundwave symbol)

• Hold button: The hold button is used to keep track of a certain reading, so you don’t need to write it down to recall the measurement at a later time. 

• Test probes: On a multimeter, two probes (also referred to as test leads) are plugged into the ports with a pronged banana jack to test the electrical component. On the other end of the probe is a metal tip—sometimes referred to as the terminal. The red probe tests for a live current, and the black probe tests ground or neutral terminals. 

• Ports: Most multimeters have two or three ports to connect the leads. All multimeters will have a black common port labeled as COM for common. This is where the black probe plugs in. The mAVΩ port is the port that the red probe plugs into and is used to test most electrical measurements, such as volts, resistance, and current. The mAVΩ port may also be labeled as VΩ or V. Your multimeter may also have a red 10A port, but it is used less often than the mAVΩ port and typically tests large currents (up to 10 amps).

What Is a Voltmeter?

A voltmeter measures the voltage of AC or DC electrical current. Unlike a multimeter, measuring voltage is a voltmeter’s only function. Voltage is the potential difference between two points within a circuit. Measuring voltage with a voltmeter can help identify wiring issues or determine whether a battery is dead.

Safety Precautions When Using a Voltmeter or Multimeter 

Now that you understand the basic uses and components of a multimeter, it’s important to take adequate safety measures when performing electrical work. 

• Inspect the multimeter for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dings, or leaks, to ensure a safe and accurate reading.

• Wear insulated gloves and rubber shoes to add a layer of protection when performing electrical tests.

• Don’t test any wires that are damaged or frayed.

• Only perform electrical testing in dry conditions.

• Never touch the metal tips of the probes with your hands.

• Ensure the multimeter probes are working properly internally by “ohming-out” the leads. Put the multimeter in the resistance (ohms or Ω) setting, then connect the probes to the port (plug the black probe into the COM or common port and plug the red probe into the red mAVΩ port). Touch the tips of the probe together (making sure not to touch the tips with your hands), and check that the reading is 0.5 ohms or less. If the reading is over 0.5 ohms, you will need to replace the probes.

• Always keep the multimeter in its case when not in use.

Home Electrical Testing With a Voltmeter and Multimeter 

Follow this guide to learn how to use a multimeter to measure AC or DC voltage, resistance, and continuity.

Measuring AC Voltage With a Multimeter

Measuring AC voltage is one of the most common uses for a multimeter, and can read a standard three-prong wall outlet to identify any potential wiring problems. 

1. To measure the AC voltage, turn the selection knob to AC volts (typically marked V~, VAC, or ACV), beginning at the higher range and adjusting down as you progress. 

2. If you’re testing an outlet, start by turning off the power to the plug from the circuit breaker. 

3. Then, connect the black probe to the common jack, and plug the red probe into the AC voltage port on the multimeter. 

4. Identify the outlet you’re testing and look for the wide and narrow slot. On a polarized plug, the wider prong is neutral and the thinner probe is the live or hot prong. 

5. Put the black probe (or the negative terminal) into the neutral prong and the red probe (or the positive terminal) into the hot prong. 

6. Check the reading on the display of the multimeter. The measurement should read around 120 volts, and if not, there’s likely a wiring issue.

7. Once you have the reading, remove the red probe first, then remove the black probe.

8. Unplug the test probes from the ports on the multimeter in the same order—red first, then black.

Measuring DC Voltage With a Multimeter

Measuring the DC voltage can be used to read batteries—including a car battery. Remember, if you’re testing a car battery, turn the headlights on for two minutes, then turn them off to drain the battery enough to determine whether or not there is enough voltage left to power the vehicle efficiently. 

1. Disconnect the battery from the power supply.

2. Switch the selection knob to the DC voltage setting (typically marked V–, V---, VDC, or DCV) at the expected measurement on the multimeter, which can be determined by looking at the manufacturer’s label. For example, an AA or AAA battery will have a voltage indicator on the side of the label indicating 1.5V.

3. Touch the black probe to the battery’s negative side, and touch the red probe to the positive side.

4. Read the measurement on the display.

5. Remove the red probe first, then the black from the battery. Then, remove the jacks from the multimeter in the same order—red then black.

Measure Resistance With a Multimeter

Measuring resistance can check an electrical component’s resistor and determine if repairs are necessary.

1. Disconnect the device or component from any source of electricity, such as circuits, plugs, or batteries, so there isn’t a flow of current. 

2. Check the resistance value of the resistor based on the manufacturer’s guidelines or the label of the component.

3. Switch the selection knob to the ohms (Ω) setting at the expected resistance level on the scale. 

4. Plug the black probe into the COM jack, and plug the red probe into the mAVΩ port. 

5. Touch the red and black terminals to the sides of the component you’re testing. It’s important to note that positive and negative doesn’t matter when you’re testing resistance. 

6. Read the measurement on the display. Remember, the test probes carry about 2 ohms of resistance, so you can subtract two from the reading to determine the final measurement. 

7. If the reading on the multimeter matches the suggested resistance value, the resistor is in good condition. Otherwise, you’ll need to replace it.

Test the Continuity With a Multimeter 

Depending on the multimeter, there may be a continuity setting. Continuity testing allows you to determine if there is a complete path of current flow in a switch, electrical connection, fuse, or conductor. Moreover, you can use check continuity to determine whether a power cord is functional. 

1. Set the selection knob to the continuity setting.

2. Plug the black probe into the COM port and the red probe into the mAVΩ port.

3. Touch the tips of the red and black terminals together, and look for a number that is zero or close to zero on the display. That reading indicates there is continuity. 

4. Place one terminal on one side of the electrical component you’re testing, and place the other terminal on the other end of the component. If the number is zero or close to zero, there’s continuity.

5. If there’s no continuity, the multimeter will display “OL” or “open loop.” This reading indicates that you need to replace that component.

Testing Voltage With a Voltmeter 

A voltmeter measures the potential difference between two points in a circuit to determine the voltage. This method can be useful when diagnosing an issue with an electrical outlet or testing a battery.

1. Select DC or AC on the voltmeter knob. Choose DC if you are testing small electronics or batteries and AC if you are testing electrical outlets. If your voltmeter doesn’t explicitly show a DC or AC selection, DC may be represented by a straight line and AC by a wavy line.

2. Spin the voltmeter knob to a voltage range that is one setting higher than the voltage you want to measure to choose the upper limit of the measurement. To determine this value, check the label on the electronic. For example, standard household outlets are 120 volts, so set the voltmeter to 200 volts.

3. Grab the black and red probes, also called needles, on the voltmeter and turn on the voltmeter. Touch the end of the black and red probes together. The voltmeter should read zero. If it does not, your voltmeter is not working properly and you should repair or replace it.

4. With the voltmeter still on, place the red probe in the positive connection of your battery, device, or outlet and the black probe in the negative one. The positive and negative ends of a battery are marked with “+” and “-” symbols. If measuring the voltage of an outlet, it does not matter which probe you place into each rectangular hole of the outlet (avoid the round ground hole).

5. With the probes in place, read the number displayed on your voltmeter—this is your voltage reading. 

Tips for Reading a Voltmeter Properly

Reading a voltmeter can be tricky, especially if it’s an analog device. Here are a few ways to ensure you’re getting a good reading:

• Opt for a digital voltmeter for electronic and appliance repairs, as it displays the voltage on an LCD screen for easy reading.

• Make sure you’re using the appropriate units and have the voltmeter on the right setting for what you’re measuring.

• If you’re getting close to a zero reading, adjust your multiplier and max value to ensure the needle falls inside the range.

• If your needle jumps to the top of the scale, you likely need a higher range.

• Read the corresponding number on the volt scale you’ve chosen with your dial. If using a scale that’s not an exact match, divide for voltage and multiply for resistance to get your answer.

• Estimate the value if your needle falls between two numbers.

• If you see an “OL,” “OVER,” or “OVERLOAD” on a digital voltmeter, set your device to a higher range.

• Place your probe tips tightly to a contact and avoid handling the tips with your fingers (your body could impact the reading and, much worse, you could get shocked).

• Choose a voltmeter with a stand so you can set it on a flat surface or hang it on a wall.

• Clean oxides off the metal probes and keep the tips sharp with an emery cloth or fine-grit sandpaper.