Volumetric and Graduated Glassware

The Meniscus

1.  When observing a volume of a liquid in a graduated cylinder, graduated pipette, or buret, read the point on the graduated scale that coincides with the bottom of the curved surface of the liquid.  The curved surface of the liquid is called the meniscus.  When filling a volumetric pipette or flask, make sure that the bottom of the meniscus is exactly even with the calibration mark.

2.  Remember that your eyes have to be on the same level with the meniscus of the liquid when reading its position on the scale.