Measuring DC Voltage with Digital Multimeter

Follow these steps to check a battery in your home:

1. Insert the black probe in the common (COM) jack. Plug the red probe into the jack labeled for DC voltage, VΩ or V⎓.

2. Set your multimeter to measure DC voltage (V⎓). Some multimeters will automatically adjust voltage measurement settings while other meters may require you to choose from a range of high or low voltage settings. You want to select the setting that is closest to what you believe you are measuring. For example, if you are measuring a 9V battery, select the 20V⎓ setting on your meter.

3. Touch the black probe to the negative side of the battery. Touch the red probe to the positive terminal.

4. Check your reading. If your digital multimeter reading is negative, switch the black and red probes for a positive reading. It should be the same number, but without a minus symbol.

5. When you’re done, remove the red & black probes from the battery you’re testing.