The Best Digital Protractors for the Most Accurate Angle Measurements
Worker measures the angle of deflection of metal parts on a white background with a protractor.
The Best Digital Protractor You Can Buy in 2024
Best Overall
If you’re looking for a reliable angle finder that will suit your needs and requirements, the Preciva digital protractor is the way to go. This is well-built and a well-designed product that includes just about everything that you can expect. It comes with a nice LCD display and a battery that will make sure that you do not run out of juice in the middle of a project. The locking function also allows you to lock the protractor at an angle, in order to ensure maximum accuracy. Other features of this product include ruler measurements, standard and metric scales, a durable body, and low power consumption.
Pros
- High precision and accuracy
- High battery capacity and standby time
Cons
- Additional features are not that appealing
Runner Up
The GemRed digital protractor is one of our top picks in the category because of multiple reasons. To begin with, it is a simple-yet-precise tool that can help you take accurate measurements. This tool incorporates a ruler alongside a protractor, which is made of durable stainless steel and has laser etched markings. The digital display makes it easy to read the measurement. If you’re working in a tight or dark space, you can use the locking function to lock the tool at a certain angle and take the measurement later.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Simple and convenient to operate
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty usage
Honorable Mention
The digital protractor by General Tools is one of the best options that you can go for right now. It’s a well-built product that does exactly what it’s supposed to, in a very effective and efficient manner. This is a very durable tool as it comes with commercial grade sliding t-bevel and impact resistant handle. The large LCD display allows you to see the measurements clearly and the control buttons provide different functionalities such as reading hold, flip display, clear readout, etc. The tool is powered by a Li-ion battery that provides a decent battery timing.
Pros
- Equipped with features such as a large LCD, control buttons, and auto power off
- Ergonomic handle with impact resistance capabilities
Cons
- The build-material could have been better
Also Consider
The Neoteck aluminium digital protractor should definitely be considered if you’re looking for a reliable product in this category that can get the job done. This tool is capable of delivering highly accurate and precise measurements. While taking measurements, you can also use the data hold function to save the measurement reading until further usage. This product also comes with a backlit LCD display that will be clearly visible even during low-light. Lastly, this tool can be used to check bubble level to help you calibrate it.
Pros
- Modern appearance and aluminium design
- Large backlit LED display
Cons
- Not equipped with appealing additional features
Inclinometer by Risepro is one of the finest digital protractors that you can purchase. It is a well-built and a well-equipped device that will come in handy for a variety of purposes. This is a three-in-one device and includes a protractor, angle finder, and leveler. Alongside a large and clear display, the v-groove base design enables you to attach it onto magnetic cylindrical surfaces. You can also use this tool to convert angles into other units. Another additional feature that this product comes with is absolute and relative measurement capabilities, making it a very convenient solution.
Pros
- V-groove base design
- Absolute and relative measurement capabilities
Cons
- Can be too sensitive to even the slightest of movements
Best Digital Protractors Buying Guide
Buying a digital angle measuring device is certainly a very smart decision; however, it might not be one of the simpler decisions for some. With technological advancements and innovation, you can now find thousands of different products out there, all with different specifications, features, and prices. What you need to make sure is that you’re able to find the product that will fulfill your needs and requirements and if you’re buying it for the first time, it might be difficult to select the right one from the wide variety that is available.
Why Do You Need a Digital Protractor?
Saves time
A digital angle measurement device is highly time-efficient. Taking angle measurements manually is a very time-consuming process. This protractor will be able to take measurements on its own, allowing you to be more productive.
One-time investment
Products such as these are often long-lasting, making it a one-time investment. These products are built to last many years, which means that once you’ve purchased it, you can be assured that you’re good to go for many upcoming years. The protractors will be a part of your toolbox for years.
More accuracy and less human-error
The biggest drawback of taking manual measurements is the potential for human errors. Flawed measurements can have disastrous consequences. Moreover, while humans can minimize the tendency to make errors by staying more focused and concentrated, there is no way to eliminate the chances of a human-error. On the other hand, a digital angle measurement device eliminates the chances of human-error as far as taking measurements are concerned. These devices are significantly more precise and accurate. This will improve the quality of the jobs and projects that you’ll be doing.
Ability to save records
The most annoying part of taking measurements is noting it down simultaneously. Luckily, digital angle measurement devices eliminate this problem entirely, by allowing you to save the measurement records for later use. This will enable you to take all of the measurements at once and note them down later on.
Ability to transfer measurements
Some products also come with the ability to transfer the measurement record over to a computer/laptop/mobile device, which makes it a very handy solution to all of these problems.
The video from ‘Ron Hazelton’ discusses ways in which a digital protractor can be used to cut crown molding.
What Are Multi-Functional Protractors and Do I Really Need Them?
Multi-functional protractors are digital devices with multiple capabilities such as scale measurements and leveling. These devices can come in handy if you’re looking for multiple devices at the same time, as you’ll be able to save lots of money and time. On the other hand, there are some functionalities that these multi-functional devices might not be able to perform and you’ll need specialized digital devices for those tasks. Moreover, since multi-functional devices are more expensive, it might be a case of overkill if you buy one even if you do not need the other functionalities.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Digital Angle Finder?
Display
It is very important to check if the product that you’re going for has a nice display. The display should be clearly visible indoors and outdoors as well. LED displays are usually good to have as they will not be posing any trouble.
Accuracy
Digital angle measurement devices should be highly accurate. Since accuracy is one of the biggest advantages that a digital angle measurement device offers, you need to make sure that you’re able to ensure the highest level of accuracy.
Battery life
Lastly, you should make sure that the product that you’re going for offers a good battery life. A product that gives in due to low battery in the middle of a project, would certainly be a deal-breaker.
Additional Features That Would Be Good to Have In a Protractor?
While looking for a protractor, you can also seek some additional features such as a cut calculator or bluetooth connectivity. While these features are not essential to the task-at-hand, they can certainly make the entire process much more convenient and comfortable. This will also help you save time and other resources.
PEOPLE ALSO ASKED
Are digital protractors only used for woodworking and carpentry?
While woodworking and carpentry involve a lot of use of digital angle finders, these tools can also be used in other fields such as the medical field.
How do I keep my protractor safe?
Since it is an electrical device, you should keep it away from direct sunlight whenever possible. You should also protect it from liquid spills and a good waterproof cover is the best option for this.
Are protractors water-proof?
All protractors are not waterproof; however, you can go for the one that offers some level of water resistance, if you think that it is necessary for your requirements.