Difference Between Volumetric Pipette and Graduated Pipette

The key difference between volumetric pipette and graduated pipette is that we can measure only a certain volume from a volumetric pipette, whereas we can measure a range of volumes from a graduated pipette.

A pipette is a laboratory tool commonly used in chemistry, biology and medicine to transport a measured volume of liquid, often as a media dispenser.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Volumetric Pipette
3. What is a Graduated Pipette
4. Side by Side Comparison – Volumetric Pipette vs Graduated Pipette in Tabular Form
5. Summary

What is a Volumetric Pipette?

A volumetric pipette is a laboratory tool that has a horizontal line to mark the volume of the solution that can be taken into the pipette. For example, a 50 mL pipette has a mark up to which we can fill the solution into that pipette to get 50 mL of the solution.

We commonly use this instrument in chemistry, biology and medicine to transport a measured volume of liquid, often as a media dispenser. In some branches of study, such as molecular biology and analytical chemistry, we need to dispense minute amounts of liquid. In this endeavour, there are devices that help to dispense only as much liquid as we require. One such device that provides total control is a pipette. It is like using a syringe in a laboratory, so we also call it a chemical dropper.

Pipettes are important to have accuracy and efficiency in dealing with small amounts of liquids. We use both micropipettes and macro pipettes in labs. Moreover, we can use micropipettes for very small quantities of liquid (1- 1000 micro liters). Pipettes work by creating a vacuum above the liquid level. It then allows the user to press to loosen the vacuum and dispense the required amount of liquid.

What is Graduated Pipette?

A graduated pipette is a laboratory instrument that we can use to measure a range of volumes. In this type of pipette, the volume values are marked along the pipette wall in increments. This instrument is useful in accurately measuring and transferring a solution from one container to another. Generally, these pipettes are made from plastic or as glass tubes. These pipettes also have a tapered tip.

Difference Between Volumetric Pipette and Graduated Pipette

Figure 01: Volume Values in Increments

Along the body of the pipette, we can see graduation markings that indicate the volume from the tip to the last volume point. However, pipettes that come in small size give volumes with high accuracy. Therefore, most of the graduation pipettes are in the size range of 0 to 25 mL.

What is the Difference Between Volumetric Pipette and Graduated Pipette?

Pipette is a laboratory instrument. The key difference between volumetric pipette and graduated pipette is that we can measure only a certain volume from a volumetric pipette, whereas we can measure a range of volumes from a graduated pipette. Moreover, there is only one mark in a volumetric pipette to indicate the volume that can be measured from that pipette while graduated pipette has a series of marks in increments to indicate different measurements that can be taken from that tube. That is, the volumetric pipettes can measure only one volume from one pipette while it’s possible to measure different volumes from the same pipette in graduate pipettes.

Below is a summary of the difference between volumetric pipette and graduated pipette in tabular form.

Summary – Volumetric Pipette vs Graduated Pipette

Pipettes come in various sizes and shapes. The key difference between volumetric pipette and graduated pipette is that we can measure only a certain volume from a volumetric pipette, whereas we can measure a range of volumes from a graduated pipette.