How to Count Ohms on a Multimeter (3 Methods Guide)
Tools and Tips

How to Count Ohms on a Multimeter (3 Methods Guide)

19.02.2023 /

An ohmmeter or digital ohmmeter is useful for measuring the circuit resistance of an electrical component. Compared to their analog counterparts, digital ohms are easier to use. While ohmmeters may vary by model, they work in much the same way. For example, the large digital display shows the measurement scale and the resistance value, a number most often followed by one or two decimal places.

This post shows you how to read ohms on a digital multimeter.

Things to note first

When you learn how to read ohms on a multimeter, it is worth noting that the device measures the accuracy of resistance, its level of functionality, as well as voltage and current. Therefore, this means that you can use it when measuring resistance in an undefined component.

With the ability to measure resistance, the multimeter kit can also test for open or electrically shocked circuits. We advise users to test the multimeter first to make sure it is working properly. (1)

Let's now move on to three methods for measuring resistance on a multimeter.

Reading digital display

  1. The first step entails defining the reference scale. Next to the omega, find "K" or "M". On your ohmmeter, the omega symbol indicates the level of resistance. The display adds a "K" or "M" in front of the omega symbol if the resistance of what you are testing is in the kiloohm or megaohm range. For example, if you only have the omega symbol and you get a reading of 3.4, that simply translates to 3.4 ohms. On the other hand, if reading 3.4 is followed by a "K" before the omega, it means 3400 ohms (3.4 kOhm).
  1. The second step is to read the resistance value. Understanding the digital ohmmeter scale is part of the process. The main part of reading a digital display is understanding the resistance value. On the digital display, the numbers are shown in the center front and, as mentioned earlier, go to one or two decimal places. The resistance value shown on the digital display measures the extent to which a material or device minimizes the electrical current flowing through it. Higher numbers mean higher resistance, which means your device or material needs more power to integrate the components into the circuit. (2)
  1. The third step is to check if the set range is too small. If you see a few dotted lines, "1" or "OL" which means over cycle, you have set the range too low. Some meters come with autorange, but if you don't have one, you must set the range yourself.

How to use the meter

Every beginner should know how to read ohms on a multimeter before using it. You will soon learn that multimeter readings are not as complicated as they seem.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Locate the "power" or "ON/OFF" button and press it.
  2. Select the resistance function. Since the multimeter varies from one model to another, check the manufacturer's instructions for choosing a resistance value. Your multimeter may come with a dial or rotary switch. Check it out and then change the settings.
  3. Note that you can only test the circuit resistance when the device is powered down. Connecting it to a power source may damage the multimeter and invalidate your readings.
  4. If you want to measure the resistance of a given component separately, say a capacitor or resistor, remove it from the instrument. You can always find out how to remove a component from a device. Then proceed to measure the resistance by touching the probes to the components. Can you spot the silver wires coming out of the component? These are leads.

Range setting

When using an autorange multimeter, it automatically selects the range when voltage is detected. However, you must set the mode to whatever you are measuring, such as current, voltage, or resistance. In addition, when measuring current, you must connect the wires to the appropriate connectors. Below is an image showing the characters you should see on the range bar.

If you need to set the range yourself, it is recommended that you start with the highest available range and then work your way down to the lower ranges until you get an ohmmeter reading. What if I know the range of the component under test? However, work down until you get a resistance reading.

Now that you know how to read ohms on a DMM, there are some precautions you need to keep in mind. Also make sure you are using the device correctly. In many cases, failures are caused by human error.

Below are some other multimeter learning guides that you can review or bookmark for later reading.

  • How to read an analog multimeter
  • Cen-Tech 7-Function Digital Multimeter Overview
  • Overview of the Power Probe multimeter

Recommendations

(1) shock during - https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-electrical-shock/basics/art-20056695

(2) decimal points - https://www.mathsisfun.com/definitions/decimal-point.html

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