The Multimeter

You measure electric current and voltage easily by using multimeters. They are inexpensive, widely used and can easily switch between a current, voltage and resistance meter.

A distinction is made between digital and analog multimeters...

With digital multimeters the measured value is displayed as a numerical value using an analog-digital converter.
With analog multimeters the measured value is displayed on a moving coil meter.

Using a rotary switch you are able to select between several measured values and measurement ranges...

Circuit symbol ammeter.

Circuit symbol voltmeter.

Circuit symbol ohmmeter.

An ammeter measures the electric current in Ampere [A] and displays a positive reading when the current flows from the positive (+) to the negative (−) terminal.
A voltmeter measures the voltage in Volt [V] and displays a positive reading when the electric potential at the positive (+) terminal is higher than at the negative (−) terminal.
An ohmmeter measures the electric resistance in Ohm [Ω] and always shows a positive reading.