
The Elcometer 143 Crack Width Ruler (part number E143-1) is a pocket-sized transparent gauge for measuring the width of cracks in concrete and other building materials. Identifying how wide a crack is helps inspectors and engineers judge whether it is cosmetic or a sign of structural movement, water ingress or reinforcement corrosion, which informs whether repair is needed and how urgent it is.
About the size of a standard credit card, the Elcometer 143 Crack Width Ruler is marked with a range of graded lines, each of a specified width across a measuring range of 0.10 to 2.50mm. To use it, position the gauge over the crack, find the line that most closely matches the crack width, and read off the value. It gives a quick visual comparison without the cost or set-up of a graduated microscope, which makes it the most popular method of determining crack width on site.
Its portability and modest price suit a wide range of users, from those wanting a fast indication to those seeking a more careful reading. It is used in concrete inspection, building surveying and structural assessment. The Elcometer 143 is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.
Elcometer 143 Crack Width Ruler
The Elcometer 143 Crack Width Ruler is similar in size to a standard credit card, this transparent gauge is marked with a range of graded lines. This simple gauge has been designed to provide inspectors with a low cost alternative to a graduated microscope for determining the width of a crack in concrete or other building materials.
- Pocket size design Similar in size to a standard credit card for easy portability
- Transparent gauge Marked with a range of graded lines for crack width comparison
- Low cost alternative Provides an economical option to graduated microscopes for crack width determination
- Simple to use Position the gauge over the crack and identify which line matches the crack width, then read off the value
- Popular method Most popular method of quickly determining crack width due to its pocket size and competitive pricing

Also available to buy online at GaugeIt, our online store.
When to use the Elcometer 143 Crack Width Ruler
Use this transparent pocket ruler when you need to measure the width of a crack in concrete or other building material quickly in the field. You lay the card over the crack and match it to the graded line that fits. It gives a low cost reading where a graduated microscope would be overkill.
- 1Reads cracks 0.10 to 2.50mmIts graded lines cover 0.10 to 2.50mm, the range most structural and concrete crack assessments fall into.
- 2Credit card portabilityIt is the size of a credit card, so an inspector can carry it in a wallet and use it anywhere on site.
- 3Low cost field methodIt gives a quick crack width without the cost or fuss of a graduated microscope, which is why it is a popular first check.
Lower-budget alternatives
Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
When to use this
When to use the Elcometer 143 Crack Width Ruler
Use this transparent pocket ruler when you need to measure the width of a crack in concrete or other building material quickly in the field. You lay the card over the crack and match it to the graded line that fits. It gives a low cost reading where a graduated microscope would be overkill.
- 1Reads cracks 0.10 to 2.50mmIts graded lines cover 0.10 to 2.50mm, the range most structural and concrete crack assessments fall into.
- 2Credit card portabilityIt is the size of a credit card, so an inspector can carry it in a wallet and use it anywhere on site.
- 3Low cost field methodIt gives a quick crack width without the cost or fuss of a graduated microscope, which is why it is a popular first check.
Lower-budget alternatives
Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
Specifications
Specifications
- Model
- Elcometer 143
- Description
- Elcometer 143 Crack Width Ruler
- Range
- 0.10 – 2.50mm
- Part Number
- E143-1
Downloads
Frequently asked questions
What crack widths can the Elcometer 143 measure?
The Elcometer 143 measures crack widths from 0.10mm to 2.50mm. The transparent gauge carries a range of graded lines that the inspector holds against the crack to find the closest match.
What materials can the Elcometer 143 be used on?
The gauge is designed for determining the width of a crack in concrete or other building materials.
Is the Elcometer 143 a replacement for a graduated microscope?
It is a low cost alternative to a graduated microscope, using a transparent gauge marked with graded lines to determine crack width rather than optical magnification.
How large is the Elcometer 143?
The gauge is similar in size to a standard credit card.
Quote on the Elcometer 143 Crack Width Ruler by close of business.
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