Which instrument is used to measure the height of a feature from a reference plane in precision work?

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Measuring the height of a feature from a reference plane in precision work hinges on using a tool that gives a true vertical distance from that fixed baseline. The Vernier Height Gauge is built for this purpose. It sits on a stable reference plane, usually a surface plate, with a vertical scale and a sliding measuring probe. Zero the scale on the reference plane, then move the probe up or down until it contacts the feature. The height is read from the vernier scale, providing a precise measurement relative to the plane. This setup also makes it easy to transfer the measured height to other features or to scribe lines at that exact height.

A surface gauge, while useful for marking and transferring measurements, does not offer the same direct, easily read vertical height from a fixed plane as a height gauge does. Calipers measure external and internal dimensions and, at times, depths, but they are not optimized for gauging height against a reference plane. Depth gauges measure how deep a hole or recess is, not how high a feature sits above a surface.