# Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Digimatic Caliper vs Starrett 798A-6/150: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Digimatic Caliper (Mitutoyo) and Starrett 798A-6/150 (Starrett) among digital calipers. Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Digimatic Caliper is the cheaper of the two at $207.05.

## Side by side

| Spec | Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Digimatic Caliper | Starrett 798A-6/150 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $207.05 | $341 |
| Brand | Mitutoyo | Starrett |
| Measuring range (in) | 0-6 in / 0-150 mm | 0-6 in / 0-150 mm |
| Resolution (in) | 0.0005 in / 0.01 mm | 0.0005 in / 0.01 mm |
| Accuracy (in) | ±0.001 in / ±0.03 mm | ±0.001 in (0-6 in); ±0.02 mm (0-100 mm); ±0.03 mm (>100-150 mm) |
| Display type | LCD, ABSOLUTE electromagnetic-induction linear encoder with Advanced Onsite Sensor (AOS) | LCD, induction-type linear encoder |
| Material | Hardened stainless steel, 40 mm jaws | Hardened stainless steel frame, plastic case |
| IP rating | — | IP67 |
| Data output | None (-30 suffix = no SPC/data output; Mitutoyo's -32 suffix variant adds output) | None (798A = without output; the 798B-6/150 variant adds RS232/SPC output) |
| Battery type | SR44 button cell (1 pc.), ~3.5 years typical use | 3V lithium button cell, >1 year typical use; auto-off after 30 min |

## Key differences

- Accuracy (in): Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Digimatic Caliper ±0.001 in / ±0.03 mm vs Starrett 798A-6/150 ±0.001 in (0-6 in); ±0.02 mm (0-100 mm); ±0.03 mm (>100-150 mm)
- Display type: Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Digimatic Caliper LCD, ABSOLUTE electromagnetic-induction linear encoder with Advanced Onsite Sensor (AOS) vs Starrett 798A-6/150 LCD, induction-type linear encoder
- Material: Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Digimatic Caliper Hardened stainless steel, 40 mm jaws vs Starrett 798A-6/150 Hardened stainless steel frame, plastic case
- Data output: Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Digimatic Caliper None (-30 suffix = no SPC/data output; Mitutoyo's -32 suffix variant adds output) vs Starrett 798A-6/150 None (798A = without output; the 798B-6/150 variant adds RS232/SPC output)
- Battery type: Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Digimatic Caliper SR44 button cell (1 pc.), ~3.5 years typical use vs Starrett 798A-6/150 3V lithium button cell, >1 year typical use; auto-off after 30 min

## Sources

- Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Digimatic Caliper: https://www.homelectrical.com/0-6-series-500-standard-digimatic-caliper-w-thumb-roller.mit-50019630.1.html (homelectrical.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- Starrett 798A-6/150: https://www.globaltestsupply.com/product/starrett-798a-6-150-electronic-caliper-0-150mm (globaltestsupply.com, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/digital-calipers/mitutoyo-500-196-30-vs-starrett-798a-6-150/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Digimatic Caliper ($207.05) vs Starrett 798A-6/150 ($341) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/digital-calipers/mitutoyo-500-196-30-vs-starrett-798a-6-150/
License: CC BY 4.0.