Laboratory Equipment and Their Uses
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Laboratory equipment guideLaboratory Equipment and Their Uses
Laboratory equipment is the apparatus used to measure, mix, heat, observe and store materials in practical work and analysis. This page summarises the most common chemistry and biology laboratory equipment and their uses, grouped by purpose, with illustrated how-to guides for the main items.
Volume measurement
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Graduated cylinder
Graduated cylinder – measures liquid volume with moderate accuracy.
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Graduated & volumetric pipettes
Graduated & volumetric pipettes – transfers accurate volumes.
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Containers and glassware
Heating and temperature
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Hot plate & magnetic stirrer
Hot plate & magnetic stirrer – heats and stirs solutions.
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Instruments
Support and accessories
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Retort stand & clamp
Retort stand & clamp – holds burettes, funnels and other apparatus.
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How to choose laboratory glassware
- Material: borosilicate glass (e.g. Iwaki, Duran) resists heat and chemicals; PP/PMP plastic is more robust and used for hydrofluoric acid.
- Accuracy class: class A volumetric ware has about half the tolerance of class B and is used for quantitative analysis.
- Size: choose the capacity closest to the volume you measure.
- Volume accuracy order: beaker < graduated cylinder < graduated pipette < burette ≈ volumetric pipette ≈ volumetric flask.
Basic safety rules
- Wear a lab coat, safety glasses and suitable gloves.
- Never pipette by mouth; use a pipette filler.
- Check glassware for cracks before heating.
- Read the SDS of every chemical before use.
- Point heated test tubes away from people.
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic chemistry lab apparatus?
Beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, graduated cylinders, volumetric flasks, droppers, pipettes, burettes, test tubes, thermometers, Bunsen burners, tripods and gauze, retort stands and clamps, funnels, stirring rods, spatulas, watch glasses and balances.
Which volume-measuring equipment is the most accurate?
Class A volumetric pipettes, burettes and volumetric flasks. Graduated cylinders are moderately accurate; beaker and Erlenmeyer marks are approximate.
What is the difference between class A and class B glassware?
Class A has a tighter volume tolerance (about half of class B) and often comes with a certificate, so it is used for quantitative analysis.
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