Graduated and Volumetric Pipettes: Uses and How to Use It
Graduated and Volumetric Pipettes: Uses and How to Use It
A graduated pipette is a long graduated glass tube for transferring any volume within its range, e.g. 0–10 mL. A volumetric (bulb) pipette has a bulb in the middle and a single mark, so it delivers one volume only but more accurately. Both are filled with a pipette filler bulb, never by mouth.
What is a graduated or volumetric pipette used for?
- Transferring accurate volumes for analysis and dilution.
- Volumetric pipette: taking exact aliquots (e.g. 10.00 mL) for titration.
- Graduated pipette: adding varying volumes, e.g. 2.5 mL then 3.7 mL.
Parts of a graduated or volumetric pipette
- 1Graduated pipette scale – lines every 0.1 mL on a 10 mL pipette
- 2Volumetric pipette mark – a single ring on the upper stem
- 3Volumetric pipette bulb – holds most of the volume
How to use a graduated or volumetric pipette
Always use a filler, never your mouth
Fit a pipette filler bulb to the top of the pipette. Mouth pipetting is dangerous because solutions can be swallowed or vapours inhaled.
Draw above the mark, lower exactly to it
Dip the tip into the solution, draw the liquid slightly above the mark, then let it down slowly until the bottom of the meniscus sits on the mark. Read at eye level.
Deliver with the tip touching the wall
Move the pipette to the receiving vessel, touch the tip against the tilted wall and let the liquid drain (1). Hold for about 15 seconds after the flow stops.
Do not blow out the last drop
Volumetric pipettes are calibrated to leave a small amount in the tip. Do not blow it out unless the pipette is marked 'blow-out'.
Common mistakes
- Mouth pipetting.
- Lifting the pipette out while still drawing up: air enters and liquid splashes into the filler.
- Not rinsing the pipette with the solution to be measured: residual water dilutes it.
Care and safety
- Rinse straight after use and store in a pipette rack.
- Do not let liquid enter the filler; if it does, clean and dry the valves.
Types and sizes
Graduated pipettes commonly come in 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 mL; volumetric pipettes in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 mL. Microlitre volumes call for a micropipette. Class A is the most accurate and used for quantitative analysis.
Graduated and Volumetric Pipettes at AMI Scientific
Examples of graduated or volumetric pipette available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a graduated and a volumetric pipette?
A graduated pipette can deliver any volume within its range; a volumetric pipette delivers one volume only but more accurately.
What is a pipette filler for?
A pipette filler (three-valve rubber bulb) draws up and releases liquid safely, replacing mouth pipetting.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a graduated or volumetric pipette for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
PA 7100 Volumetric Pipette, Class A, Amber Graduation, Color Code, Blow Out Iwaki
From Rp67.000