what does a graduated cylinder measure

A graduated cylinder is a common piece of laboratory equipment used to measure the volume of a liquid. It has a narrow cylindrical shape and comes in different sizes, ranging from 5 mL to more than a liter. Graduated cylinders are generally more accurate and precise than laboratory flasks and beakers, but they should not be used to perform volumetric analysis; volumetric glassware, such as a volumetric flask or volumetric pipette, should be used, as it is even more accurate and precise. Graduated cylinders are sometimes used to measure the volume of a solid indirectly by measuring the displacement of a liquid. To use a graduated cylinder, one should select a cylinder with markings that will not be obscured by the substance being measured, made from a material that is appropriate for the substance being measured, and of an appropriate size. The volume to be measured should fall between the lowest and highest numbered graduations on the cylinder, and the value of the graduations on the cylinder should be determined by subtracting the values of two consecutive labeled graduations. Graduated cylinders measure in milliliters, which is a measure of volume, and the English system equivalent is pints, quarts, and gallons.