Conical Measure, Plastic

Quick Answer: A plastic conical measure is a graduated, cone-shaped vessel with a wide mouth and pouring lip, used to measure and pour approximate volumes of liquid. It is common in pharmacy dispensing practice and teaching labs where glass breakage is a concern.

Conical Measure or Measuring Cylinder?

Its cone shape is what separates a conical measure from a cylinder. The wide top makes it easy to pour liquid in and stir, and the narrow lower part spreads small volumes over more height. Because the diameter changes along the height, however, the graduations are unevenly spaced and readings in the upper part are less precise. For closer volumes, use a pentagonal-base PP measuring cylinder.

Compared with the glass conical measure, the plastic version survives being knocked over and is lighter to carry, which matters in pharmacy teaching labs where students measure syrups, vehicles and mixtures many times a session. Glass remains preferable for solvents, hot liquids and oily preparations that cling to plastic.

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Stand the plastic conical measure on a level bench before filling, rather than holding it up to read.
• Keep separate measures for oily and aqueous preparations to avoid residue carry-over.
• Keep aromatic and chlorinated solvents out; they attack most common lab plastics.
• Replace any measure with a cracked lip or worn graduations, since both cause drips and misreadings.

Applications

• Pharmacy practicals: measuring water and vehicles for oral mixtures, suspensions and syrups
• Preparing cleaning or disinfectant solutions where an approximate volume is enough
• Mixing and measuring stains or buffers in biology preparation rooms
• Student measuring exercises that compare conical measures with cylinders

Why Choose LabEquip

Pharmacy colleges and dispensing-practice labs buy conical measures in sets so that each student station has its own. LabEquip lists this item in the Lab Glassware range; to discuss capacities for a practical batch, use our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the graduations on a conical measure unevenly spaced?

The vessel widens toward the top, so each millilitre fills less height near the rim than near the base. The marks therefore crowd together at the top, which makes large volumes harder to read precisely than small ones.

Is a conical measure as accurate as a measuring cylinder?

No. A cylinder has a constant, narrow diameter, so a small reading error changes the volume only slightly. In the wide top of a conical measure the same error represents more liquid. Use a cylinder or pipette when the exact volume matters.

Should I choose a plastic or a glass conical measure?

Plastic suits student use, aqueous liquids and syrups, and anywhere breakage is a risk. Glass suits solvents, oils that cling to plastic, hot liquids and preparations where residues need to be seen and removed easily.

How do I read the volume correctly?

Place the measure on a level surface, bring your eye level with the mark and read the bottom of the curved meniscus for water-based liquids. With viscous syrups, allow time for liquid to drain from the walls when pouring out.

Can the conical measure be sterilised?

If it is polypropylene, as is common, it can generally be autoclaved or wiped with 70 per cent ethanol. Check the item’s rating before autoclaving, and avoid boiling or dry-heat sterilisation, which can distort the plastic.

How should syrups and suspensions be cleaned out?

Rinse with warm water straight after use, before sugars dry on the wall, then wash with detergent and a soft brush and drain it upside down. Suspensions leave sediment in the narrow base, so check that area before the next use.

Last Updated: September 2026