Categories, Markings, and Tolerances of Volumetric Ware

There are four categories of containers used to measure volume volumetric flasks, graduated cylinders, burettes, and pipettes. Of the four, volumetric flasks are used exclusively to measure how much has been put into them. This use is known as to contain. Graduated cylinders and a few pipettes are used to measure how much has been put into them as well as how much they can dispense. The latter measurement is known as to deliver. Burettes and most pipettes are used solely to deliver. 

The term to deliver is based on the concept that when you pour a liquid out of a glass container, some of that liquid will remain on the walls of that container. Because not all of the measured liquid is completely transferred, the material left behind should not be considered part of the delivered sample. Pipettes have two different types of to deliver One which requires you to blow out the remaining liquid, and one that does not. Some volumetric containers are made out of plastic which does not wet like glass. Because these containers drain completely, the to contain is the same as the to deliver. Because some materials (i.e., mercury) do not wet the walls of any container, they should be used with only to contain measuring devices. 

The abbreviations TC and TD are commonly used to denote to contain and to deliver, respectively, in the United States. Old glassware might be labeled with a simple C or D. The ISO (International Standards Organization) uses the 

Style 1 Beaded lip with pouring spout Metric calibration 

Style 2 Top with ground glass stopper English (in.-lb) calibrations 

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