Graduated cylinders Tolerances

Do not let the designation Class A mean more than it was meant to. Class A can only mean that it is the best tolerance readily available for that specific type of volumetric ware. Class A volumetric ware is not consistent across volumetric ware type. For example, a Class A volumetric pipette does not have the same degree of tolerance as a Class A measuring pipette. Equally, a Class A graduated cylinder does not have the same degree of tolerance as a Class A volumetric flask. See Table 2.6 for a representative cross comparison of Class A tolerances. 

Graduated cylinders are generally not used for high-quality volumetric work. Although they are available in Class A, Class B, and Student Grade, the acceptable tolerance of graduated cylinders is considerably greater than volumetric... 

Because liquids cannot wet plastic walls, plastic cylinders can provide constant volume for both to deliver and to contain. However, they are only accurate to Class B tolerances and susceptible to chemical attack from organic solvents. Regardless of the quality, or construction design, graduated cylinders have no calibration lines at the section closest to the base because when the body is fused onto the base, the overall shape of the tube is distorted and accurate calibration on a production basis is not possible. This feature is equally applicable to graduated cylinders that use a plastic press-on foot. 

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