New DMMs address specific applications: Service calls go faster if you can measure frequency,...

In contrast to terms that have changed their meanings over the years, multimeter is even more appropriate today than when first coined. In addition to the basic voltage, current, and resistance measurement capabilities, modern digital multimeters (DMMs) may have 10 or more functions.

As shown in the DMM Comparison Chart that accompanies this article, the common functions are autoranging, true rms AC voltage, frequency, capacitance, diode and continuity checking, max/min/avg reading, and temperature via both thermocouples and resistance temperature devices (RTDs). Less