How to Use a Dumpy Level

A dumpy level, also known as an automatic level or builder’s level, is a tool designed to find the height of land masses. Though these devices may look intimidating or confusing, dumpy levels are fairly easy to use once you know how to set them up and what kinds of measurements they provide.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Setting up Your Level

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1
Find a benchmark location near the spot you want to measure. A benchmark location is a spot that you already know the height of thanks to previous land surveys. In order to get the most accurate data out of your dumpy level, you’ll need to search online and find a benchmark location located close to the spot you want to measure.
- You can look up benchmark locations by visiting sites like https://www.geocaching.com/mark/.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If you can’t find a benchmark location, you can measure from a distinct land feature, such as a large tree or building, instead.
2
Set your tripod up near the spot you want to measure. Place your tripod on a patch of flat, clear ground that sits between your benchmark location and the spot you want to measure. Then, undo the latches on your tripod’s legs and extend each leg out. Adjust the legs until your tripod is completely level, then close each latch.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Almost all tripods come with a built-in bubble level. You can use this to assess whether or not the tripod is level.
- To measure the area properly, make sure you set up in a spot that’s slightly higher than your benchmark location.
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3
Connect your device to the tripod and position it over 2 leveling screws. Screw your dumpy level onto the tripod’s base plate, then connect the base plate to the main tripod body. Once the instrument is securely attached, turn the dumpy level’s telescope so that it sits parallel with 2 of the device’s leveling screws.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If the dumpy level wobbles when tapped, tighten the leveling screws to better secure the device.
4
Level the device by adjusting the 2 leveling screws. Look for a traditional bubble level located somewhere on your device. When you find it, grab the 2 leveling screws that are parallel to the device’s telescope and twist them in opposite directions. Do this until the bubble sits in the exact center of the level.
- For the best results, turn the screws with an even amount of force and pressure.
- You’ll typically find the bubble level either on top of or below the device’s telescope.
5
Turn your telescope 90 degrees and adjust the third leveling screw. After adjusting your first 2 leveling screws, turn your telescope approximately 90 degrees so that it sits parallel to the device’s third leveling screw. Then, adjust this screw until the bubble once again sits in the center of the level.
- Vintage dumpy levels often have 4 leveling screws instead of 3. If this is the case for your device, adjust the second pair of screws just like you adjusted the first pair.
6
Check your level’s calibration by turning it 180 degrees. After making your initial leveling adjustments, return your telescope to its starting position and check that the bubble still sits in the center of the level. If it does, turn the telescope 180 degrees and check the level again. You can focus the device once all 3 positions show the bubble in the center of the level.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If the bubble is not centered in any of the 3 positions, repeat the leveling process until it is.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Focusing Your Level

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1
Remove your dumpy level’s lens cap. The lens cap protects your device’s lens from unwanted dirt, grime, and debris. To avoid damaging your instrument, leave the lens cap on until you’re ready to use the device.^{[5]XResearch source}
- If your lens is dirty, wipe it down with a pre-moistened lens wipe. You can find these at most camera stores and a number of big-box stores.
2
Adjust the eyepiece until you can see the device’s crosshairs. Place a sheet of paper or a similar object directly in front of your device’s lens to occupy its entire field of vision. Then, turn the eyepiece’s focusing knob until you can clearly see the dumpy level’s crosshairs.
- When finished, your crosshairs should appear dark, sharp, and easily noticeable.
3
Twist the device’s focusing knob until the image is clear. Once you can see the crosshairs, point your device’s telescope toward your benchmark spot. Look for a large, distinct object in the area, such as a tree or hilltop, then twist your device’s primary focusing knob until the object comes into focus.^{[6]XResearch source}
- If you’re having trouble focusing, ask a friend or colleague to hold an E staff near the benchmark spot. This metered measuring stick will give you an easy object to focus on.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Taking a Measurement

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1
Position an E staff on top of your benchmark spot. If necessary, purchase an E staff online or from a survey equipment shop. Then, have a friend or colleague hold the staff on top of your benchmark spot.^{[7]XResearch source}
- For the most accurate measurements, have your friend rock the staff forwards and backwards and record the lowest number you read.
- Most E staffs collapse to save space, so make sure you extend your staff before taking any measurements.
- Use a fiberglass staff instead of a metal version if you’re taking measurements in an area beneath power lines.
2
Find the height difference between your level and the benchmark spot. Look through your dumpy level’s telescope and locate the E staff. Then, record the measurement indicated by your device’s center, horizontal crosshair.^{[8]XResearch source}
- This measurement is known as your backsight.
- Each numbered section of your staff represents 10 cm (3.9 in). Within these sections, every block indicates 1 cm (0.39 in) and every E indicates 5 cm (2.0 in).
3
Calculate your level’s actual height using the benchmark height. Once you have your backsight measurement, add it to your benchmark location's actual height. This will give you the current height of your dumpy level’s telescope.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Record this measurement so you can use it to find the height of your next spot.
4
Find the height difference between your level and the unmeasured spot. Move your E staff so it sits directly on top of the spot you want to measure. Use your device’s telescope to find the staff, then record whatever number the device’s center, horizontal cross hair sits over.^{[10]XResearch source}
- This measurement is known as your foresight.
- If necessary, adjust your eyepiece’s focusing knob until you can see the staff.
- If the spot is too high or far away for you to measure, move your staff to a lower, closer spot first. Find the height of this new spot, then move your dumpy level to it and restart the measuring process.
5
Calculate the spot’s actual height using your level’s height. Unlike with your previous calculation, you’ll need to subtract your foresight measurement from your dumpy level’s actual height. This will give you the height of the spot you measured.
- When your record this height, make sure to include a thorough description or diagram of the spot you measured. That way, if you return to the area, you’ll be able to find the measured spot easily.

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Question
Where is a dumpy level used?
Community Answer
It can be used in archaeology to measure the height above sea level of archaeological features, so they can be accurately recorded on plans.
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Question
How do I get a benchmark on the ground when using a dumpy level?
Community Answer
Benchmark information is usually written on the monuments supplied by the area you are surveying in.
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What is the formula to calculate height using a dumpy level?
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The formula to calculate height using a dumpy level is: Benchmark height + backsight measurement - foresight measurement.
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