Bubble Level

Spirit level · two vials, both axes

0.0

Waiting for sensor

0.0° Across 0.0° Along 0 mm Worst drop / m
Tap Start to read the sensor

Lay the phone flat with one long edge along the surface you are checking.

How do you use a spirit level?

Lay the phone flat with one long edge along the surface you are checking. Tap Read Both Vials, then wait a second for the reading to settle.

The long vial shows tilt across the phone. The short upright vial at the end shows tilt along it. When both bubbles sit in the middle, the surface is level in both directions.

The large number is whichever direction is further from level, because that is the one to correct first. Across and Along show each direction on its own.

Worst drop converts the larger reading into millimetres of fall over one metre. This is the figure to use when you cut a packer or a shim.

Why does a level need two vials?

One vial measures one direction only. A worktop can be level across its width and still tilt toward you along its depth.

A single reading will not show this. That is why a builder's level has a second vial set at ninety degrees to the first.

Place the phone on the surface rather than holding it. Even a steady hand adds about two tenths of a degree.

If you prefer to watch one bubble instead of two, the 2-Axis Level shows the same information in a single round vial.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a spirit level and a bubble level?

They are two names for the same tool. Spirit refers to the alcohol inside the glass vial. Bubble refers to the air gap you read. On this site the bubble level has one vial and this page has two.

Why do the two bubbles show different readings?

They measure different directions, and both readings can be correct. A surface that is level across its width can still fall along its length.

How do I check that my phone is accurate?

Take a reading, turn the phone 180 degrees in the same spot, then read again. You should get almost the same number in the opposite direction. Any difference comes from the sensor, and Calibrate removes it.

Does it work in landscape?

Yes. The directions follow the screen, so Across always means across the screen as you hold it.

What does drop per metre mean?

It is the height difference over one metre of length. An angle of 0.5° is about 9 mm. An angle of 0.2° is about 3.5 mm.

Can I check a wall with it?

Not on this page, which expects the phone to lie flat. For vertical surfaces, use the Plumb Level.