A measuring cylinder
When you read a scale on the side of a container with a meniscus, such as a graduated cylinder or volumetric flask, it's important that the measurement accounts for the ... For mercury, take the measurement from the top of the meniscus. ...
A graduated cylinder would work.
Read the level of the liquid at the mark on the cylinder.
You should read a graduated cylinder at eye level. See the related link for rules regarding menisci.
I think you are talking about a graduated cylinder. When measuring liquids in a grad. cylinder you should read at the bottom of the miniscus ( the curved surface of the water or other liquid).
You should always measure the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder at the bottom of the meniscus, where the curve of the liquid meets the cylinder's surface. This ensures an accurate reading of the volume contained in the cylinder.
Of a solid, measuring the quantity of fluid displaced by the object should suffice. Of a liquid, measuring its volume with a measuring cylinder or similar. Of a gas, measuring its mass or volume under conditions of standardized temperature and pressure
Level with the bottom of the fluid's meniscus
4 Cylinder should be 1-3-2-4
The upper surface of the liquid in a graduated cylinder is called the meniscus. It appears curved due to surface tension, and the measurement should be read at the bottom of the meniscus for an accurate volume reading.
You should keep a mercury thermometer under your tongue for 3-4 minutes to ensure an accurate reading.