How does a multimeter measure voltage?

A multimeter measures voltage by evaluating the potential difference between two points in an electrical circuit. This is fundamentally important because voltage represents the energy per unit charge available to drive current through a circuit. To obtain this measurement, the multimeter is connected in parallel with the circuit component across which the voltage is to be measured.

During this process, the multimeter utilizes its internal circuitry to assess the difference in electric potential. The reading indicates how much energy is available to push the charges through the circuit, which is crucial for diagnosing issues, ensuring circuitry operates within safe voltage levels, and performing electrical tests properly. This method of measurement is essential for understanding the behavior of electrical systems and ensures that components perform as expected under various conditions.