Gage vs Gauge - which is right?

PQ Systems

Depending on your location, this question can spark quite the debate. Weigh in here and cast your vote for the true spelling!

TBHill

Gauge

This is a slippery slope.

Gage - is usually used as a proper name

Gauge - is a tool used to measure

Definition of gauge 1 a : a measurement (as of linear dimension) according to some standard or system: such as

(1) : the distance between the rails of a railroad

(2) : the size of a shotgun barrel's inner diameter nominally expressed as the number of lead balls each just fitting that diameter required to make a pound

• a 12-gauge shotgun

(3) : the thickness of a thin material (such as sheet metal or plastic film)

(4) : the diameter of a slender object (such as wire or a hypodermic needle)

(5) : the fineness of a knitted fabric expressed by the number of loops per unit width

b : dimensions, size

c : measure 1

• surveys are a gauge of public sentiment

2 : an instrument for or a means of measuring or testing: such as

a : an instrument for measuring a dimension or for testing mechanical accuracy

b : an instrument with a graduated (see 3graduate 2a) scale or dial for measuring or indicating quantity

3 : relative position of a ship with reference to another ship and the wind

4 : a function introduced into a field equation to produce a convenient form of the equation but having no observable physical consequences

Definition of gage

1 : a token of defiance; specifically : a glove or cap cast on the ground to be taken up by an opponent as a pledge of combat

2 : something deposited as a pledge of performance

3 : a proper name

Jstanage

Gage

So I look at it this way if you are having something measured you are gauging something but if you are talking about the tool it self I use Gage.

Just my 2 cents

TBHill

Gauge

My co-worker is Gage, and I asked him to use the Gauge in the drawer to measure a part.