Instructions

• 1). Turn the multimeter on. Make sure that it is on a DC voltage setting, which is usually indicated by a short line placed above three smaller lines that are side by side.
  
  
• 2). Place the multimeter on the appropriate voltage setting. For example, if you are measuring a AA battery, the setting must be at least 1.5 volts, but if you are measuring a 9-volt battery, the setting must be at least 9 volts.
  
  
• 3). Hold the red probe of the multimeter against the positive terminal or side of the battery, and the black probe on the negative terminal. You may need to use alligator clips to keep the probes from slipping.
  
  
• 4). Record the voltage. If the battery is off by 30% of its rated value, it may need to be replaced.
  
  
• 5). Turn the multimeter off.