Which parameter is not typically measured by a standard multimeter?

• A. Voltage
• B. Capacitance
• C. Current
• D. Resistance

Answer: (B)

A standard digital multimeter is designed to measure basic electrical parameters: voltage, current, and resistance. Measuring capacitance requires a different test method, because capacitance is about how much charge a capacitor can store per volt and how it responds to changing signals. Most basic DMMs don’t include a capacitance function, since they aren’t built to apply the specific test signals or timing measurements needed to determine a capacitor’s value. If you need to measure capacitance, you’d use a meter that has a capacitance range or an LCR meter designed to measure inductance, capacitance, and resistance. In auto diagnostics, you’ll typically rely on voltage checks and resistance/continuity tests; capacitance measurement is less common unless you’re specifically testing a capacitor or an RC circuit with a specialized tool.