Locate the register—you’ll see a row of main numbers plus small dials.
Read left-to-right: record the main digits first (e.g., thousands, hundreds), then each small dial in order (x10, x1, x0.1, x0.01). If the pointer sits between two numbers, always note the lower one.
Combine values to form the full reading (e.g., main: 310, dials: 100 + 10 + 4 + 0.2 = 310,114.2).
Use the sweep hand (if present) for flow verification—any movement indicates water flow, even a small leak.