An improved gauge for determining the distance between a plane and a point includes a contact probe allowed to rotate within a support frame and coupled to a rotary sensor. When released, force provided by an energizing device urges the probe from the start position, normal to the start plane, to the measured point. As the contact probe moves toward and makes contact with the measured point, output from the rotary sensor is translated through a microprocessor and interpreted through an equation as a normal distance from the start point to the contact surface of the probe. The resultant of the equation is displayed onto a digital readout. The digital readout features a touchpad interface which allows the user to control measurement units, power controls and default start points. In addition to individual readouts, this apparatus may be applied to a multi-readout embodiment which displays the outputs from multiple devices on a single output display.