A measuring device for measuring the finish height of a container is provided. The measuring device includes a base having a first surface for receiving a rim of a container finish, a support member, a gauge, and a counterweight to balance the measuring device on the finish. The support member is movably attached to the base and adjacent the first surface. A side surface of the support element is in engagement with the container finish. The gauge is attached to the base and a gauge actuator of the gauge is operatively associated with the gauge. The gauge actuator measures a vertical distance between the rim of the finish and a bottom end of the container finish as the gauge actuator moves along the bottom end of the container finish.