Which tool is typically used to measure surface finish?

The profilometer is the appropriate tool for measuring surface finish because it is specifically designed to evaluate the texture and smoothness of a surface at a microscopic level. It operates by tracing the surface profile and can provide detailed information about roughness, waviness, and overall texture characteristics. This capability is crucial in precision machining, where surface finish directly impacts the performance and functionality of machined parts.

Other measuring tools, such as calipers and micrometers, are primarily intended for measuring linear dimensions, such as length, width, and thickness. While they can provide basic measurements of a part's geometry, they do not offer insights into the intricacies of surface finish. A tape measure is also unsuitable for this purpose, as it is designed for general measuring tasks and cannot assess surface texture. Hence, the profilometer stands out as the specialized instrument needed for accurate surface finish analysis.