A thin metal strip, of various cross-sectional shapes, having graduations on one end and a handle on the opposite end. It is designed to be inserted into an engine, pump, or compressor crankcase, transmission, gearcase, fuel tank, or the like, to determine the level of the liquid. For a gage rod with an integral cap, or breather, see gage rod-cap, liquid level, and gage rod-breather, liquid level. For items designed to measure the liquid level of bulk petroleum tanks, see gage stick, petroleum.