A graduated cylinder is a common laboratory instrument used to measure the volume of liquids accurately. It is typically made of glass or plastic and features a tall, narrow shape with markings along the side. These markings indicate the volume of liquid in milliliters (mL) or liters (L), allowing for precise measurements. Graduated cylinders come in various sizes, ranging from 10 mL to 2000 mL or more. They are preferred over beakers for measuring liquids because of their accuracy and ease of reading. Proper use involves placing the cylinder on a flat surface and reading the measurement at the bottom of the liquid's meniscus.