Dumpy level and auto level are two different leveling instruments used in surveying. To choose between these two instruments a surveyor must know the differences between them. The main differences between the dumpy level and the auto-level are given below.
| Dumpy Level | Auto Level | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | In the dumpy level survey, staff reading need to be adjusted as inverted level staff reading is seen in the eyepiece. | In the auto level, no adjustment for staff reading is required as the actual reading is seen from the eyepiece. |
| 2 | In the dumpy level, to level the bubble, one has to keep the bubble parallel to two leveling screws and then right angle to the third screw. | In the auto level, the bubble can be adjusted from any side and any angle with any 3 screws available. |
| 3 | The line of sight is manually adjusted in the dumpy level. | The auto level has an internal compensator mechanism which automatically adjusts the line of sight. |
| 4 | It is difficult to make an accurate measurement with the dumpy level. | The measurement accuracy of the auto level is higher than the dumpy level. |