Project Hub /Test & Measurement Instrumentation/Sensors & Signal Measurement Tools/Build a Digital Level with MPU-6050 and Arduino

Intermediate

ARDUINO

₹500 – ₹1,500

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

Build a Digital Level with MPU-6050 and Arduino

Learn how to use the MPU-6050 6-DOF IMU module with an Arduino to create a highly sensitive digital spirit level complete with LED and LCD status readouts.

Originally published on DroneBot Workshop

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Arduino UNO R3 Board (Compatible) – ATmega328P Microcontroller with USB Cable Rs. 999.00
MPU6050 - Triple Axis Accelerometer + Gyroscope Module Rs. 438.00
10pcs 5mm RED Diffused Light Emitting Diodes - LEDs Set Rs. 39.00
10pcs - 220 ohm 1/4 W Resistor Set Rs. 39.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Cable for Arduino Nano (USB 2.0 A to USB 2.0 Mini B) 30cm Rs. 69.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

This list includes a generic resistor set as a placeholder — it is not matched to the exact value or part number this circuit needs. The correct one is specified on the original source page linked above; check it before buying.

We don't carry yet: LCD (generic / unspecified)
Arduino Pro Mini

Browse all components

How It Works

This project creates a functional digital spirit level by combining an Arduino Uno microcontroller with an MPU-6050 inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a 16x2 I2C LCD display. The MPU-6050 contains a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope that constantly measure spatial orientation and tilt angles along multiple axes. The Arduino communicates with this sensor over the I2C protocol, reading the raw motion data and calculating the precise pitch and roll angles of the device. As the physical orientation of the breadboard shifts, the Arduino processes these values and updates the 16x2 LCD screen in real time to display the current numeric angle. Additionally, a set of discrete LEDs (colored green, yellow, and red) connected through protective 220-ohm resistors act as visual status indicators. Depending on whether the device is perfectly level or tilted beyond certain thresholds, the Arduino dynamically toggles these LEDs to provide immediate visual feedback alongside the digital readouts.

Why Build This

Build a practical electronic leveling tool that can be used for carpentry, picture hanging, or construction alignment projects.

Gain hands-on experience programming microcontroller interfaces for motion sensors and external display modules.

Understand how inertial measurement units (IMUs) are applied in real-world robotics and device orientation sensing.

Real-World Application

Digital levels, UAV stabilization, robotic balancing platforms, tilt sensing in construction tools, and orientation detection in mobile devices.

Skills You'll Learn

I2C communication protocol

sensor data processing

LCD interfacing

tilt and orientation sensing

LED status indication

basic circuit wiring

Safety Precautions

No specific precautions noted for this build — always follow general electronics safety practices.

Technology Tags

MPU-6050

IMU

ACCELEROMETER

GYROSCOPE

I2C

LCD DISPLAY

LEDS

ARDUINO

DIGITAL LEVEL

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you will need to install specialized software libraries including Jeff Rowberg's I2Cdevlib and MPU6050 libraries, as well as the LiquidCrystal_I2C library, to properly communicate with the hardware components.

Why are 220-ohm resistors included for the LEDs?

The resistors limit the amount of current flowing through the LEDs from the Arduino digital pins, protecting both the LEDs from burning out and the microcontroller from drawing too much current.

Can I use an Arduino Nano instead of an Arduino Uno for this project?

Yes, an Arduino Nano or Pro Mini can be used interchangeably with the Uno since they share a similar microcontroller architecture and support the necessary I2C communication pins.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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