The standard in polarimetry is to use a 10 cm pathlength which is approximately 25 mL in our sample cell. However, because it is not always feasible to have this large a sample volume, you can accurately take readings with sample heights lower than 10 cm.

To remain within the ±1° accuracy of the device, keep sample heights between 2 cm (~5 mL) and 10 cm (~ 25 mL). Outside this region, there can be deviations in the light path which will decrease the accuracy of the detector.