Health Awareness

Best Digital Thermometer in Pakistan (2026): Types, Prices and How to Use

Digital clinical thermometer for measuring fever

Ask any parent what they reach for first when a child feels warm, and the answer is the same: the thermometer. Touching a forehead is a rough guide at best. A proper reading tells you whether it is a mild temperature, a fever that needs watching, or the point where you should call the doctor.

This guide explains the types of thermometers sold in Pakistan, how to use each one correctly, what the numbers mean, and which models to consider when you buy.

What is a normal temperature?

Normal body temperature is usually around 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, and it varies a little through the day. It is lower in the morning and higher in the evening. A fever is generally a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above. The same number can mean different things depending on age. A fever in a baby under three months old is always a reason to see a doctor.

Types of thermometers

Digital stick thermometer

This is the standard family thermometer. It has a small probe, a screen and a beep. You can use it under the armpit or in the mouth, and in babies, under a doctor’s guidance, in the rectum. Readings take about ten seconds to a minute. It is cheap, accurate and has replaced the old glass-and-mercury kind.

Infrared (non-contact) thermometer

It reads the forehead from a short distance in a second or two. It is handy for a sleeping child or a quick check, and it helps when you want to avoid contact. Accuracy depends on distance, a clean forehead and a room that is not very cold or hot, so repeat the reading if it looks odd.

Old mercury thermometers

These are best avoided. Mercury is toxic if the glass breaks, and digital models are just as accurate. If you still have one, ask your local authority how to dispose of it safely.

How to take a temperature correctly

  • Under the arm (axillary): make sure the skin is dry, place the tip in the centre of the armpit, press the arm firmly against the body and wait for the beep. Armpit readings run a little lower than other methods, so add a small allowance when you think about the number.
  • In the mouth: for older children and adults. Wait fifteen minutes after hot or cold drinks. Place the tip under the tongue and keep the lips closed.
  • On the forehead with an infrared model: follow the distance in the manual, and take the reading when the child is calm and not sweating.
  • Rectal: the most accurate for babies, but it needs the right technique. Ask your paediatrician to show you before trying.

Do not take a temperature right after a bath, exercise, a hot drink or while wrapped in a blanket. Wait about twenty minutes. Clean the tip with an alcohol swab or soap and water before and after each use.

What to look for when you buy

  • A quick, clear beep so you know when the reading is done.
  • A flexible or soft tip, which is more comfortable for children.
  • Last-reading memory, which helps if you are tracking a fever through the night.
  • A clear display, ideally with a backlight for night use.
  • Replaceable battery, and a protective case.
  • Waterproof tip, which makes cleaning easier.
  • Brand and warranty. Buy from a reliable pharmacy rather than a street stall.

Thermometers available at Khasmart

Prices change from time to time, so check the product page for the current price. The figures below were correct when this guide was written.

See the full thermometers range and our devices and surgical section.

Which one should you pick?

  • For most homes, a simple digital stick thermometer is enough. Keep one at home and one in the first aid kit.
  • For a newborn or toddler, a digital stick used under the arm, plus an infrared model for checks during sleep, works well.
  • For clinics and shops, an infrared thermometer saves time and avoids contact.

Common mistakes

  • Using the thermometer straight after a hot drink or bath.
  • Reading it before the beep.
  • Holding the arm loosely so the tip is not in contact with the skin.
  • Ignoring a dead battery that gives low readings.
  • Sharing an unclean thermometer between family members.

When a fever needs a doctor

  • Any fever in a baby under three months.
  • A fever above 39 degrees Celsius, or one that lasts more than three days.
  • Fever with a stiff neck, severe headache, rash, trouble breathing, confusion or repeated vomiting.
  • A child who is very drowsy, will not drink or has a fit.

For more on what to do at home, read our guides on fever in children, dengue symptoms and warning signs and typhoid fever in Pakistan.

Frequently asked questions

Is an armpit reading accurate?

It is reliable for spotting a fever, but it reads a little lower than the mouth or rectum. If it shows 37.5 degrees or higher and the child feels hot, treat it seriously.

How often should I replace the battery?

Most digital thermometers need a new battery every one to two years. Replace it if the display fades or readings look wrong.

Can I use one thermometer for the whole family?

Yes, if you clean it well after each use. Keep a separate one for rectal use if you ever need it.

Why does my thermometer show different numbers each time?

Small differences are normal. Large swings mean the position was off, the probe was not touching the skin, or the battery is low. Take it again after a few minutes.

Order thermometers from Khasmart with delivery across Pakistan.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. It does not include dosage; always follow the directions on the pack or from your doctor.