HP / Agilent / Keysight · Multimeter · c.1986–c.1997
HP introduced the 3457A in 1986, and the HP Journal called it the first HP multimeter to combine 3½ to 6½ digit resolution, seven functions, extended resolution and optional built-in scanners. The front panel shows 6½ digits. A seventh digit is there too, but you read it over HP-IB, which is why some listings call it a 7½-digit meter. It measures DC and AC volts and amps, resistance, frequency and period, takes more than 1,300 readings a second at 3½ digits, and its best DC accuracy is about 5 ppm over 24 hours. Plug-in cards on the back turn it into a ten-channel scanner, and a high-voltage card lets it measure up to 1,000 V. HP still listed it in its 1997 catalog. One thing matters more than the rest. It keeps its calibration in battery-backed memory, so ask about that battery first.
Options and accessories
Check the listing photos and the rear panel against this list, and ask the seller about anything you can’t see. A missing option or probe should come off the price.
The 3457A keeps its calibration constants in memory backed by an internal lithium battery, so an old meter with a flat battery can lose its calibration. The LCD has no backlight, which is normal, so a hard-to-read screen in the photos isn't a fault by itself.
New to used bench gear? How to check used test equipment covers self-tests, fuses, the voltage selector and shipping, and what “calibrated” means in a listing.
Buying guide
We'd buy kellyjo_13's 3457A titled guaranteed working at $580 delivered, at the bottom of the $575–950 band, from a US test-equipment dealer. There are at least 29 for sale, and US units titled working or power tested start at $467 delivered, while the no-bid auction at $440 will climb. This meter keeps its calibration in battery-backed memory, so ask when the internal lithium battery was last replaced, and ask for the self-test result and a photo of it reading a known voltage next to a trusted meter. If you want scanning, next.day.automation's unit titled with the 44491A relay card asks $775 delivered. Skip the copied Digital DMM with GPIB title that runs at about $944 on several new-looking accounts, and the $3,042 unit at 4.3 times the median.
$440.00est. delivered
The lowest price here, a no-bid auction at $440 delivered, so expect it to climb. The photo shows it powered up and reading next to another bench meter, which is a good sign, but ask about the calibration battery.
hp 3457a digital multimeter
$466.71est. delivered
Titled working at $467 delivered, under the band. The title is the only evidence, so ask for a photo of the self-test result and of it reading a known voltage.
Hewlett Packard (HP) 3457A Digital Multimeter WORKING
$579.87est. delivered
Titled guaranteed working by kellyjo_13, a US test-equipment dealer, at $580 delivered with shipping quoted. Ask when the calibration battery was last replaced.
HP Agilent 3457A 6.5-Digit Benchtop Guaranteed Working DMM
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 14, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Snapshot
Checked . Some may have sold.
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 14, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Used$440.00est. delivered
$400.00 + $40.00 shipping
Auction · no bids yet · ends in 6d 10h
Good buy
No bids yet, so it will climb. Photo shows it reading next to a second meter.
Seller: rontechelectronics
100% positive
Used$466.71est. delivered
$450.00 + $16.71 shipping
Buy It Now$450.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
Titled working. Ask for a photo of it measuring something.
Seller: ad_796554
100% positive
Used$579.87est. delivered
$549.99 + $29.88 shipping
Buy It Now$549.99
Good buy
Titled guaranteed working, from a US test-gear dealer.
Seller: kellyjo_13
100% positive
Used$493.86est. delivered
$399.99 + $93.87 shipping
Buy It Now$399.99
Our take
Titled power tested, which means it switched on. US dealer.
Seller: hollitronic2
99.9% positive
Used$750.00est. delivered
$600.00 + $150.00 shipping
Buy It Now$600.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Photo shows SELF TEST OK. Ships from Taiwan, so check the line setting.
Seller: gvtcom
100% positive
Used$775.00delivered
$775.00 · free shipping
Buy It Now$775.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Titled with the 44491A relay card, which adds scanning. Free shipping.
Seller: next.day.automation
99.9% positive
Used$943.71delivered
$943.71 · free shipping
Buy It Now$943.71
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Check the seller
Copied title seen on several new-looking accounts, and no seller name shown. Check feedback on the item page.
Seller: Seller on eBay
Check feedback on the listing
Used$3,041.83delivered
$3,041.83 · free shipping
Buy It Now$3,041.83
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Priced high
About 4.3 times the median, shipping from China with nothing extra titled.
Seller: allenbradleyllc-usa
100% positive
Prices change daily. The live eBay search shows everything listed now, including anything new since Oct 14, 2026.
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