Sedimentation potential is measured by attaching electrodes to a glass column filled with the dispersion of interest. A voltmeter is attached to measure the potential generated from the suspension. To account for different geometries of the electrode, the column is typically rotated 180 degrees while measuring the potential. This difference in potential through rotation by 180 degrees is twice the sedimentation potential. The zeta potential can be determined through measurement by sedimentation potential, as the concentration, conductivity of the suspension, density of the particle, and potential difference are known. By rotating the column 180 degrees, drift and geometry differences of the column can be ignored.
When dealing with the case of concentrated systems, the zeta potential can be determined through measurement of the sedimentation potential , from the potential difference relative to the distance between the electrodes. The other parameters represent the following:  the viscosity of the medium;  the bulk conductivity;  the relative permittivity of the medium;  the permittivity of free space;  the density of the particle;  the density of the medium;  is the acceleration due to gravity; and σ is the electrical conductivity of the bulk electrolyte solution.
An improved design cell was developed to determine sedimentation potential, specific conductivity, volume fraction of the solids as well as pH. Two pairs of electrodes are used in this set up, one to measure potential difference and the other for resistance. A flip switch is utilized to avoid polarization of the resistance electrodes and buildup of charge by alternating the current. The pH of the system could be monitored and the electrolyte was drawn into the tube using a vacuum pump.