Plug gauges are the limit gauges for a hole and consists of two cylindrical wear-resisting steel plugs whose sizes are made to the limiting values of the hole dimension. The plug made to the lower limit of the hole is known as "GO" gauge, and this will obviously enter any hole which is not smaller than the lower limit allowed. The plug made to the upper limit is known as "NOT-GO" or "NO-GO" gauge, and will not enter any hole which is smaller than the upper limit allowed. GO and NO-GO plugs are arranged at either end of a common handle.
In progressive plug gauges both the "GO" and "NO-GO" gauges are on the same side separated by a small distance. First the GO portion is inserted into the hole. After the full length enters into the hole, further entry will be obstructed by the portion if NO-GO of the hole is within the tolerance limits.