Abstract: A gravity measuring instrument comprises a housing, a float, and proximity sensing means between the housing and the float. The housing defines a vertically oriented elongated chamber for containing a liquid. The chamber has an upper end and a lower end. The float is elongated and is positioned in the chamber. The float has an upper end and a lower end. A liquid partly fills the chamber and the float is positioned for free floating movement in the liquid in response to gravity variations. A proximity target is on the lower end of the elongated float and a proximity sensor is supported in immovable relation with the housing beneath the lower end of the elongated float. The sensor provides electrical signals representative of distance between the proximity sensor and proximity target. The design avoids large, upwardly facing, horizontal surfaces on the elongated float to reduce the possibility of erroneous gravity readings due to the accumulation of fluid droplets or dust on such surfaces.