Abstract: A measuring and/or tracing device is of the kind having a vertical column, a transverse sliding unit secured to the column and movable in a vertical direction, a cross arm held by said unit and movable horizontally, a holder on the end of the said cross arm for a measuring and/or tracing tool, and a counterweight to balance the transverse sliding unit, said counterweight being disposed inside the column so that it can move freely and being attached to the transverse sliding unit by a cable passing over a guide roller at the upper end of the column.