Editing Geiger counter (section)

===Readout===
There are two types of detected radiation readout: [[Counts per minute|counts]] and [[Absorbed dose|radiation dose]].

* The counts display is the simplest, and shows the number of ionizing events detected, displayed either as a count rate, such as "counts per minute" or "counts per second", or as a total number of counts over a set time period (an integrated total). The counts readout is normally used when alpha or beta particles are being detected.
* More complex to achieve is a display of radiation dose rate, displayed in units such as the [[sievert]], which is normally used for measuring gamma or X-ray dose rates. A Geiger–Müller tube can detect the presence of radiation, but not its [[Electronvolt|energy]], which influences the radiation's ionizing effect. Consequently, instruments measuring dose rate require the use of an [[Geiger–Müller tube#Photon energy compensation|energy compensated]] Geiger–Müller tube, so that the dose displayed relates to the counts detected.<ref name="knoll">Glenn F Knoll. ''Radiation Detection and Measurement'', third edition 2000. John Wiley and Sons, {{ISBN|0-471-07338-5}}</ref> The electronics will apply known factors to make this conversion, which is specific to each instrument and is determined by design and calibration.

The readout can be analog or digital, and modern instruments offer serial communications with a host computer or network.

There is usually an option to produce audible [[Clicking noise|clicks]] representing the number of ionization events detected. This is the distinctive sound associated with handheld or portable Geiger counters. The purpose of this is to allow the user to concentrate on manipulation of the instrument while retaining auditory feedback on the radiation rate.