The continuous iteration of the manufacturing and measurement process is the key to improving product performance. The current shortage of high-end measuring instruments has restricted the development of high-end manufacturing technology in China. Geometric measurement instrument is the basis of manufacturing traceability. Taking the step gauge calibration device developed as an example, this paper introduces the specific applications of Abbe principle, minimum deformation principle and shortest measuring chain principle for high-end length measuring instruments design, so as to provide technical reference for the development of high-end length measuring instruments and promote the improvement of China's independent development ability of high-end instruments.