oil level changes after sitting which reading is correct

[OffroadOutlaw]

Quick question, I checked my oil a few minutes after shutting off the engine, and the dipstick showed right at full. But when I checked again about 4 hours later, it reads about ½ inch above full.

Which reading is the accurate one? Why does it change like that?

 

[fried.rich_]

The accurate reading is the one you got a few minutes after shutting the engine off because by then the oil has had a chance to drain back down into the pan but before it cools too much. Now the level shows higher later because as the oil cools, it contracts and fully settles, hope that helps in anyway

 

[Kitten.Commndr4]

yep, agree with @fried.rich_ had this issue before, that's oil draining back to the pan. The best practice is to check your oil when the engine is cold or has been off for at least 15-20 minutes. That gives all the oil a chance to get back into the pan for an accurate reading