A convenient and practical meter reading rod comprises a probe, a conductive wire, a telescoping pull bar, a display screen and a lighting device. The upper portion of the telescoping pull bar is provided with the probe. The display screen is installed at the lower end portion of the telescoping pull bar. The probe is connected with the display screen through the conductive wire. The probe is also provided with the lighting device which provides illumination in dark conditions. The lighting device is specifically an LED illuminating lamp. In usage, the telescoping pull bar is pulled according to needs of meter height positions; the probe is aligned with digital screens such as an ammeter or a gas meter; the conductive is then connected, so that digits of a detected meter can be displayed on the display screen; when light is insufficient, meter reading personnel can illuminate an electric meter through turning on the lighting device to enable meter reading work to be normally carried out.