Four measurement principles based on the theory of fluctuation in the regular transmittance through a dispersion of large cylindrical particles are presented. The principles concern the measurement of particle concentration, particle length classes, particle length, and particle width. In previous publications, the measurement principles were briefly presented. A more complete description, experimental demon strations, and a number of considerations needed to understand the region of validity of the different principles, as well as their uncertainty, are presented. A recently published simulation model [Appl. Opt. 47, 993 (2008)] is used. The basic ideas of the measurement principles within their respective regions of validity are supported.