In a moving coil galvanometer the magnetic field is made radial chiefly so that:

1. The torque on the coil is $\tau = NIAB\sin\theta$ in general. 2. A radial field keeps the plane of the coil always along B, so $\theta = 90^\circ$ and $\sin\theta = 1$. 3. The torque then reduces to $NIAB$, independent of deflection angle. 4. Balancing with $k\phi$ gives $\phi \propto I$, a linear, easily-read scale. _Source: syllabus Physics Ch 4 "Moving Charges and Magnetism", p.159_