For most cars there is a specific routine you need to follow to properly check the transmission fluid level.
Check your owners manual.
For example - to check the transmission level in an allison tranny in a fire truck you have to drive for 10 minutes, set the idle to 1000 RPM and put the transmission in every gear, including reverse, then check the fluid level in neutral.
Most people do not want to spend the time to do it properly.
As was mentioned, you need to warm the transmission up, and putting it in every gear won't hurt.
If you cannot find the instructions, you might try a dealer, or ask this specific question of the board - How do I properly check the transmission fluid for a 2010 C30?
For most of my cars I look at the fluid level when the car is cold. If it looks the same each time, I figure things are OK.
Oh, by the way - some later model cars do not have a transmission dipstick - you cannot conveniently check transmission fluid level! DOH!
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