Glossary

Calibration & Measurement Glossary

Key terms and Definitions used in Calibration and Measurement

Accuracy The closeness of agreement between a measured value and the true value of the measurand.
Calibration The process of comparing an instrument or measurement system against a known standard to determine its accuracy.
Measurement Uncertainty A parameter associated with the result of a measurement that characterizes the dispersion of values that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand.
Reference Standard A measurement standard of known accuracy used as a basis for calibration of other instruments.
Traceability The property of a measurement result whereby it can be related to a reference through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations.
Tolerance The permissible limit of variation in a measurement, usually specified by standards or customer requirements.
Metrological Traceability The ability to relate individual measurement results back to national or international standards, ensuring reliability of calibration.
Uncertainty Budget A detailed accounting of all known sources of uncertainty in a measurement process.
Set-up / Procedure The defined method or configuration used to perform calibration or measurement accurately.