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Accuracy and Precision

The document discusses the difference between accuracy and precision in measurements. Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision describes the consistency of repeated measurements. High precision means results are repeatable but not necessarily accurate, while high accuracy means results are close to the true value but may not be precise. The best measurements have both high accuracy and high precision.

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Hussein Hanoura
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309 views1 page

Accuracy and Precision

The document discusses the difference between accuracy and precision in measurements. Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision describes the consistency of repeated measurements. High precision means results are repeatable but not necessarily accurate, while high accuracy means results are close to the true value but may not be precise. The best measurements have both high accuracy and high precision.

Uploaded by

Hussein Hanoura
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Accuracy and Precision

The difference between accuracy and precision is illustrated below. The bullseye in the target represents the true value of a measurement.

Making a good measurement is a bit like hitting a target, and the chances of a good result that makes sense are greatly increased if you make several attempts.

low accuracy but high precision

Would you rely on a single measurement of the girth of a snake?

Higher accuracy but low precision

High repeatability suggests you have a good result, but if you think that you have discovered a new phenomenon, make sure other scientists reproduce the same observations with their equipment! There are many factors that can cause inaccuracy: Environmental Inferior measuring equipment

High accuracy and high precision


Accuracy is a qualitative term that describes how close the measurements are to the actual (true) value. Precision describes the spread of these measurements when repeated. A measurement that has high precision has good repeatability. To find out more read the Beginners Guide to Measurement www.npl.co.uk/publications/beginners-guide-to-measurement

Poor measuring techniques Even when you are precise and accurate there will still be some uncertainty in your measurements. You can improve accuracy by calibrating your instruments against a standard reference to find errors in the instrumental reading.

www.npl.co.uk

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