Calibration

In <a href="/facts/Measurement/rsLLbn1s">measurement</a> technology and <a href="/facts/Metrology/HC0MmLdb">metrology</a>, calibration is the comparison of <a href="/facts/Measurement/rsLLbn1s">measurement</a> values delivered by a <a href="/facts/Device_under_test/TTNCRQXm">device under test</a> with those of a <a href="/facts/Standard_(metrology)/QbduWSaQ">calibration standard</a> of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known accuracy, a device generating the quantity to be measured such as a <a href="/facts/Voltage/EN2po6N2">voltage</a>, a <a href="/facts/Sound/DlKXlPuF">sound</a> tone, or a physical artifact, such as a <a href="/facts/Meter/hPhzc1CV">meter</a> ruler.
The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following:

<ul><li>no significant error being noted on the device under test</li>
<li>a significant error being noted but no adjustment made</li>
<li>an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable level</li></ul>
Strictly speaking, the term "calibration" means just the act of comparison and does not include any subsequent adjustment.
The calibration standard is normally traceable to a national or international standard held by a metrology body.

Calibration open-in-new

Calibration