Comparison of a measurement standard or instrument of known accuracy with another standard or instrument to detect, correlate, report, or eliminate by adjustment any variation in the accuracy of the item being compared with the standard traceable to a recognized national standard.
In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device under test with those of a calibration standard 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 voltage, a sound tone, or a physical artifact, such as a meter ruler.
The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following:
- no significant error being noted on the device under test
- a significant error being noted but no adjustment made
- an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable level
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.
English
Etymology
From calibrate + -ion.
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈkæl.ɪˈbɹeɪ.ʃən/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈkæl.əˈbɹeɪ.ʃən/
- (General Australian) IPA(key): /ˈkæl.əˈbɹæɪ.ʃən/
- Rhymes: -eɪʃən
Noun
calibration (countable and uncountable, plural calibrations)
- The act of calibrating something.
Derived terms
Related terms
- calibre
- calibrate
