Accuracy and Precision
Before we get into the details of measuring and gauging, we want to touch on two important principles: accuracy and precision. Accuracy and precision are related, but distinct principles that complement one another. The differences and the relationship can be understood using a string of shots fired at a target.
Accuracy describes the correctness or trueness of a measure. The following results illustrate two scenarios: an accurate shot versus an inaccurate shot.
Precision describes the repeatability or tightness of the measure. The following results illustrate two scenarios: a precise string of shots and an imprecise string of shots.
When we combine these two parameters, we can see the four scenarios below:
The principles of accuracy and precision apply to manufacturing, measurement, and gauging.
- We want a product to be manufactured as close to the target dimensions as possible, and with the least amount of variation from piece to piece as possible.
- We want instruments to be calibrated such that they give us readings as close to true as possible. We want instruments to have a level of precision that gives us readings that are repeatable.
- We want our gauges to be as close to the true value as possible. We want the tolerance of the manufactured gauge to be as tight as possible to avoid incorrect decisions.
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