Editing Calibration (section)

{{short description|Check on the accuracy of measurement devices}}
{{Redirect|Zeroing|the U.S. government antidumping duties|Zeroing (trade)|other uses|}}
{{about|assessing the accuracy of a measurement device, like a scale or a ruler|the statistical concept|Calibration (statistics)|the geometry concept|Calibrated geometry}}

In [[measurement]] technology and [[metrology]], '''calibration''' is the comparison of [[measurement]] values delivered by a [[device under test]] with those of a [[Standard (metrology)|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.