Precision

Definition

Precision refers to the consistency or repeatability of measurements. It indicates how close multiple measurements are to each other, regardless of their accuracy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Precision is different from accuracy; precision focuses on consistency while accuracy focuses on correctness.
2. High precision means that repeated measurements yield very similar results.
3. Precision is often limited by the measuring instrument's smallest division or least count.
4. A set of measurements can be precise but not accurate if they are consistently off from the true value.
5. In significant figures, greater precision is indicated by more digits in a measurement.

Review Questions

• What is the main difference between precision and accuracy?
• How does the least count of a measuring instrument affect its precision?
• Can a set of measurements be precise but not accurate? Explain with an example.

Related terms

Accuracy: The closeness of a measurement to its true or accepted value.

Significant Figures: The digits in a number that carry meaningful information about its precision.

Least Count: The smallest division or interval measurable by an instrument, determining its precision.