Precision vs. Accuracy: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Precision is the consistency of results, while accuracy is the closeness of results to a true or target value.
Key Differences
Precision refers to the consistency and repeatability of measurements or results, without necessarily being close to the true value. Accuracy, in contrast, indicates how close a measurement is to the actual or true value.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
In precision, multiple measurements yield results that are very close to each other. In accuracy, the measurements, whether consistent or not, are close to a specific target or true value.
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Nov 18, 2023
A high level of precision in measurements does not guarantee their accuracy. Accurate measurements can sometimes lack precision if they are not consistently repeatable.
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Nov 18, 2023
To achieve precision, control over the measurement process and consistency is key. To ensure accuracy, calibration against a standard or known value is essential.
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Nov 18, 2023
In various fields like science and engineering, precision is crucial for reliable and repeatable results. Accuracy is equally important in these fields to ensure that results reflect true values.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Consistency of results among repeated measurements
Closeness of a measurement to the true or target value
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Nov 18, 2023
Example
Hitting the same spot repeatedly, regardless of its relation to the target
Hitting the intended target, even if not consistently
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Nov 18, 2023
Significance
Important for quality control and reliability
Essential for validity and correctness of results
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Nov 18, 2023
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Precision and Accuracy Definitions
Precision
The repeatability of measurements.
The precision of the lab equipment was evident in the consistent test results.
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Nov 16, 2023
Accuracy
Precision in hitting a target or achieving a goal.
Her accuracy in archery won her the championship.
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Nov 16, 2023
Precision
Consistency in output or performance.
The watchmaker's precision in crafting timepieces is remarkable.
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Nov 16, 2023
Accuracy
Faithfulness to an original or a fact.
The translator maintained the accuracy of the original text.
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Precision
Accuracy of expression or detail.
The artist's precision in capturing facial expressions is impressive.
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Accuracy
The correctness or truthfulness of something.
The accuracy of his historical novel was praised by scholars.
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Precision
Exactness in measurement or detailing.
Precision in architectural drawings is crucial for successful construction.
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Nov 16, 2023
Accuracy
Conformity to a standard or truth.
The GPS system's accuracy is vital for navigation.
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Precision
The degree of refinement in a process or instrument.
The new microscope offered greater precision in observing tiny cells.
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Accuracy
Exactness in representing something.
The accuracy of the scale is essential for baking precise recipes.
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Precision
The number of significant digits to which a value has been reliably measured.
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Oct 19, 2023
Accuracy
The ability of a measurement to match the actual value of the quantity being measured.
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Oct 19, 2023
Precision
Used or intended for accurate or exact measurement
A precision tool.
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Oct 19, 2023
Accuracy
The state of being accurate; being free from error; exactness; correctness
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Oct 19, 2023
Precision
Made so as to vary minimally from a set standard
Precision components.
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Oct 19, 2023
Accuracy
Exact conformity to truth, or to a rule or model; degree of conformity of a measure to a true or standard value.
The jury doubted the accuracy of the witness' comments.
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Oct 19, 2023
Accuracy
The state of being accurate; freedom from mistakes, this exemption arising from carefulness; exact conformity to truth, or to a rule or model; precision; exactness; nicety; correctness; as, the value of testimony depends on its accuracy.
The professed end [of logic] is to teach men to think, to judge, and to reason, with precision and accuracy.
The accuracy with which the piston fits the sides.
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Oct 19, 2023
Accuracy
The quality of nearness to the truth or the true value;
He was beginning to doubt the accuracy of his compass
The lawyer questioned the truth of my account
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Oct 19, 2023
Accuracy
(mathematics) the number of significant figures given in a number;
The atomic clock enabled scientists to measure time with much greater accuracy
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Oct 19, 2023
Precision
(mathematics) The number of significant digits to which a value may be measured reliably.
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Oct 19, 2023
Precision
(bridge) A bidding system that makes use of many artificial bids to describe a hand quite precisely.
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Oct 19, 2023
Precision
The quality or state of being precise; exact limitation; exactness; accuracy; strict conformity to a rule or a standard; definiteness.
I have left out the utmost precisions of fractions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Precision
The quality of being reproducible in amount or performance;
He handled it with the preciseness of an automaton
Note the meticulous precision of his measurements
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a measurement be precise but not accurate?
Yes, measurements can be consistently close together but far from the true value.
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Nov 18, 2023
Why is Precision important?
Precision is crucial for reliability and quality control in processes.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is Precision?
Precision is the consistency and repeatability of measurements.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is Accuracy?
Accuracy is how close a measurement is to a true or target value.
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Nov 18, 2023
How is Precision measured?
Precision is often measured by the spread or variation in repeated measurements.
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Nov 18, 2023
How is Accuracy measured?
Accuracy is measured by comparing results to a known standard or true value.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can a measurement be accurate but not precise?
Yes, a measurement can be close to the true value but not consistently repeatable.
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Nov 18, 2023
How do you improve Precision?
Improving precision involves enhancing consistency and control in the measurement process.
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Nov 18, 2023
How do you ensure Accuracy?
Ensuring accuracy typically requires calibration and comparison with a known standard.
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Nov 18, 2023
What factors affect Accuracy?
Calibration errors, instrument quality, and user knowledge can impact accuracy.
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Nov 18, 2023
In which fields are Precision and Accuracy critical?
Both are critical in fields like science, engineering, medicine, and manufacturing.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is an example of Accuracy in everyday life?
A kitchen scale showing the correct weight of ingredients is an example of accuracy.
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Nov 18, 2023
Are Precision and Accuracy the same in scientific contexts?
No, they have distinct meanings and roles in scientific measurements.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can a tool be both precise and accurate?
Yes, a tool can be both if it consistently delivers results close to the true value.
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Nov 18, 2023
What factors affect Precision?
Factors like instrument quality, user skill, and environmental conditions can affect precision.
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Nov 18, 2023
Why is Accuracy important?
Accuracy ensures the validity and correctness of results.
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Nov 18, 2023
How do you report Precision in data?
Precision in data is often reported as a range or standard deviation.
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Nov 18, 2023
How do you report Accuracy in data?
Accuracy is typically reported as a percentage or degree of error from a standard.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is an example of Precision in everyday life?
An example is a clock that consistently shows the same time when checked repeatedly.
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Nov 18, 2023
Do Precision and Accuracy always go hand in hand?
Not always; a measurement can be one without necessarily being the other.
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Nov 18, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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