Science explained

Accuracy, precision and measurement uncertainty

A measurement can be repeatable without being close to the true value, and every real measurement has some uncertainty.

MeasurementUncertainty

Editorial review: August 12, 2026 · Julian E. Marston

Accuracy

Accuracy describes closeness to the accepted or true value.

Precision

Precision describes how closely repeated measurements agree with one another.

Uncertainty

Uncertainty expresses the range within which the measured value is reasonably expected to lie.

Why uncertainty is useful

Reporting uncertainty is not admitting failure; it communicates how much confidence the measurement deserves.

Source trail: NIST: SI units
This page explains scientific concepts for general learning. It does not replace laboratory safety procedures, professional engineering guidance, or individualized medical advice.