Difference between accuracy and resolution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of "accuracy" and "resolution" as they pertain to measuring devices in systems like ventilation, heating, and cooling. Participants seek to clarify the distinctions between these terms and their implications for measurement quality.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for an explanation of the difference between accuracy and resolution in measuring devices.
  • Another participant provides a layperson's example comparing two tape measures, indicating that while one has higher resolution, it may be less accurate due to improper use.
  • A third participant defines accuracy as the closeness of a measurement to the actual value and resolution as the smallest detectable increment an instrument can measure or display.
  • A fourth participant describes accuracy in terms of the maximum spread of measurements during successive runs and defines resolution as the smallest units of measurement recognized by the system.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various definitions and examples of accuracy and resolution, but there is no consensus on a singular definition or understanding of these terms.

Contextual Notes

Some definitions provided may depend on specific contexts or applications, and there may be nuances in how accuracy and resolution are interpreted in different measuring systems.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in measurement techniques, calibration processes, or those working with measuring devices in technical fields.

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I have a few questions regarding measuring devices in systems such as ventilation, heating, cooling etc. When calibrating these I come across the terms "accuracy" and "resolution" (directly translated from norwegian). I a bit confused about the difference of these. Can someone explain this to me...?
 
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A layperson's answer - might not be as formal as someone in the industry:

I have two tape measures A and B, A measures down to 1/8th inch increments, while B measures down to 1/32 inch increments. B has higher resolution.

B has a little hook on the end on a slidey bit with a rivet (it took me a long time to figure out what that was for). Anyway, the slidey bit allows for too much play when I measure; it can slide around by as much as 1/16th of an inch.


Ironically, while tape measure B has higher resolution, if I don't use it correctly, it is actually less accurate.
 
Just to echo what Dave mentioned:

Accuracy: The closeness of a measurement to the actual value being measured.

Resolution: The smallest detectable increment that an instrument will measure/display to.
 
Accuracy: accuracy is the maximum spread in measurements made of slide movements during successive runs at a number of target points
Resolution: Resolution refers to the smallest units of measurement that the system can recognize.
 

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