Accuracy and Precision
The accuracy of an analytical measurement is how close a result comes to the true value. Determining the accuracy of a measurement usually requires calibration of the analytical method with a known standard.
Precision is the reproducibility of multiple measurements and is usually described by the standard deviation, standard error, or confidence interval.
Illustration of accuracy and precision
Further Information
http://www.scimedia.com/chem-ed/data/acc-prec.htm, updated 10/14/96
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