what is precision in measurement

Precision in measurement means how close repeated measurements are to each other. It describes consistency or repeatability , not whether the result is close to the true value.

Quick Scoop

If you measure the same thing several times and get very similar results, your measurements are precise. For example, readings like 10.1 cm, 10.1 cm, and 10.2 cm are more precise than 10.1 cm, 9.4 cm, and 10.8 cm.

Precision vs. Accuracy

• Precision = how close the measurements are to each other.

• Accuracy = how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value.

A set of measurements can be:

• Precise but not accurate.
• Accurate but not precise.
• Both precise and accurate.

Simple Example

Imagine throwing darts:

• A tight cluster of darts means high precision.
• Hitting the bullseye means high accuracy.

In Science

Precision is often linked to random error : the less random spread in repeated measurements, the more precise the results.

If you want, I can also give you a one-line definition , a student- friendly example , or a table comparing precision and accuracy.