What Is The Difference Between Accuracy And Precision

Learn the key difference between accuracy and precision in scientific measurement. Understand how a result can be precise but not accurate, and vice versa.

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Defining Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value. Precision refers to how close multiple measurements of the same item are to each other. In short, accuracy is about correctness, while precision is about consistency.

Example: The Dartboard Analogy

Imagine throwing darts at a dartboard. If your darts are all clustered tightly together but are far from the bullseye, your throws are precise but not accurate. If your darts are spread out but their average position is the bullseye, they are accurate but not precise. Hitting the bullseye consistently shows both high accuracy and high precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a measurement be accurate but not precise?
Why are both accuracy and precision important in science?