Unit B: Measurement


Precision describes the reproducibility of a measurement. Different measuring tools have various levels of precision. Precision or consistency of a measurement is determined by the smallest increment on the measuring device being used. When marking the length of a football field, a device with a precision of 0.1 cm is not neededβ€”a field that is off by a centimetre is unlikely to affect the outcome of a game.

How does the precision of a calliper compare to that of a trundle wheel?

Calliper


Trundle Wheel

The calliper will have a greater degree of precision than the trundle wheel since the calliper can measure smaller lengths.