Dictionary · Uncertainty
Triangular distribution
A probability distribution rising linearly to a peak midway between limits ±a. Used when values near the centre are more likely; its standard uncertainty is a/√6.
Related terms
More from Uncertainty
Coverage interval
The interval containing the set of true quantity values of a measurand with a stated probability, based on available information — unlike a classical confidence interval, not necessarily centred on the measured value.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.36
Input quantity in a measurement model
A quantity that must be measured, or whose value can be otherwise obtained, to calculate a measured value of the measurand.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.50
Uncertainty budget
A statement of a measurement uncertainty, its components, and their calculation and combination — usually tabulated with each source, evaluation type, distribution, standard uncertainty, sensitivity coefficient, and contribution.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.33
Expanded measurement uncertainty
The product of a combined standard uncertainty and a coverage factor greater than one: U = k·u꜀. With k = 2 the coverage probability is about 95 % for a normal distribution.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.35
Type B evaluation of measurement uncertainty
Evaluation of a component of uncertainty by means other than statistical analysis of current measurements — calibration certificates, specifications, handbook data, assumed distributions.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.29
Monte Carlo method (uncertainty)
Propagation of probability distributions through a measurement model by repeated random sampling, per JCGM 101:2008. Preferred when the model is strongly non-linear or distributions are non-normal.
JCGM 101:2008