Dictionary · Uncertainty
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.
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Measurement uncertainty
A non-negative parameter characterizing the dispersion of the quantity values being attributed to a measurand, based on the information used — the quantitative expression of doubt about a result.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.26
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
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
Definitional uncertainty
The component of uncertainty resulting from the finite detail in the definition of the measurand itself — the floor below which no better procedure can go without redefining the quantity.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.27
Target measurement uncertainty
An uncertainty specified in advance as an upper limit, decided from the intended use of the result.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.34
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.
GUM (JCGM 100:2008) 4.3.9