What's the difference between accuracy and precision?
Alicia Raeburn
May 4th, 2022 • 4 min read
Summary
Accuracy and precision are both ways to measure results. Accuracy measures how close results are to the true or known value. Precision, on the other hand, measures how close results are to one another. They’re both useful ways to track and report on project results.
What is the difference between accuracy and precision?
Accuracy and precision are both forms of measurement that define how close you are to hitting a target or achieving a goal. Accuracy evaluates how close you are to the true value of the measurement, while precision shows how close the measured values are to one another.
What is precision?
Precision measures how close your results are to one another. While accuracy can be used in one instance, precision will be measured over time. This is because precision requires repeatability to determine the degree of closeness between each set of measurements. High precision is when your results are similar to each other, while low precision is when they’re all over the map. Measuring precision is helpful in two scenarios:
How do you track and measure accuracy and precision?
When it comes to a measurement system, you’ll want something that’s easy to manage and accurate. A project management software with universal reporting can help you track—and react to—results in real-time. For example, if you notice consistent results (precise) moving away from your target goal (inaccurate), you may have a systematic error that needs correction. When it comes to a measurement system, you’ll want something that’s easy to manage and accurate. A project management software with universal reporting can help you track—and react to—results in real-time. For example, if you notice consistent results (precise) moving away from your target goal (inaccurate), you may have a systematic error that needs correction.
