Offset

Offset is a term used across disciplines to describe a displacement, shift, or difference relative to a reference point, plane, or baseline. As a noun it denotes the distance or amount of shift; as a verb it means to cause such a shift or to counterbalance.

In geometry and computer-aided design, an offset is a parallel curve or line at a fixed distance from a given feature. Offsetting a polygon expands or contracts its boundary by the offset distance; offset curves are used in toolpath generation and in planning margins.

In printing and typography, offset refers to offset printing, a method in which ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the printing surface. In layout, offsets adjust the placement of text or graphics relative to margins or baselines.

In geography, surveying, and GIS, an offset is a parallel displacement from a line or feature measured perpendicular to it. Offsets are used to lay out utility corridors, construction setbacks, and safety buffers.

In computing, an offset is an address or index that denotes a location relative to a base address. Offsets locate data within memory, files, and data structures and are central to pointer arithmetic and file parsing.

In engineering and automotive contexts, offset describes several concepts, including wheel offset—the distance between the wheel mounting surface and the wheel centerline, which affects track width and handling. Offsets also calibrate sensors by adding or subtracting a known constant.

In finance, offset denotes counterbalancing positions or transactions that reduce net exposure, such as hedges, offsets in accounting, or offsetting trades.