præcision

Præcision is the degree to which repeated measurements or descriptions yield similar results. In Danish and other languages the term expresses exactness and reliability in data, observations, and technical work. It is closely related to the English term precision and to the broader notion of measurement quality in metrology, science, and engineering.

Precision is not the same as accuracy. A result can be precise—its repeated measurements cluster closely together—without being accurate, meaning far from the true value. Conversely, a single measurement can be accurate without being precise if it is not reproducible.

In measurement and statistics, precision reflects the variability of results. Instrument resolution, inherent randomness, and observer consistency limit precision. Improving precision typically involves using higher-quality instruments, proper calibration, standardized procedures, and multiple measurements. In statistics, precision relates to the spread (variance) of an estimator; lower variance yields higher precision, and larger sample sizes reduce standard errors.

In practice, precision is crucial in manufacturing, quality control, and scientific experiments, where tight tolerances and small measurement uncertainty are required. It complements accuracy, which concerns closeness to a target value. In language and documentation, precision also means clarity and exactness of wording and specification.