Metrological traceability
Connect a result to a reference through documented calibrations.
Key knowledge
A traceable measurement result is connected to a stated reference by an unbroken documented calibration chain, with uncertainty contributions accounted for at each step.
Conditions and scope
- Traceability is a property of a measurement result, not merely an instrument label.
- Traceability alone does not guarantee uncertainty small enough for the intended use.
Sources · 4
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
- International vocabulary of metrology, third edition (2012)Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM)Reference guide · PDF
- Metrological Traceability: Frequently Asked Questions and NIST Policy (TN2156, 2021)Antonio Possolo, Sally S. Bruce and Robert L. Watters Jr. / NISTReference guide
- International Vocabulary of Metrology, 3rd edition: 2.41Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology — JCGM 200:2012Reference guide
- Vocabulário Internacional de Metrologia · VIM 2012Inmetro and Instituto Português da QualidadeReference guide · PDF
Evidence and review
VIM 2.41 and NIST TN2156 policy 3.2, items 1 and 5.
2026-10-10 · Definition, result-specific chain and fitness-for-purpose limitation only; no actual result's traceability is certified here.
Foundational review
2026-10-10 · Fresh primary-source inspection of the complete compact record, including every statement, equation, quantity and material condition, followed by independent AI editorial review. This check does not certify all linked lessons or every passage of every cited publication.
Sources from other places
Agreement within this scope
A result is traceable through a documented calibration chain with uncertainty contributions.
Traceability belongs to the result and does not by itself guarantee suitable uncertainty or fitness for use.
Inmetro and Instituto Português da Qualidade
- Vocabulário Internacional de Metrologia · VIM 2012 Brazil and PortugalPortugueseShared standard
2.41 Metrological traceability and notes, printed pp28–29
- Vocabulário Internacional de Metrologia · VIM 2012
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- measurement-traceability
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- Essential core · first collection · University core expansion