Engineering English
Calibration
Quality, Testing & Inspection · Electronics Engineering · Engineering Fundamentals · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: The operation of comparing the indication of a measuring instrument with a standard of known accuracy and recording the differences found. It establishes what the instrument reads rather than automatically adjusting it.
Example in context
“Calibration of the torque wrench showed a consistent error of three percent, so all recent bolting records had to be reviewed.”
“Tork anahtarının kalibrasyonu tutarlı olarak yüzde üçlük bir hata gösterdi, bu nedenle son dönemdeki tüm cıvatalama kayıtları gözden geçirilmek zorunda kaldı.”
Where engineers use it
Performed in metrology laboratories and on site for gauges, sensors, testing machines and instruments used to accept products. Engineers need calibration because measurement results are only trustworthy when the instrument's error is known and documented.
In Electronics Engineering
Calibration is the process of configuring an instrument to provide a result for a sample within an acceptable range. It involves comparing the measurement of a device against a known standard.
“Before taking critical signal integrity measurements, the engineer performed a full calibration of the oscilloscope and probe setup.”
In Engineering Fundamentals
The process of comparing an instrument's readings against a known reference standard and adjusting the instrument to reduce measurement error.
“The technician performed a calibration of the pressure transmitter against a certified reference before the plant was restarted.”
Practice: can you use “Calibration” at work?
A caliper used for acceptance has an expired calibration sticker. Explain the consequences for the parts already measured and the steps you would take next.
Show a model answer
“The gauge is due for calibration before the next inspection.”
“Calibration” in 21 languages
| English | Calibration |
|---|---|
| Turkish | Kalibrasyon |
| French | Étalonnage |
| German | Kalibrierung |
| Spanish | Calibración |
| Chinese | 校准 |
| Arabic | المعايرة |
| Portuguese | Calibração |
| Russian | Калибровка |
| Japanese | 校正 |
| Italian | Taratura |
| Vietnamese | Hiệu chuẩn |
| Hindi | अंशांकन |
| Thai | การสอบเทียบ |
| Indonesian | Kalibrasi |
| Korean | 교정 |
| Bengali | ক্যালিব্রেশন |
| Dutch | Kalibratie |
| Swedish | Kalibrering |
| Finnish | Kalibrointi |
| Ukrainian | Калібрування |
Frequently asked questions
What does Calibration mean in engineering?
The operation of comparing the indication of a measuring instrument with a standard of known accuracy and recording the differences found. It establishes what the instrument reads rather than automatically adjusting it. In Quality, Testing & Inspection, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Calibration?
Calibration is pronounced /ˌkælɪˈbreɪʃən/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Calibration used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “Calibration of the torque wrench showed a consistent error of three percent, so all recent bolting records had to be reviewed.”
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