The full answer a measurement delivers: the best estimate of the measurand plus its uncertainty, the coverage factor and the conditions that apply. A bare 10.00012 V is only half a result; 10.00012 V ± 4 µV at k = 2 is a complete one that a customer can use for decisions. Results on calibration certificates also carry the units, the reference conditions and any corrections already applied.
Don't just email him the reading, send the measurement result with the expanded uncertainty and the k value or he'll misuse it.
Also heard as
- result of measurement
Related terms
Measurand
The exact quantity a measurement is aimed at, pinned down tightly enough that everyone measures the same thing.
Expanded uncertainty
Combined standard uncertainty multiplied by a coverage factor to give an interval with a stated coverage probability.
Calibration certificate
The document reporting a calibration's results, uncertainties, conditions and traceability for one specific item.
Significant digits
The convention of reporting uncertainty to one or two significant digits and rounding the result to match.