The term measurement accuracy is colloquially understood to mean everything that characterises the uncertainty of measurement results. In detail, however, a distinction must be made between different categories:

• Description of the smallest distinguishable step of the values measured with sensors and machines or also the smallest measurable characteristics (resolution).
• Definition of characteristics and procedures for their reverification in order to specify the metrological performance of coordinate measuring machines (specification, acceptance test, monitoring)
• Uncertainty of measurement results when measuring features on workpieces, taking into account all influencing factors (measurement uncertainty) and procedures for determining it
• Determination and reverification test of suitable values for the ratio of measurement uncertainty to feature tolerance (measurement process capability).