Types of measurements
See AlsoWhy use units | Science News Learning4 Levels of Measurement: Nominal, Ordinal, Interval & RatioCool chart shows just how great the metric system really is (and why the imperial system sucks)Taking Measurements – Lisa Nelle types of measurements are:
- Indirect method of measurement.
- Direct method of measurement.
- Fundamental method of measurement.
- Substitution method of measurement.
- Comparison method of measurement.
Indirect measurement
- Indirect measurements are made by comparing the dimensions of a target to a reference object, such as gauge blocks or ring gauges, using measuring tools like dial gauges.
- Due to the fact that a comparison is made using an object having standard dimensions, these measurements are sometimes referred to as comparative measures.
- The measurement becomes simpler the more rigidly defined a reference device's shape and dimensions are.
- The narrow measurement range of this approach is another drawback, though.
Direct method of measurement
- Direct measurements involve taking measurements of the target's dimensions using tools like Vernier calipers, micrometers, and coordinate measuring machines.
- They are also referred to as absolute measurements.
- The measuring instrument's scale allows measurements to be made across a wide range, however, there is a danger that the measurement will be off due to inaccurate scale readings.
Fundamental method of measurement.
- The basic measurement method bases its measurement on the measurement of the base quantities that serve as the quantity's definition.
- The definition of the quantity being measured and the quantity itself are both directly measured.
- Examples include using a fixed point instrument to measure temperature.
Substitution method of measurement.
- In the substitution method, the value of the quantity being measured is not determined indirectly from a reading of the measuring instrument, but rather from the magnitude of the standard, which is chosen or regulated in such a way that the measurement instrument's reading is maintained when the quantity being measured is replaced by the standard.
- In order to weigh an object on a beam balance, for instance, the object is removed from the pan and replaced with weights of equal total weight; the balance will display the prior reading (the Borda method).
- Measurements of electrical properties including resistance, capacitance, and inductance are frequently conducted using the replacement approach.
Comparison method of measurement.
- The value of the quantity to be measured is compared with another quantity that is practically connected to it or with a known value of the same quantity in this method.
- Therefore, only deviations from a master gauge, such as dial indications or other comparators, are determined using this method.
Types of measurements
See Also
Why use units | Science News Learning4 Levels of Measurement: Nominal, Ordinal, Interval & RatioCool chart shows just how great the metric system really is (and why the imperial system sucks)Taking Measurements – Lisa Nelletypes of measurements are:
- Indirect method of measurement.
- Direct method of measurement.
- Fundamental method of measurement.
- Substitution method of measurement.
- Comparison method of measurement.
Indirect measurement
- Indirect measurements are made by comparing the dimensions of a target to a reference object, such as gauge blocks or ring gauges, using measuring tools like dial gauges.
- Due to the fact that a comparison is made using an object having standard dimensions, these measurements are sometimes referred to as comparative measures.
- The measurement becomes simpler the more rigidly defined a reference device's shape and dimensions are.
- The narrow measurement range of this approach is another drawback, though.
Direct method of measurement
- Direct measurements involve taking measurements of the target's dimensions using tools like Vernier calipers, micrometers, and coordinate measuring machines.
- They are also referred to as absolute measurements.
- The measuring instrument's scale allows measurements to be made across a wide range, however, there is a danger that the measurement will be off due to inaccurate scale readings.
Fundamental method of measurement.
- The basic measurement method bases its measurement on the measurement of the base quantities that serve as the quantity's definition.
- The definition of the quantity being measured and the quantity itself are both directly measured.
- Examples include using a fixed point instrument to measure temperature.
Substitution method of measurement.
- In the substitution method, the value of the quantity being measured is not determined indirectly from a reading of the measuring instrument, but rather from the magnitude of the standard, which is chosen or regulated in such a way that the measurement instrument's reading is maintained when the quantity being measured is replaced by the standard.
- In order to weigh an object on a beam balance, for instance, the object is removed from the pan and replaced with weights of equal total weight; the balance will display the prior reading (the Borda method).
- Measurements of electrical properties including resistance, capacitance, and inductance are frequently conducted using the replacement approach.
Comparison method of measurement.
- The value of the quantity to be measured is compared with another quantity that is practically connected to it or with a known value of the same quantity in this method.
- Therefore, only deviations from a master gauge, such as dial indications or other comparators, are determined using this method.
