What does measurement uncertainty represent?

Measurement uncertainty represents the doubt that exists about the result of a measurement, and it is crucial for understanding the reliability and accuracy of that measurement. When we discuss measurement uncertainty, we refer to a range of values that are expected to encompass the true value based on repeated measurements or observations. This range reflects the variations and potential errors that might arise in the measurement process due to various factors, such as instrument precision, environmental conditions, or human error.

By recognizing measurement uncertainty as a range rather than a single value, it allows analysts and researchers to communicate the confidence in their measurement results effectively. It emphasizes that a measurement is not precise to an exact number but comes with a known level of doubt, supporting informed decision-making in scientific and engineering contexts.