Resolution
Updated 2026-10-27
Data records
- Resolution is the smallest change in a measured quantity that an instrument can detect and show on its display. It is a property of the display and the converter behind it rather than a statement of accuracy, since an instrument can resolve finer steps than it measures correctly.
- A maker's guide to digital multimeter specifications uses resolution for the smallest increment the instrument is able to detect and display, and explains that a multimeter's resolution is expressed in counts or in digits. It relates range to resolution: selecting a lower range gives finer resolution, so the most accurate reading is taken on the lowest range that does not overload the meter.
Sources
- Electrical Testing Reference editorial taxonomy, Electrical Testing Reference editorial taxonomy of test methods, 2026-10 edition, Electrical Testing Reference. Held as: Own observation.
- Fluke learn article, Why Digital Multimeter Accuracy and Precision Matter, web page edition, Fluke. Held as: Public page. Publisher page
Changelog (5 entries)
| Date | Revision | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-27 | created (gloss.resolution.definition) | |
| 2026-10-27 | review_status unreviewed -> software_reviewed (gloss.resolution.definition) | |
| 2026-10-27 | created (gloss.resolution.usage) | |
| 2026-10-27 | revised (gloss.resolution.usage) | |
| 2026-10-27 | review_status unreviewed -> software_reviewed (gloss.resolution.usage) |
Cite this page
Cite the governing standard for the fact itself; cite this page as the finding aid.
"Resolution." Test Instrument Reference. 2026-10-27. https://www.testinstrumentreference.com/glossary/resolution/.
Test Instrument Reference, Resolution (Oct. 27, 2026), https://www.testinstrumentreference.com/glossary/resolution/.
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title = {Resolution},
howpublished = {\url{https://www.testinstrumentreference.com/glossary/resolution/}},
organization = {Test Instrument Reference},
publisher = {Test Instrument Reference},
year = {2026},
note = {last substantive change 2026-10-27}
}{{cite web |title=Resolution |website=Test Instrument Reference |publisher=Test Instrument Reference |url=https://www.testinstrumentreference.com/glossary/resolution/ |date=2026-10-27 |access-date=}}