What's the difference between accuracy and precision? - Matt Anticole

When we measure things, most people are only worried about how accurate, or how close to the actual value, they are. Looking at the process of measurement more carefully, you will see that there is another important consideration: precision. Matt Anticole explains what exactly precision is and how can help us to measure things better.

Lesson by Matt Anticole, animation by Anton Bogaty.

[aksmename_DipperandMabel]

For short,
Accuracy: How close you can get to the correct result
Precision: How consistent you can get that result

[hiwayM]

It is my opinion this video offers a precise definition of accuracy and an accurate representation of precision.

[gpd]

Since English is not my native language, I thought those 2 words were synonymes

[YusranFachry]

If you guys still wonder what's the difference:
- Accuracy: The closeness of measurements relative to *a specific value*
- Precise: The closeness of measurements relative to *each other*

[jw]

Every time you see the word precision replace it with consistency and you'll be fine.

[ludvigschroll]

the story actuelly stems from a myth in nordic tales:
a man drink a little to much and bosts about his archery skills
the king makes him a bet; if you can hit the apple off you sons head i will never tax your farm again.
the man places his son 100 m away and pulls out two arrows
he tasted the wind took aim. and hit on the first shot. a round off applause is given'.
the king then asks: why did you take two arrows when you perfectly hit on the first?
the man answer: if i had missed, the other would have been for you!

[dityanarayan]

He kept saying William Tell throughout the video, when the actual german name is Wilhelm Tell. He's not accurate cuz he isn't right, but he's precise in his inaccuracy cuz he's consistent with the pronunciation. Thanks I'll go gloat now.

[simlucien]

Really cool video, I enjoyed it and watched it 3 times, but I still don't know the difference between accuracy and precision.

[antisociallibra]

Thanks for explaining better than my math teacher Ted-Ed

[adra]

I love how properly you guys explain information, You guys have the best accuracy of information and best precision for explaining

[misaelacruzsoto]

In short conclusion, "precision" tells the consistency of making the same result, and "accuracy" tells how close or far is your result from the real one. These two answers are used daily and are really important on things like engineering and chemistry(as shown in the video).

[RN-lzfc]

so precision = reliability, and accuracy = validity

[ShawnRavenfire]

It's said that William Tell had two arrows, one for the apple, and one for the lord in case he missed the first shot.  Personally, I would have aimed for the lord first.

[QuetzalJr]

I remember in high school over this subject and using suction cup arrows to see who did the best. I was surprised by how well I did when going for the smallest targets. Fun little activity to fully understand the concept of accuracy and precision.

[faustin]

Woow,
Your analogies and examples drive the point home accurately. I remember my remote sensing lecturer struggling to explain this distinction years back at college.

[willardmakinishi]

Thanks to TED-Ed (Matt Anticole) for those wonderful explanations. Cheers. You make a big difference. Double thumbs up

[millerrepin]

So precision means consistent and accurate means hitting the actual target got it.

[lamar]

this explained it more than my teacher. this really helped! thanks Ted-ed!

[TechCamper]

The Animation done to explain these terms is very good😊

[bellasherwin]

I love these animators! Love them too much!! Thanks for clearing this up! 🌹🙌😁