Gauge Factor.

Gauge factor serves as the correlation between electrical resistance change of the strain gage, and the strain which caused the resistance change. It is determined in a statistical calibration procedure, because the strain gauge must be bonded and, therefore, no longer available. The error in displayed strain is one-to-one with the error in gauge factor value, either caused by the original manufacturer’s calibration procedure, or by setting the wrong value on the instrument. Double-check that the value entered into the instrument matches the value provided with the gage, and don’t mix gauge factor values between similar gauge patterns. Even similar looking gage patterns can have different gauge factors.