Uncertainty is among the many variables that need to be considered when performing force testing. Uncertainty results from a combination of factors, including errors that may affect the outcome of tests. And, while many errors may be cumulative, as long as the variables are predictable, the test measurements should still be correct.
Without going into complex uncertainty calculations, the following article looks at common force testing situations and offers practical examples of how to clarify force testing uncertainty. A body scale, for example, indicates weight with an accuracy of ±1 pound. If a person weighs 100 pounds, then the true weight is predictable to within 99 and 101 pounds.