UNCERTAINTY of

Measurements in
Temperature and Relative Humidity

Rosalinda G. Principe
Metrologist
 OBJECTIVES
1.performing uncertainty Learn the fundamental skills and
procedures needed in analysis.

2.Learn how to find sources of uncertainty in Temperature and

Relative Humidity Measurements.

3.To quantify and characterize sources of uncertainty in

Temperature and Relative Humidity Measurements
 Table of Contents
I. Introduction IX. Reporting Uncertatinties
1. Definition
2. Error versus Uncertainty X. Computation in Temperature
3. Importance of Uncertainty Measurements
XI. Measurements
II. Steps in calculating Uncertainty Measurements XII.Uncertainty Computation in Relative
1. Identification of Sources of Uncertainty
2. Quantifying Uncertainty XIII. Humidity Measurements

III. Type A and Type B Uncertainty XIV.Exercises in Uncertainty Computation

IV. Probability Distributions

V. Combined Uncertainty

VI. Expanded Uncertainty

VII.Selection of Coverage Factor

VIII.Effective Degrees of Freedom

4 Basic Questions to Answer

1.What is uncertainty?

2.Who needs to estimate uncertainty?

3.Why are we required to estimate uncertainty?

4.How do we estimate uncertainty?

Introduction
In many aspects of life, we are accustomed
to the DOUBT that arises when estimating
how large or how small things are
What is uncertainty of measurement?

The uncertainty of a measurement tells us something about its quality.

Uncertainty of measurement is the doubt that exists about the result of any measurement. You
might think that well-made rulers, clocks and thermometers should be trustworthy, and give the
right answers. But for every measurement - even the most careful - there is always a margin of
doubt. In everyday speech, this might be expressed as ‘give or take’ ... e.g. a stick might be two
metres long ‘give or take a centimetre’.
Expressing uncertainty of measurement
 
Since there is always a margin of doubt about any measurement, we
need to ask ‘How big is the margin?’ and ‘How bad is the doubt?’
Thus, two numbers are really needed in order to quantify an
uncertainty. One is the width of the margin, or interval. The other is a
confidence level, and states how sure we are that the ‘true value’ is
within that margin.
 
 For Example,

If somebody asks,
“What do think the temperature of this room is?”
We might say,

“It is about 23⁰C”

23± 2
 23± 5
We may be more sure that our estimate is within 5 degrees of the
“true” room temperature than that is within
2 degrees
 Definition
Measurement Uncertainty
• is An estimate of the range of values for the measurement value in which
the accepted
• Uncertainty is defined as the parameter, associated with the result of a
measurement that characterizes the dispersion of the values that could
reasonably be attributed to the measurand.
• The measurand is the particular quantity subject to measurement
 Error versus
uncertainty
• It is important not to confuse the terms ‘error’ and ‘uncertainty’. Error is
the difference between the measured value and the ‘true value’ of the thing
being measured.
• Uncertainty is a quantification of the doubt about the measurement result.
• Whenever possible we try to correct for any known errors: for example, by
applying corrections from calibration certificates. But any error whose
value we do not know is a source of uncertainty.
 Why is uncertainty of measurement
important?
You may be interested in uncertainty of measurement
• To make good quality measurements and to understand the results
• Uncertainty of measurements as part of a:
• calibration - where the uncertainty of measurement must be reported on the certificate
• test - where the uncertainty of measurement is needed to determine a pass or fail or to
• tolerance - where you need to know the uncertainty before you can decide whether the
tolerance is met or
•  you may need to read and understand a calibration certificate or a written specification
for a test or measurement.
Clauses in ISO
17025:2017
How to Calculate Measurement
Uncertainty
1.Specify the Measurement Process 6.Calculate the Combined Uncertainty

2.Identify Sources of Uncertainty 7.Calculate the Expanded Uncertainty

3.Quantify Sources of Uncertainty 8.Evaluate Your Uncertainty Budget

4.Characterize Sources of Uncertainty

5. •Convert Uncertainties to Standard
Deviations
 Uncertainty
Assessment of uncertainty of measurement using the principles
given in the ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in
Measurement hereafter called the ISO GUM.
Step 1. Specify the Measurement Process
and Equation
To specify the measurement process, follow the instructions below:
1. Select the test or measurement function to evaluate.
2. Select the measurement method or procedure to be used.
3. Select the equipment that will be used.
4. Select the desired range of the measurement function.
5. Determine the test-points to be evaluated.
• Where applicable, identify the mathematical equation that characterizes the
measurement function.
Step 2: Identify and Characterize the
Uncertainty Sources
Finding sources of uncertainty can be difficult. It requires a lot
of time and effort to conduct research. It is the most time-
consuming process when evaluating measurement uncertainty.
 Sources of Uncertainty
To find sources of uncertainty , follow steps listed below:
1. Evaluate the test method, calibration procedure, or measurement process.
2. Evaluate the measurement equations (if available).
3. Evaluate the equipment, reference standards, and reagents.
4. Identify the minimum required sources of uncertainty.
5. Research various sources of information.
6. Consult an expert.
 Best Places to Find Sources of Uncertainty
When you need to find sources of uncertainty, it helps to have a list of available resources. Below is a list of places,
including links, that you can use to help you find sources of uncertainty.

• Manufacturer’s Manual • NIST Internal Reports

• Manufacturer’s Datasheet • NIST Journal of Research
• White Papers • NPL Good Practice Guides
• Technical Notes & Guides • BIPM Publications
• Conference Papers • EURAMET Calibration & Technical
• Textbooks Guides
• NIST Special Publications 250 Series • Metrologia
• CalLab Magazine
 Measurement Functions with Equations

If your measurement function includes equations, then the process to estimate uncertainty
is a little different. You will want to identify each variable in the equation and think about
what influences each variable. For example, if you are evaluating the calibration of a
torque transducer, you will first write out the equation.
 Measurement Functions with Equations

When you evaluate the equation further, you begin to account for other factors that
influence the equation. In this example, we begin to consider the radius of the torque arm
and cable, the mass of the weights and pan, and the local gravity. If needed, we can
evaluate the equation even further to account for more influences and increase the
complexity of your uncertainty analysis.
 Measurement Functions with Equations

Factors that influence measurement uncertainty

Start by evaluating the core elements of the measurement process,

including:
1. Method,
2. Equipment,
3. Personnel
4. Environment,
5. Unit Under Test, and
6. Results
 Measurement Functions with Equations

By evaluating these categories, you will find sources of uncertainty that influence
measurement results. Take a look at the table below. Start breaking down each category
to see what
 Step 3. Quantify the Magnitude of
Uncertainty Components
To quantify uncertainty, you need to follow the four steps below:

1. Collect Information and Data

2. Evaluate and Select the Right Data
3. Analyze the Data
4. Quantify Uncertainty Components
Collect Information and Data
To get started, you need to collect information and data related to your uncertainty. Take
a look at the list below and gather the following items. You will need them to quantify
sources of uncertainty.

1. Last 3 Calibration Reports

2. Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R) Studies
3. Method or Procedure
4. Experiment Results
5. Manufacture Manuals and Specifications
6. Technical Documents and Guides
7. Published papers, studies, journal articles, etc.
Evaluate Information and Select the Right
Data
Next, you need evaluate the information that you have and find data that you will use for
estimating uncertainty. You need to find data related to your uncertainty analysis and
eliminate everything else from consideration.

This should include information and data related to your:

1. measurement function,
2. measurement range, and
3. test-point.
Analyze the Data

• Then, analyze the data that you have using appropriate

methods of analysis to find the magnitude of each uncertainty
component. You can analyze data in many ways, so choose
methods that are appropriate for the data you are analyzing.
Quantify Uncertainty Components

• Finally, use your results to quantify each uncertainty

component and add the values to your uncertainty budget .
• You can add the uncertainty and unit of measurement directly
into your uncertainty budget.
Sources of Uncertainty

1. Repeatability 7. Reference Standard

2. Reproducibility Uncertainty
3. Stability 8. Reference Standard Stability
4. Bias 9. Other Significant
5. Drift Contributors
6. Resolution
Repeatability
Repeatability is an evaluation of the variability in your measurement
process under similar conditions.
How to Calculate Repeatability
1. Repeat a measurement ‘n’ number of times
2. Record the results of each measurement.
3. Calculate the standard deviation.
Repeatability
Reproducibility
Reproducibility is an evaluation of the variability in your measurement
process under different conditions.

How to Calculate Reproducibility

1. Perform a Repeatability Test.
2. Calculate the mean of average.
3. Change a variable and repeat the Repeatability Test
4. Calculate the mean or average.
5. Calculate the standard deviation of the test averages.
Reproducibility
Stability
Stability is an evaluation of the variability in your measurement
process over time.

How to Calculate Stability

1. Review your last 3 calibration reports.
2. Record the results from each calibration report.
3. Calculate the standard deviation of the calibration results.
Stability
 Bias
Bias is an evaluation of the systematic error in your measurement
process.

How to Calculate Bias

1. Review your latest calibration report.
2. Find the As Left value or measurement result.
3. 3.Find the Nominal value or standard value.
4. 4.Calculate the difference.
Bias
 Drift
Drift is an evaluation of the systematic change in your measurement
process or system over time.

How to Calculate Drift

1. Review your last 3 calibration reports.
2. Record the results from each calibration report.
3. Record the date each calibration was performed.
4. Calculate the average daily drift rate.
5. 5.Multiply the average daily drift rate by your calibration interval (in
days).
Drift
 Resolution
Resolution is an evaluation of the smallest incremental change observed in
your measurement process or system.

How to Find Resolution

1. Look at your measurement system or equipment.
2. Find the least significant digit.
3. Observe the smallest incremental change.
Resolution
Reference Standard Uncertainty

Reference Standard Uncertainty is the traceable uncertainty associated with

calibration of equipment or reference materials used in your measurement
process.
Other Significant Contributors

Make sure to include any other significant contributors to

measurement uncertainty. A significant contributor is
considered a source of uncertainty that contributes 5% or more
to the total combined standard uncertainty.
Step 4: Characterize Sources of
Uncertainty
How to Characterize Sources of Uncertainty
1. Categorize each source of uncertainty: Type A or Type B,
2. Assign a probability distribution to each uncertainty
component.
Step 4: Characterize Sources of
Uncertainty
Uncertainty Types
The first step to characterizing your uncertainty components is to categorize
them as either Type A or Type B.

What is the difference between Type A and Type B uncertainty?

Step 4: Characterize Sources of
Uncertainty
Type A Uncertainty
According to the Vocabulary in Metrology (VIM),
Type A uncertainty is an “evaluation of a component of
measurement uncertainty determined by a statistical analysis of measured
quantity values obtained under defined measurement conditions.”
Step 4: Characterize Sources of
Uncertainty
Type B Uncertainty
• According to the Vocabulary in Metrology (VIM), Type B uncertainty is
an “evaluation of a component of measurement uncertainty determined
by means other than Type A evaluation of measurement uncertainty.”
Step 4: Characterize Sources of
Uncertainty
How to Pick an Uncertainty Type
If you are not sure which uncertainty type you should pick, ask yourself the following
questions:
Probability Distributions for
Estimating Uncertainty
Some of the most common probability distributions used
to estimate uncertainty are;
• Normal (i.e. Gaussian) Distribution
• Rectangular (i.e. Uniform) Distribution
• Triangular Distribution
• Log-Normal Distribution
• Quadratic Distribution
• U-shaped Distribution
How to Assign a Probability
Distribution
Step 5: Convert Uncertainty Components to
Standard Deviation Equivalents

How to Convert Uncertainty to Standard Deviations

1. Assign a probability distribution to each source of uncertainty,
2. Find the divisor for the selected probability distribution,
3. Divide each source of uncertainty by it’s respective divisor.
Refer to the chart below to find the divisor associated with
the probability distribution that you selected in step 4.

Divide your uncertainty components by

the appropriate divisor to convert them
to a standard uncertainty. Afterward, all
of your contributors should be on the
same confidence level (i.e. 1- sigma or
68.27%) and equivalent to a standard
deviation.
 Normal Distribution
If you select a Normal distribution, then you will divide your uncertainty by
it’s associated coverage factor, k.
Use the Table from the JCGM 100:2008, Appendix G.
 Handling Components With Different Units
of Measurement
You cannot combine uncertainties with different units of
measurement (without the use of sensitivity coefficient
 Step 6: Calculate the Combined
Uncertainty
• Standard uncertainties, both Type A and Type B, can be
combined using a method known as ‘summation in quadrature’
or ‘root sum of the squares.” – Stephanie Bell

• Root Sum of Squares Method

Step 6: Calculate the Combined
Uncertainty
Where,

Ci = Sensitivity Coefficient

Ui(Xi) = Uncertainty of x uc(y)

= uncertainty of y

If the equation above looks confusing, you can try the simplified version
below
Where,

U = Uncertainty of X

Uc(y) = Uncertainty of y
 Step 7. Calculate the Expanded Uncertainty

To calculate the expanded measurement uncertainty, just follow these steps:

• Calculate the Combined Uncertainty,
• Calculate the Effective Degrees of Freedom (optional),
• Find/Select a coverage factor (k), and
• Multiply the combined uncertainty by the coverage factor .
• The result will be the expanded uncertainty and if you use a coverage factor of 2 or
1.96, you will expand uncertainty to a 95% confidence level.
 Step 7. Calculate the Expanded Uncertainty

• Check out the simplified equation below for calculating the expanded uncertainty.

𝑈 =𝑘 ∙𝑢 𝑐 ( 𝑦 )
Where:
k= Coverage Factor U = Expanded uncertainty
Uc(y) = Uncertainty of y
 Selecting a Coverage Factor

• The coverage factor is the multiplier that you will use to expand uncertainty
to a 95% confidence interval. However, you have some options. You can
use:

• A. k=2 for a 95.45% confidence interval,

• B. k=1.96 for a 95% confidence interval, or
• C. the Student’s T table to find your coverage factor (k).
 Selecting a Coverage Factor

• Note: To use the Student’s T table, you will need to calculate the effective
degrees of freedom using the Welch Satterthwaite equation.
 Effective Degrees of Freedom

Where:
• Veff is the effective number of degrees of freedom for U c , the combined uncertainty and

• Vi is the number of degrees of freedom for u c, the ith uncertainty term.

• u (y) is the product c u(x ), with the sign of ci being neglected.
 Step 8. Evaluate Uncertainty for
Appropriateness
1. Expanded Uncertainty vs Reference Standard Uncertainty
• For this evaluation, review your expanded uncertainty and verify that it is larger than your Reference Standard Uncertainty. If not,
you have a problem and need to double check the value entered in your uncertainty budget and formulas used to calculate
uncertainty

2. Expanded Uncertainty vs National Metrology Laboratory

• For this evaluation, check and make sure your that your expanded uncertainty is larger than the value reported by your national
metrology institute (NMI). Sometimes this is not available, but you should at least check

3. Expanded Uncertainty vs Other Labs (Option A)

• In this evaluation, compare your estimated uncertainty with other laboratories. Search PAB’s database
• and look at 3 to 5 other laboratory scopes of accreditation to make sure that your expanded
• uncertainty is reasonably comparable. If not, you may have overestimated or underestimated
 Uncertainty in Temperature Measurements

• 1.A digital thermometer with a Type K thermocouple are used to measure the
temperature inside a temperature chamber. The temperature controller of the
chamber is set at 400 °C.
•  

Temperature controller set at 400 °C

 
 Uncertainty in Temperature Measurements
Measurement ( i ) T i(°C)

1.1Digital thermometer specification Resolution : 0.1 °C . Uncertainty 1 400.1

(one year) : ± 0.6 °C 2 400.0

3 400.1
1.2Thermocouple
The calibration report of the Type K thermocouple gives an uncertainty of 4 399.9
± 1.0 °C at confidence level of approximately 95 % with a coverage factor 5 399.9
k equals to 2.0. The correction for the thermocouple at 400 °C is 0.5 °C.
6 400.0

1.3Measurement record 7 400.1

When the temperature chamber indicator reached 400 °C, the readings are 8 400.2
taken after a stabilisation time of half an hour. Ten measurements are 9 400.0
taken as given in Table 1.
10 399.9
 2.0 MATHEMATICAL MODEL

 
The test temperature tx is given by:
tx @ trdg + ∆ttc + ∆ timm + ∆ tdrift + ∆ tind + ∆ tres

where
trdg : temperature reading of the Type K thermocouple.
∆ ttc : temperature correction of the Type K thermocouple reading based on its calibration data.
∆ timm: temperature correction due to immersion error of the Type K thermocouple.
∆ tdrift: temperature correction due to drift of the Type K thermocouple.
∆ tind : temperature correction due to deviation of the digital thermometer.
∆ tres : temperature correction due to the resolution of the digital thermometer.
UNCERTAINTY EQUATION

• The combined standard uncertainty uc(tx) of the test temperature is given by:
•

• 𝑢c (𝑡𝑥)=[𝑢(𝑡𝑟𝑑𝑔 ) + 𝑢2(∆tc) + 𝑢2(∆ 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑚 ) + 𝑢2(∆ 𝑡𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑡 ) + 𝑢2(∆ 𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑑 ) + 𝑢2(∆ 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠 )

• u(trdg): standard uncertainty of the Type K thermocouple reading.

• u(∆ttc) : standard uncertainty of the Type K thermocouple correction.
• u(∆timm) : standard uncertainty of the Type K thermocouple immersion
• u(∆tdrift) : standard uncertainty of the Type K thermocouple drift
• u(∆tind) : standard uncertainty of the digital thermometer deviation
• u(∆tres) : standard uncertainty of the digital thermometer resolution
• 4.0 STANDARD UNCERTAINTY EVALUATION
• 4.1 Type A evaluation
• 4.1.1 Standard uncertainty of the thermocouple
reading, u(trdg)
Mean Value =
• Standard Deviation of the Mean:
• 𝑠 (T) = = 0.033
• 4.2 Type B evaluation
• 4.2.1 Standard uncertainty of the thermocouple u(∆ttc)

• From the calibration certificate the uncertainty of the thermocouple is 1.0 ⁰C.
• The standard uncertainty of thermocouple correction u(∆ttc) is:

• u(∆ttc) = 1.0/ 2.0 = 0.05⁰C

• 4.2.2 Standard uncertainty of the thermocouple immersion correction
u(∆timm)

• The uncertainty limit of the thermocouple immersion correction is 0.1 °C.

Assuming a rectangular distribution, standard uncertainty of the thermocouple
immersion correction u(∆timm) is,

• "u(∆timm)"= 0.1/√3 = 0.058⁰C

•
• 4.2.3 Standard uncertainty of the thermocouple drift correction
u(∆tdrift) .

• The uncertainty limit of the drift is 0.2°C. Assuming a rectangular

distribution, standard uncertainty of the thermocouple drift correction
u(∆tdrift) is,

u(∆ drift) = 0.2/√3 = 0.115⁰C

• 4.2.4 Standard uncertainty of the digital thermometer deviation
correction u(∆tind) From specification, the uncertainty limit of the digital
thermometer is ± 0.6 °C. Assuming a rectangular distribution, the
standard uncertainty of the digital thermometer deviation correction
u(∆tind) is,

•
• u(∆tdrift) = 0.6/√3 = 0.346⁰C
• 4.2.5 Standard uncertainty of the digital thermometer resolution
correction u(∆tres) .

• The half limit due to the resolution of the digital thermometer is 0.05 °C.
Assuming a rectangular distribution, the standard uncertainty of the
digital thermometer resolution correction u(∆tres) is,

• u(∆tres) = 0.05/√3 = 0.029⁰C

Uncertainty Budget
6.0 Combined Standard Uncertainty

The combined standard uncertainty uc (tx ) of the

measured temperature is :

=+

= 0.623⁰C
7.0 EFFECTIVE DEGREES OF
FREEDOM

Veff = ∞
8.0 EXPANDED UNCERTAINTY

The effective degrees of freedom for the combined standard

uncertainty uc (tx ) was assumed to be infinity. This gives a coverage
factor k equals to 2 at a level of confidence of approximately 95 %.
Therefore the expanded uncertainty is :
 
U = k uc (tx )
= 2 x 0.623°C
= 1.3 o C
9.0 REPORTING OF RESULTS

The temperature of the chamber after taking into consideration

the correction of the thermocouple is 400.5 °C.
The measurement uncertainty is ± 1.3 °C, estimated at a level of
confidence of approximately 95 % with a coverage factor k
equals to 2.
Sources of Uncertainty in Calibration of
Thermometers:
1. Uncertainty contribution of the Standard thermometer
• Certificate of the standard used
• Resolution
• Drift
2. Uncertainty Contribution of the Calibration Bath
• Uniformity (axial and radial) - loading effect
• Stability 
3. Uncertainty Contribution of Unit under calibration
• Resolution/ graduation
• Repeatability
• Hysteresis
 
Uncertainty in Calibration of RH

1. Calibration of Standards
2. Drift of the Standard
3. Resolution of the Standard
4. Repeatability of Measurements
5. Resolution of UUC
6. Instability of the Chamber
7. Inhomogeneity of the Chamber
References
[1] Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement, First edition , International
Organization for Standardization (Geneva, Switzerland)
[2] ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories, 3rd edition, 2017.
[3] M 3003, The Expression of Uncertainty and Confidence in Measurement, Edition 1,
December 1997, UKAS.
[4] ISO, International Vocabulary of Basic and General Terms in Metrology, International
Organisation for Standardisation, Geneva, Switzerland, 2nd Ed., 1993
[5] EAL-R2, Expression of the Uncertainty of Measurement in Calibration, Edition 1, April
1997, EAL1
6] Guide 1, Guidelines in the Evaluation and Expression of Measurement Uncertainty, 2nd
Ed., 29 2019, Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC).
thank you
Rosalinda G. Principe
lengprincipe@yahoo.com