Basics of Metrology and Calibration

Name: Basics of Metrology and Calibration
Rating: 4.8 (116 reviews)

Essential Metrology & Calibration Skills for Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing and Test Professionals

Created byRay Harkins, The Manufacturing Academy

Last updated 5/2026

English

What you'll learn

The fundamentals of metrology and why measurement science matters in manufacturing and quality
How calibration works including traceability, adjustments, and as-found vs. as-left conditions
How to interpret calibration certificates
Practical rules for selecting, using, and caring for measurement instruments
How measurement error affects inspection decisions and product quality
Core concepts behind measurement uncertainty, error sources, and system variation
The role of metrology and calibration in ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and regulated quality systems
How calibration supports audit readiness, risk management, and data confidence
Real-world examples that connect metrology to daily quality, testing, and engineering work

Course content

1 section • 35 lectures • 2h 48m total length

Introduction to Metrology and Calibration7:46
Examples of Metrology5:07
What is Metrology1:56
Branches of Metrology3:26
How Metrology Fits into the Broader Quality Profession6:28
Calipers and the Vernier Scale5:56
Micrometers and Indicator-Based Instruments5:08
Gage Blocks, Gage Pins, and Thread Gages6:54
Learn to use gauge blocks and gauge pins to set precise lengths, calibrate calipers, and verify threads with thread gauges and go/no-go checks.
Optical Tools4:40
Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs)6:09
Discover how CMMs use the Cartesian x, y, z system to measure geometry with touch, scanning, and non-contact probes. Compare bridge, cantilever, gantry, and portable configurations across probe types.
Weights, Balances and Scales3:25
Weights, balances, and scales are used across manufacturing, logistics, and laboratories to weigh ingredients, verify tolerances, and count parts with precision.
Hardness Testing Equipment9:02
Brinell Hardness Calculator1:09
Tools for Establishing and Measuring Surfaces7:17
Color Measurement Tools5:20
Torque and Angle Measurements7:27
Examples of Automated Inspection4:23
Types of Measurement11:00
Gage Selection6:03
Test Accuracy Ratio (TAR)2:48
Explore test accuracy ratio (tar) and test uncertainty ratio (tur) by comparing the unit’s tolerance to gauge accuracy and to the full measurement system within calibration practice.
Glossary of Terminology1:47
Seven Base Units1:46
Outline the seven si base units—length, time, amount of substance, electrical current, temperature, luminous intensity, and mass—and show how other units derive from them via the cesium-133 second.
Calibration Standards3:13
Understanding Calibration, Pt 14:04
Learn how calibration is the documented comparison of a measurement device against a traceable standard, revealing observed value, true value, and error to define accuracy.
Using Gage Blocks in Calibration4:30
Understanding Calibration, Pt 24:23
Calibration Intervals1:44
Certificates of Calibration5:52
Nonconforming Gages2:52
Identify nonconforming gauges that fail calibration beyond upper or lower spec limits. Label and remove them from service, and investigate root causes to contain affected parts and recall suspect lots.
Causes of Calibration Error3:29
Reference to Calibration in Major QMS Standards6:47
Learn how calibration and metrology connect to quality management, covering measurement traceability in ISO 9001, iATf 16949 requirements, measurement systems analysis, and the role of ISO 17,025 accredited labs.
Calibration System Excel Worksheets3:36
Implement a practical calibration system using three Excel workbooks—calibration record, calibration log, and lab scope—to meet quality standards, track gauge history, and start quickly with downloadable templates.
Articles For Your Further Learning2:14
Explore five blog posts to advance metrology and calibration, from gauge R&R troubleshooting to measurement systems analysis, data visualizations, and process capability.
25-Question Exam on Metrology and Calibration
Conclusion to Metrology and Calibration2:07
Bonus Lecture8:53

Requirements

No prior metrology or calibration experience required
Basic familiarity with manufacturing, quality, engineering, or laboratory work is helpful, but not necessary
An interest in measurement, inspection, equipment control, or quality systems
Familiarity with common measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, indicators, or lab instruments) is useful but not required

Description

Accurate measurement is the foundation of quality. Whether you're inspecting components on a shop floor, verifying test results in a lab, or managing suppliers across the globe, measurement confidence drives product performance, safety, regulatory compliance, and customer trust.

This introductory course provides a clear, practical, and industry-grounded foundation in metrology and calibration for developing professionals in manufacturing, quality, reliability, and engineering roles. You will learn how measurement systems work, why calibration matters, and how traceability and uncertainty support confident decision-making. We emphasize real-world applications linking concepts to day-to-day activities like inspection, test equipment control, process qualification, risk reduction, and audit readiness.

By the end of this course, you will be able to speak the language of measurement with confidence and apply core concepts to improve product quality, reduce risk, and strengthen system reliability in your organization.

What You’ll Learn

Key metrology concepts and terminology used in industry
Why calibration and traceability matter in manufacturing and testing
Fundamentals of measurement uncertainty and accuracy vs. precision
Calibration reporting, adjustment, and as-found/as-left data
Good measurement practices and common pitfalls
How measurement systems support quality standards and audits
The role of metrology in reliability, risk management, and continuous improvement

What You Get

A clear foundation in metrology and calibration, taught in plain language with real manufacturing context
Practical examples connecting measurement concepts to inspection, testing, and quality systems
All the Microsoft Excel templates used in this course
25-question, multiple-choice exam with complete explanations for each answer.
Downloadable resources like a glossary of terminology, relevant industry articles for your continued learning, and a Mind Map of the quality profession.
LIFETIME ACCESS to all course materials including any future revisions of the course
Personalized Certificate of Completion from Udemy
Q&A access to an industry-leading course instructor

Who Should Take This Course

Quality and reliability professionals
Calibration & test technicians
New quality engineers and lab managers
Manufacturing and process engineers
Production supervisors and technical leads
Professionals preparing for metrology or quality certifications

If you’re looking to build a strong technical foundation in measurement science and connect that foundation to practical manufacturing and quality responsibilities, then this is the course for you.

Who this course is for:

Quality Technicians, Calibration Technicians, Metrology Technicians, Quality Inspectors, Dimensional Inspectors
Quality Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Reliability Engineers, Supplier Quality Engineers, Test Engineers
Process Engineers, Industrial Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturing Technicians, CMM Programmers
Tooling & Fixturing Technicians, Equipment Maintenance Technicians, Lab Technicians, Production Supervisors, Production Managers
Operations Managers, Machine Shop Supervisors, Machinists, Aerospace or Defense Quality Specialists, Medical Device Quality Specialists