There are definitions of Calibrations by NIST or ISO that you can look for. But to easily understand, below is a simple calibration definition:
Calibration is simply the comparison of Instrument, Measuring and Test Equipment (M&TE), Unit Under Test (UUT), Unit Under Calibration (UUC), a Device Under Test (DUT), or simply a Test Instrument (TI) of unverified accuracy to an instrument or standards with a known (higher) accuracy to detect or eliminate unacceptable variations. It may or may not involve adjustment or repair.
It is making the instruments perform what it displays by referencing or adjusting it based on a Reference Standard.
Simply,
to ensure that you get what you have paid for;
Satisfy your expectations;
Create win-win situations
Accuracy Check: Calibration is like a health checkup for measuring tools. It’s the process of making sure that instruments like thermometers or scales are giving you accurate and reliable measurements.
Reference Comparison: Imagine you have a ruler, but you’re not sure if it’s exactly 12 inches long. Calibration is like comparing it to a known, precise ruler to confirm its accuracy.
Adjustment: Sometimes, instruments may drift and give slightly incorrect readings over time. Calibration involves fine-tuning or adjusting them to ensure they’re spot-on.
Standardization: It’s like setting the rules for a game. Calibration involves using standardized methods and reference points to ensure that measurements are consistent and can be trusted.
Trust Assurance: Calibration is about building trust in measurements. When something is calibrated, it means you can rely on it to give you trustworthy data, which is crucial in fields like science, engineering, and manufacturing.