Zero Offset

Zero Offset or zero balance is the amount of deviation in output or reading from the exact value at the lowest point of the measurement range.

The zero offset can be expressed in measurement or signal units, or as a percentage of the full scale range.

Manufacturers may include a setting tolerance for the zero offset on the product technical data sheet to help users determine the total error to be expected without any calibration adjustment.

For example a temperature transmitter for measuring 0 to 100°C with an output of 4 to 20mA, may have a zero offset tolerance of +/- 0.15mA.