Osmora Scientific Glossary
Reference standard
A material of established identity and quality used as a comparison point in an analytical method — for example, to help assign identity or to calibrate a quantitative measurement.
In plain language
A known, trusted sample used as a yardstick to check or calibrate a measurement.
Why it matters in research
Comparisons against a reference standard underpin the reliability of identity and quantitative results.
Where you'll encounter it
Method sections describing how identity or content was determined.
Related terms
Related Academy lessons
Source
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Chemistry LibreTexts (Analytical Chemistry). Retrieved 2026.