Calibration Intervals · 8 min read
Calibration Intervals & Program Scheduling
Calibration intervals are where good intentions meet auditor scrutiny. Set them too long and you risk bad measurements; too short and you burn money. This hub covers setting intervals, adjusting them with real data, and running a recall system that keeps overdue instruments off the floor.
There is no universal interval
The most common question — "how often should I calibrate this?" — has no single answer, and auditors know it. An interval should reflect the instrument’s stability, how hard it is used, the consequence of it being wrong, and its as-found history. A brand-new default of "annual" is a starting point, not a justification.
Intervals should be defensible, then dynamic
Standards like AS9100 and ISO 13485 expect intervals to be established and reviewed, not pulled from thin air. The strong practice is to start from manufacturer guidance and risk, then adjust based on as-found data: instruments that keep coming back in tolerance can often have intervals extended; instruments that drift get pulled in. That data-driven loop is exactly what a good calibration program produces.
A recall system is non-negotiable
None of this works without a recall system that flags due dates before they pass and prevents overdue instruments from measuring product. The articles below cover recall systems, what to do when something comes back out of tolerance, and how to keep a gauge crib under control.
In this guide
Common questions
Is annual calibration always right?
Annual is a common default, not a rule. The correct interval depends on stability, usage, risk, and as-found history. An accredited lab can help you justify — and later adjust — intervals with data.