---
title: What do the abbreviations %RD and %FS mean
description: "The relative error of a sensor refers either to the \"nominal load\" or to the current display value (actual value, reading value)"
---

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# What do the abbreviations %RD and %FS mean

## The relative error of a sensor refers either to the "nominal load" or to the current display value (actual value, reading value)

The abbreviation %FS stands for "Percent Full Scale." This refers to the relative error with respect to the sensor's nominal load. For a KD140 100N sensor, the error refers to the nominal load of 100N.

For a 3D multi-axis or 6D force/torque sensor, the %FS refers to the respective load component (Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, Mz). For example, for the K6D40 200N/5Nm force/torque sensor, the %FS would refer to the load component Fx or Fy relative to 200N, the load component Fz relative to 500N, and the load components Mx, My, Mz relative to 20Nm.

However, when calibrating with partial load, we refer the relative errors to the calibration load. A sensor with a nominal load of 100 N can also be calibrated with a 20 N (maximum) calibration load, for example, in five steps: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100% of the calibration load. FullScale then represents the respective component of the individually agreed calibration load.

In the data sheet, %FS refers to the nominal load.

The abbreviation %RD (% Reading) stands for the relative error relative to the current reading.

Information on calibration under partial load can be found here:

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