In the context of calibration, what does a derived standard typically refer to?

A derived standard refers to a standard that is created from multiple measurements. This concept is important in calibration because it emphasizes the process of taking various measurements under specific conditions to create a new standard that can be used as a reference point. The idea behind using multiple measurements is to accommodate variations and uncertainties inherent in any measurement process, leading to a higher confidence level in the derived standard's accuracy and reliability.

Furthermore, when creating a derived standard from multiple measurements, these often involve statistical methods to analyze the data, ensuring that the new standard reflects a comprehensive view of the measurement process. This is crucial in calibration settings where precision and accuracy need to be maintained, as it provides a concrete basis for performance and consistency across various measurement applications.

The other options present different concepts that don't align with the established meaning of a derived standard: a primary reference represents a foundational standard, an estimated measurement lacks the reliability of a systematically derived measurement, and a theoretical calculation would depend on assumptions rather than empirical data.