A measure of whether things can really be compared in a way that is fair and helpful. For example, oranges and grapefruits, because they are both citrus fruits, would have comparability in a study of vitamin C content, but oranges and sausages would not.

Quality of an indicator which uses the same measurement unit to quantify the needs, objectives or effects of several different interventions. Comparability is useful for establishing norms for judgement (e.g. the average cost of jobs created by the intervention can be favourably compared to that of similar interventions). Efforts made to improve comparability involve the harmonisation of measurement units and result, initially, in the definition of standard indicators, i.e. indicators that can be used in several regions with the same definition for the same sector of intervention (e.g. number of SMEs assisted, defined and calculated in a comparable way). Secondly, comparability can be extended to key indicators, that is, indicators which can be used in several regions and sectors of intervention. Related Terms: Harmonisation, Standard Indicator BACK

The extent to which an indicator measures the same thing across time or space. In 1950, the number of households in a given neighborhood with a television would have been an indicator of neighborhood prosperity. In 1990 the indicator would have little value.

In mathematics, comparability is the condition of two objects which are related by some relation. For example, in a partially ordered set, two elements x and y are said to be comparable if and only if x < y or y < x; in a set, two subsets are comparable with respect to set inclusion if and only if one is a subset of the other; and in a classification of mathematical objects such as topological spaces, two criteria are said to be comparable when the objects that obey one criterion constitute a subset (or subclass) of the objects that obey the other one (so the T1 and T2 axioms are comparable, while the T1 axiom and the sobriety axiom are not).

The convention of presenting information is such a way that decision makers can recognize similarities, differences, and trends in different time periods or companies.

Users evaluate accounting information by comparison. Similar companies account for similar transactions in similar ways. Another goal is comparison of one company's information from one period to the next (consistency). Operating trends should not be disguised by changing accounting methods.

The questioned writing and known writing embody the same type of writing and character or character combinations. Other issues of comparability may include, but are not limited to, contemporaneousness of the questioned writing and the known writing, different writing instruments, and document format.

Requirement that the state must ensure that the same Medicaid benefits are available to all people who are eligible. Exceptions include benefits approved under Medicaid waiver programs for special sub populations of Medicaid eligibles.

A key concept in recent years, it is the pursuit, by independent marketers, to have made available to them, the same services that have traditionally been reserved for utilities. The three components of utility service are: firm transportation, storage, and "no notice" service.

qualities that are comparable; "no comparison between the two books"; "beyond compare"

The ability to describe likenesses and differences in the quality and relevance of two or more data sets.

A quality of accounting information that facilitates the comparison of financial reporting of one company to the financial reporting of another company. To Top

Examining pricing structure of similar restaurants in the market area in order to offer similar market-accepted prices.

a similarity allowing comparison; an approximate equivalence.

When a transmission owner provides access to transmission services at rates, terms and conditions equal to those the owner incurs for its own use.