A customer's specifications can refer to dimensions or to the chemical properties of steel ordered. The tolerance measures the allowable difference in product specifications between what a customer orders and what the steel company delivers. There is no standard tolerance because each customer maintains its own variance objective. Tolerances are given as the specification, plus or minus an error factor; the smaller the range, the higher the cost.

Specified variations in colour, register, size, and other parameters relating to the printing and converting processes. Should be stated in numerical terms whenever possible.

Permissible residue levels for pesticides in raw agricultural produce and processed foods. Whenever a pesticide is registered for use on a food or a feed crop, a tolerance (or exemption from the tolerance requirement) must be established. EPA establishes the tolerance levels, which are enforced by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture.()

An acceptable variance from a specified measurement. Used to determine the minimum and maximum measurements.

The amount of variation permitted on dimensions or surfaces. The tolerance is equal to the difference between the maximum and minimum limits of any specified dimension.

The specification of acceptable variations in a range of printing parameters to take account of the imperfections in each process.

The specification of acceptable variations in register, density, dot size, plate or paper thickness, concentration of chemicals, and other printing parameters.