What is benchmark? | Definition from TechTarget (2024)

What is a benchmark?

A benchmark is a standard or point of reference people can use to measure something else.

Benchmarks in surveying

In surveying, a benchmark -- or bench mark or survey benchmark -- is a post or other permanent mark established at a known elevation that is used as the basis for measuring the elevation of other topographical points.

Benchmarks in tech

In computer and Internet technology, benchmark has a number of meanings. These include the following:

  • A set of conditions against which a product or system is measured. For example, tech reviewers can test and compare several new computers or devices using the same set of applications, user interactions and contextual situations. The benchmark is the total context against which tester are measuring and comparing all products.
  • A program specially designed to provide measurements for a particular operating system or application.
  • A known and familiar product that users can use to compare other newer products.
  • A set of performance criteria that a product is expected to meet.

Laboratory benchmarks sometimes fail to reflect real-world product use. For this reason, the benchmarks are not always an accurate measure of computer performance.

Still, benchmarks can be useful and some companies offer benchmark programs for downloading or a benchmark testing service on their own site.

What is benchmark? | Definition from TechTarget (2)

Benchmarks in business

Like key performance indicators, benchmarks are also useful to measure performance, although the former measures an organization against itself and benchmarks look outward. Organizations can use a number of benchmark types to measure their own or their employees' performance. In these cases, business leaders can use key business or performance metrics to identify how well they are doing as compared with peers, other organizations or competitors.

Climate benchmarks

Benchmarks related to organizational carbon emissions and other sustainability issuesare rapidly developing areas.

This was last updated in November 2022

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What is benchmark? | Definition from TechTarget (2024)

FAQs

What is benchmark? | Definition from TechTarget? ›

The benchmark is the total context against which tester are measuring and comparing all products. A program specially designed to provide measurements for a particular operating system or application. A known and familiar product that users can use to compare other newer products.

What is target benchmarking? ›

In the process of best practice benchmarking, management identifies the best firms in their industry, or in another industry where similar processes exist, and compares the results and processes of those studied (the "targets") to one's own results and processes.

What is a benchmark in tech? ›

In computing, a benchmark is the act of running a computer program, a set of programs, or other operations, in order to assess the relative performance of an object, normally by running a number of standard tests and trials against it.

What is a benchmark target? ›

A benchmark focuses on individual students and their desired level of competency. This could be the passing score on a test or an assignment, or the description of the competent level on a rubric. PERFORMANCE TARGET.

What does a benchmark test tell you? ›

The primary purpose of benchmark testing is to evaluate the performance of a product or system against established standards or benchmarks. It can allow you to determine the strengths and weaknesses of their products or systems and to identify areas for improvement.

What is benchmarking examples? ›

Internal benchmarking compares performance, processes and practises against other parts of the business (e.g. Different teams, business units, groups or even individuals). For example, benchmarks could be used to compare processes in one retail store with those in another store in the same chain.

How do you determine benchmarks? ›

To determine benchmarks, you need to measure your work against something else. There are a variety of things you can set benchmarks against, including: Competitors. Comparing your work or desired results against your competitors shows you what's normal in the industry and what customers expect.

What is a benchmark in simple terms? ›

a. : something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged. a stock whose performance is a benchmark against which other stocks can be measured. b. : a point of reference from which measurements may be made.

How to benchmark IT solutions? ›

How To Benchmark IT Service Performance
  • Examine the ROI. ...
  • Benchmark your IT support model. ...
  • Review service tickets. ...
  • Technology vs Productivity. ...
  • Customer service. ...
  • Benchmarking IT services: Where Next?

What is a benchmark for dummies? ›

A benchmark is a standard that is used to measure the change in an asset's value or another metric over time. In investing, benchmarks are used as a reference point for the performance of securities, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, portfolios, or other financial instruments.

What is the benchmark rate? ›

What Are Benchmark Rates and How Do They Work? Benchmark rates, such the prime rate, the Federal Open Market Committee's federal funds rate, and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), are rates that set the level of interest for a wide variety of transactions around the world.

Can you fail a benchmark test? ›

Students are given remediation in their reports based on their incorrect answers. So even if they fail, they can get the help they need to get back on track.

What is a good benchmark score? ›

For editing photos, video, or other digital content

We recommend a PCMark 10 Digital Content Creation score 3450 or higher. If you need a PC for complex rendering, real-time graphics, or gaming, we recommend using our popular 3DMark benchmark to measure and compare system performance.

Is benchmark a good thing? ›

This can help you identify areas where you shine and need improvement. Benchmarking has many benefits, including improving productivity, increasing efficiency, and gaining a competitive edge. Read on to learn more about benchmarking and how it can benefit your business.

Is there a difference between benchmark and target? ›

Benchmarks are external references that show how others in your industry, market, or sector are performing on similar KPIs. Targets are internal goals that you set for yourself or your team based on your specific objectives, resources, and capabilities.

What is benchmarking in the workplace? ›

Benchmarking is a process that involves measuring the performance of your business against a competitor in the same market. This will give you a better understanding of your business performance and potential.

What does benchmark mean in health insurance? ›

Financial Benchmark (health care): an established price for health care services; also known as a “target price" Quality Performance Benchmark (health care): an established standard of care provided to patients.

What is a benchmarking in Lean Six Sigma? ›

Benchmarking in Six Sigma involves a company analyzing its performance rather than measuring it against the standard set by the industry they work in or a world-class company in another industry. It typically focuses on processes and operations within one area of the company.

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