This Standard is concerned with the geometric irregularities of surfaces of solid materials and physical specimens for gaging roughness, and the characteristics of instrumentation for measuring roughness. It defines surface texture and its constituents: roughness, waviness, lay, and flaws.

In order to assure a uniform basis for measurement, it also provides specifications for precision reference specimens and roughness comparison specimens, and establishes requirements for instruments.

This Standard is not concerned with luster, appearance, color, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, hardness, subsurface microstructure, surface integrity, and many other characteristics which may govern considerations in specific applications.