AQL (Acceptable Quality Level)

AQL, or Acceptable Quality Level, is a standard used in quality control to determine the maximum number of defective items allowed in a sample before the entire batch is rejected. It helps manufacturers and inspectors decide whether a product batch meets quality standards. For example, if the AQL is set at 2%, it means up to 2 defective items are acceptable in a sample, but more than that would result in rejecting the batch. AQL balances quality expectations with practical inspection efforts, ensuring products are reliable without excessive testing.