A solution containing all the components of the analysis, except for the analyte, is known as a blank solution.

Under identical conditions, the blank solution is measured with the same instrument as the standard solution and test sample. This blank determination reveals any systematic error and errors caused by the impurities in the reagents and solvents.

The blank's value is subtracted from all subsequent measurement values, such as from the standard solutions or the test sample, to eliminate error. While the values from the blank and standard solution generate the calibration curve, the value obtained from the test sample is used to determine the unknown concentration of the analyte accurately.

In titrimetric analysis, blank solutions are used to eliminate errors caused by impurities in the titrant.