# \#definitions

**URL:** https://community.tunersguild.com/tag/definitions/38.md

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## [What's the difference between a tuner and a calibrator?](https://community.tunersguild.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-tuner-and-a-calibrator/44)

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**Author:** [@ThomasPirowski](https://community.tunersguild.com/u/ThomasPirowski)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 9:20am UTC](https://community.tunersguild.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-tuner-and-a-calibrator/44 "2026-02-20T09:20:00Z")

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A tuner takes an existing calibration — usually a purchased file — and applies it to a car. The ceiling is real: you’re dependent on someone else’s calibration. A calibrator builds calibration. They can look at a file t…