The equation for the test mean identifies the column of data or the group identifier for the test sample.
The test sample is often from a new or unproven product or process. For example, the test sample in a pharmaceutical study might be a new generic drug that you hope to prove is as effective as the leading brand name (reference) drug.
The equation for the reference mean identifies the column of data or the group identifier for the reference sample.
The reference sample is often from a proven product or process. For example, the reference sample in a pharmaceutical study might be a drug that has already been shown to have the desired effect.
If you define your equivalence limits as a product of the reference mean by using the Multiply by reference mean option, the Method table also includes the calculations used to determine the lower and upper equivalence limits for the test.