ISO 22309:2011 gives guidance on the quantitative analysis at specific points or areas of a specimen using energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) fitted to a scanning electron microscope or an electron probe microanalyser; any expression of amount, i.e. in terms of percent (mass fraction), as large/small or major/minor amounts is deemed to be quantitative. The correct identification of all elements present in the specimen is a necessary part of quantitative analysis and is therefore considered in ISO 22309. ISO 22309 provides guidance on the various approaches and is applicable to routine quantitative analysis of mass fractions down to 1 %, utilizing either reference materials or "standardless" procedures. It can be used with confidence for elements with atomic number Z > 10.

Guidance on the analysis of light elements with Z < 11 is also given.