An encoder includes: a reading device that reads respective electric signals from two incremental patterns respectively having graduation array pitches different from each other; a control device that calculates a measurement value, based on the electric signals; and an output device that outputs the measurement value. The control device includes: an absolute position synthesis unit that synthesizes two electric signals to generate a synthesized absolute position; a detection unit that detects two relative positions from the two electric signals; a position calculation unit that performs an arithmetic operation between the relative positions and the synthesized absolute position to calculate a calculated absolute position; an absolute position comparison unit that compares the calculated absolute position with the synthesized absolute position; and a relative position comparison unit that compares the two relative positions with each other. The output device outputs error information, based on a comparison result output from the control device.

An encoder includes: a reading device that reads respective electric signals from two incremental patterns respectively having graduation array pitches different from each other; a control device that calculates a measurement value, based on the electric signals; and an output device that outputs the measurement value. The control device includes: an absolute position synthesis unit that synthesizes two electric signals to generate a synthesized absolute position; a detection unit that detects two relative positions from the two electric signals; a position calculation unit that performs an arithmetic operation between the relative positions and the synthesized absolute position to calculate a calculated absolute position; an absolute position comparison unit that compares the calculated absolute position with the synthesized absolute position; and a relative position comparison unit that compares the two relative positions with each other. The output device outputs error information, based on a comparison result output from the control device.