diff --git a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/autofocus.py b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/autofocus.py
index 0ee8d32b..909ff229 100644
--- a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/autofocus.py
+++ b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/autofocus.py
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ import labthings_fastapi as lt
 from labthings_fastapi.types.numpy import NDArray
 
 from .camera import BaseCamera, CaptureParams
-from .stage import BaseStage
+from .stage import BacklashCompensation, BaseStage
 
 LOGGER = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 MIN_TEST_IMAGE_COUNT = 3
@@ -458,14 +458,17 @@ class AutofocusThing(lt.Thing):
         up to 10 times.
         """
         attempt = 0
-        backlash = 200
 
         with JPEGSharpnessMonitor(self._stage, self._cam) as sharpness_monitor:
             while attempt < 10:
                 attempt += 1
                 if start == "centre":
-                    self._stage.move_relative(x=0, y=0, z=-int(backlash + dz / 2))
-                    self._stage.move_relative(x=0, y=0, z=backlash)
+                    self._stage.move_relative(
+                        x=0,
+                        y=0,
+                        z=-int(dz / 2),
+                        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.Z_ONLY,
+                    )
 
                 # Always start centrally for future runs
                 start = "centre"
@@ -480,8 +483,10 @@ class AutofocusThing(lt.Thing):
                 target_max = np.max(heights) - dz / 5
 
                 # move to the peak
-                self._stage.move_absolute(z=peak_height - backlash)
-                self._stage.move_absolute(z=peak_height)
+                self._stage.move_absolute(
+                    z=peak_height,
+                    backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.Z_ONLY,
+                )
 
                 if target_min < peak_height < target_max:
                     # If it is within the target range then return
@@ -622,12 +627,10 @@ class AutofocusThing(lt.Thing):
         # Better to start too low and take too many images than too high and need to refocus
         self._stage.move_relative(
             z=-int(
-                stack_parameters.steps_undershoot
-                + stack_parameters.backlash_correction
-                + stack_parameters.stack_z_range / 2
-            )
+                stack_parameters.steps_undershoot + stack_parameters.stack_z_range / 2
+            ),
+            backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.Z_ONLY,
         )
-        self._stage.move_relative(z=stack_parameters.backlash_correction)
 
         captures: list[CaptureInfo] = []
         # Always check for focus using the the last `min_images_to_test` in the
diff --git a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/camera_stage_mapping.py b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/camera_stage_mapping.py
index 7860f938..813c762f 100644
--- a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/camera_stage_mapping.py
+++ b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/camera_stage_mapping.py
@@ -141,11 +141,15 @@ class CameraStageMapper(lt.Thing):
         except lt.exceptions.InvocationCancelledError as e:
             self.logger.info("User cancelled the camera stage mapping calibration")
             self.logger.info("Returning to starting position")
-            self._stage.move_absolute(**starting_position, block_cancellation=True)
+            self._stage.move_absolute(
+                **starting_position, block_cancellation=True, backlash_compensation=None
+            )
             raise e
         except MappingError as e:
             self.logger.info("Returning to starting position due to failed calibration")
-            self._stage.move_absolute(**starting_position, block_cancellation=True)
+            self._stage.move_absolute(
+                **starting_position, block_cancellation=True, backlash_compensation=None
+            )
             raise e
         result["move_history"] = recorded_move.history
         result["image_resolution"] = self._cam.capture_downsampled_array().shape[:2]
@@ -264,6 +268,7 @@ class CameraStageMapper(lt.Thing):
         self._stage.move_relative(
             **self.convert_image_to_stage_coordinates(x=x, y=y),
             block_cancellation=False,
+            backlash_compensation=None,
         )
 
     @lt.action
diff --git a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/smart_scan.py b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/smart_scan.py
index 84143e25..d587de3c 100644
--- a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/smart_scan.py
+++ b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/smart_scan.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ from openflexure_microscope_server.utilities import coerce_thing_selector
 # Things
 from .camera import BaseCamera
 from .scan_workflows import ScanWorkflow
-from .stage import BaseStage
+from .stage import BacklashCompensation, BaseStage
 
 T = TypeVar("T")
 P = ParamSpec("P")
@@ -311,6 +311,7 @@ class SmartScanThing(lt.Thing):
             x=next_point[0],
             y=next_point[1],
             z=z_estimate,
+            backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.XY_ONLY,
         )
 
         return (next_point[0], next_point[1], z_estimate)
@@ -481,7 +482,9 @@ class SmartScanThing(lt.Thing):
 
         if self._scan_data is not None:
             self._stage.move_absolute(
-                **self.scan_data.starting_position, block_cancellation=True
+                **self.scan_data.starting_position,
+                block_cancellation=True,
+                backlash_compensation=None,
             )
 
     @property
diff --git a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/__init__.py b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/__init__.py
index 2c06eaf3..3298e2ac 100644
--- a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/__init__.py
+++ b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/__init__.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ As the object will be used as a context manager create the hardware connection i
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+import enum
 import queue
 import threading
 from collections.abc import Mapping, Sequence
@@ -32,6 +33,25 @@ class RedefinedBaseMovementError(RuntimeError):
     """
 
 
+class BacklashCompensation(enum.Enum):
+    """The axes to apply backlash compensation to.
+
+    This will perform a correction step - if necessary - on every
+    chosen axis, even if that axis position isn't set to move in
+    the calling movement
+
+    * MOVEMENT_AXES - Only the axes that are moving.
+    * ALL_AXES - All axes
+    * XY_ONLY - Only the x and y axes.
+    * Z_ONLY - The z-axis only.
+    """
+
+    MOVEMENT_AXES = enum.auto()
+    ALL_AXES = enum.auto()
+    XY_ONLY = enum.auto()
+    Z_ONLY = enum.auto()
+
+
 class JogCommand:
     """A base class for jog operations."""
 
@@ -101,6 +121,8 @@ class BaseStage(lt.Thing):
         self._jog_queue = JogQueue()
         self._jog_thread: Optional[threading.Thread] = None
         self._hardware_position: Mapping[str, int] = dict.fromkeys(self._axis_names, 0)
+        # Backlash state is a dict as we mutate it during moves.
+        self._backlash_state: dict[str, float] = dict.fromkeys(self._axis_names, 0)
 
         # This must be the last thing the function does in case it is caught in a try.
         if (
@@ -124,6 +146,17 @@ class BaseStage(lt.Thing):
         """Current position of the stage."""
         return self._apply_axis_direction(self._hardware_position)
 
+    backlash_steps: dict[str, int] = lt.setting(
+        default={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200}, readonly=True
+    )
+    """The number of steps to elimate backlash. The sign sets the direction.
+
+    A positive number sets the direction of the second move in a backlash correction.
+    For example, consider z=200. If the previous move was more than +200 in z, no
+    correction is needed. If the last movement was negative then a move of -200,
+    followed by +200 will wipe out backlash.
+    """
+
     moving: bool = lt.property(default=False, readonly=True)
     """Whether the stage is in motion."""
 
@@ -133,9 +166,27 @@ class BaseStage(lt.Thing):
     """Used to convert coordinates between the program frame and the hardware frame."""
 
     def update_position(self) -> None:
-        """Read position from the stage and set the corresponding property."""
+        """Update the position property from the stage."""
+        # Copy the position before the move.
+        pos_before = dict(self.position)
+        self._hardware_update_position()
+        for axis in self._axis_names:
+            # The state delta should be 1 for a move equal to backlash steps.
+            # moving as this will move the state from 0 (fully disengaged) to
+            # 1, fully the other.
+            delta = (self.position[axis] - pos_before[axis]) / self.backlash_steps[axis]
+            # apply value and clamp to within range from 0 to 1
+            self._backlash_state[axis] = max(
+                0, min(1, self._backlash_state[axis] + delta)
+            )
+
+    def _hardware_update_position(self) -> None:
+        """Read position from the stage and set internal attribute _hardware_position.
+
+        _hardware_position should only be set in this function.
+        """
         raise NotImplementedError(
-            "StageThings must define their own update_position method"
+            "StageThings must define their own _hardware_update_position method"
         )
 
     @overload
@@ -192,12 +243,25 @@ class BaseStage(lt.Thing):
         self.axis_inverted = direction
 
     @lt.action
-    def move_relative(self, block_cancellation: bool = False, **kwargs: int) -> None:
+    def move_relative(
+        self,
+        block_cancellation: bool = False,
+        backlash_compensation: Optional[BacklashCompensation] = None,
+        **kwargs: int,
+    ) -> None:
         """Make a relative move. Keyword arguments should be axis names."""
-        self._hardware_move_relative(
-            block_cancellation=block_cancellation,
-            **self._apply_axis_direction(kwargs),
-        )
+        if backlash_compensation is not None:
+            self._move_with_backlash_correction(
+                block_cancellation=block_cancellation,
+                relative=True,
+                backlash_compensation=backlash_compensation,
+                **kwargs,
+            )
+        else:
+            self._hardware_move_relative(
+                block_cancellation=block_cancellation,
+                **self._apply_axis_direction(kwargs),
+            )
 
     def _hardware_move_relative(
         self, block_cancellation: bool = False, **kwargs: int
@@ -211,12 +275,25 @@ class BaseStage(lt.Thing):
         )
 
     @lt.action
-    def move_absolute(self, block_cancellation: bool = False, **kwargs: int) -> None:
+    def move_absolute(
+        self,
+        block_cancellation: bool = False,
+        backlash_compensation: Optional[BacklashCompensation] = None,
+        **kwargs: int,
+    ) -> None:
         """Make an absolute move. Keyword arguments should be axis names."""
-        self._hardware_move_absolute(
-            block_cancellation=block_cancellation,
-            **self._apply_axis_direction(kwargs),
-        )
+        if backlash_compensation is not None:
+            self._move_with_backlash_correction(
+                block_cancellation=block_cancellation,
+                relative=False,
+                backlash_compensation=backlash_compensation,
+                **kwargs,
+            )
+        else:
+            self._hardware_move_absolute(
+                block_cancellation=block_cancellation,
+                **self._apply_axis_direction(kwargs),
+            )
 
     def _hardware_move_absolute(
         self,
@@ -231,6 +308,78 @@ class BaseStage(lt.Thing):
             "StageThings must define their own _hardware_move_absolute method"
         )
 
+    def _move_with_backlash_correction(
+        self,
+        block_cancellation: bool,
+        relative: bool,
+        backlash_compensation: BacklashCompensation,
+        **kwargs: int,
+    ) -> None:
+        """Make a movement with backlash correction.
+
+        :param block_cancellation: True to prevent the move being cancelled.
+        :param relative: True if the kwargs are relative moves. False if they are
+            absolute.
+        :param backlash_compensation: A BacklashCompensation which sets which axes to
+            apply backalsh compensation to.
+        :param kwargs: A mapping of axis name to integer for the movement.
+        """
+        # Calculate relative movement
+        if relative:
+            move = {ax: kwargs.get(ax, 0) for ax in self._axis_names}
+        else:
+            move = {ax: kwargs.get(ax, pos) - pos for ax, pos in self.position.items()}
+
+        # Depending on the backlash method decide which axes to check
+        check_axes: tuple[str, ...]
+        match backlash_compensation:
+            case BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES:
+                check_axes = tuple(ax for ax, move in move.items() if move != 0)
+            case BacklashCompensation.ALL_AXES:
+                check_axes = self._axis_names
+            case BacklashCompensation.XY_ONLY:
+                check_axes = ("x", "y")
+            case BacklashCompensation.Z_ONLY:
+                check_axes = ("z",)
+            case _:
+                raise ValueError(
+                    f"Unknown backlash compensation method {backlash_compensation}"
+                )
+
+        # Check the backlash state at the end of the move, no need to clip to range of
+        # 0-1
+        final_state = {
+            ax: self._backlash_state[ax] + move[ax] / self.backlash_steps[ax]
+            for ax in check_axes
+        }
+        # If the state is 1 or greater the motors are engaged in the preferred
+        # direction, if not a correction move is needed.
+        correction = {
+            ax: self.backlash_steps[ax]
+            for ax, state in final_state.items()
+            if state < 1
+        }
+
+        if correction:
+            # If there is a correction to apply move in two goes
+            first_move = {
+                ax: move[ax] - correction.get(ax, 0) for ax in self._axis_names
+            }
+            self._hardware_move_relative(
+                block_cancellation=block_cancellation,
+                **self._apply_axis_direction(first_move),
+            )
+            self._hardware_move_relative(
+                block_cancellation=block_cancellation,
+                **self._apply_axis_direction(correction),
+            )
+        else:
+            # Else just complete the relative move
+            self._hardware_move_relative(
+                block_cancellation=block_cancellation,
+                **self._apply_axis_direction(move),
+            )
+
     def _hardware_start_move_relative(self, displacement: Sequence[int]) -> None:
         """Start a relative move."""
         raise NotImplementedError(
diff --git a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/dummy.py b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/dummy.py
index 3b1aaf0a..4948d266 100644
--- a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/dummy.py
+++ b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/dummy.py
@@ -81,9 +81,12 @@ class DummyStage(BaseStage):
     )
     """Used to convert coordinates between the program frame and the hardware frame."""
 
-    def update_position(self) -> None:
-        """Read position from the stage and set the corresponding property."""
-        pass
+    def _hardware_update_position(self) -> None:
+        """Read position from the stage and set internal attribute _hardware_position.
+
+        _hardware_position should only be set in this function.
+        """
+        self._hardware_position = self.instantaneous_position
 
     def _set_pos_during_move(
         self, displacement: Sequence[int], fraction_complete: float
@@ -109,7 +112,7 @@ class DummyStage(BaseStage):
             # If there is a new movement.
             if movement_request is not None:
                 # Set the hardware position from instantaneous before continuing.
-                self._hardware_position = self.instantaneous_position
+                self.update_position()
 
                 if movement_request.displacement is None:
                     # If it is a stop command, stop moving
@@ -138,7 +141,7 @@ class DummyStage(BaseStage):
                     # move is complete
                     fraction_complete = 1.0
                     self._set_pos_during_move(displacement, fraction_complete)
-                    self._hardware_position = self.instantaneous_position
+                    self.update_position()
                     self._movement_ongoing = False
 
     def _check_for_new_move_request(self) -> Optional[DummyStageMovement]:
@@ -233,5 +236,5 @@ class DummyStage(BaseStage):
         stage.
         """
         with self._hardware_lock:
-            self._hardware_position = dict.fromkeys(self.axis_names, 0)
-            self.instantaneous_position = self._hardware_position
+            self.instantaneous_position = dict.fromkeys(self.axis_names, 0)
+            self.update_position()
diff --git a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/sangaboard.py b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/sangaboard.py
index 128586f3..a6c99eb9 100644
--- a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/sangaboard.py
+++ b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage/sangaboard.py
@@ -80,8 +80,11 @@ class SangaboardThing(BaseStage):
     )
     """Used to convert coordinates between the program frame and the hardware frame."""
 
-    def update_position(self) -> None:
-        """Read position from the stage and set the corresponding property."""
+    def _hardware_update_position(self) -> None:
+        """Read position from the stage and set internal attribute _hardware_position.
+
+        _hardware_position should only be set in this function.
+        """
         with self._hardware_lock:
             self._hardware_position = dict(
                 zip(self.axis_names, self._sangaboard.position, strict=True)
diff --git a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage_measure.py b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage_measure.py
index 9162d6e9..411e57ed 100644
--- a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage_measure.py
+++ b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/stage_measure.py
@@ -267,7 +267,9 @@ class RangeofMotionThing(lt.Thing):
             self._rom_data.stage_coords[-1] = self._stage.position
 
         finally:
-            self._stage.move_absolute(**starting_position, block_cancellation=True)
+            self._stage.move_absolute(
+                **starting_position, block_cancellation=True, backlash_compensation=None
+            )
 
     def _recentre_axis(self, axis: Literal["x", "y"]) -> None:
         """Recentre a single axis.
@@ -327,7 +329,9 @@ class RangeofMotionThing(lt.Thing):
         # if the distance is less than 1 big step away then move to it and exit
         if abs(img_perc) < BIG_STEP:
             self.logger.info(f"Estimated centre of {axis}-axis is {estimate[axis]}")
-            self._stage.move_absolute(**estimate, block_cancellation=False)
+            self._stage.move_absolute(
+                **estimate, block_cancellation=False, backlash_compensation=None
+            )
             # Note the second return, the direction, is meaningless here.
             return True, 1
         self.logger.info(
diff --git a/tests/unit_tests/test_autofocus.py b/tests/unit_tests/test_autofocus.py
index 1c3f6e08..3661cbc6 100644
--- a/tests/unit_tests/test_autofocus.py
+++ b/tests/unit_tests/test_autofocus.py
@@ -60,6 +60,8 @@ def test_looping_autofocus(start_z, max_loc, centre, attempts_expected, passes,
 
     def adjust_pos(**kwargs: int) -> None:
         """Move relative should update position. So make a side effect for the mock."""
+        # Remove backlash compensation from the dict if it exists.
+        kwargs.pop("backlash_compensation", None)
         for axis, value in kwargs.items():
             autofocus_thing._stage.position[axis] += value
 
diff --git a/tests/unit_tests/test_stage.py b/tests/unit_tests/test_stage.py
index 727f4c4d..f922ef65 100644
--- a/tests/unit_tests/test_stage.py
+++ b/tests/unit_tests/test_stage.py
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import itertools
 import logging
 import threading
 import time
+from dataclasses import dataclass
 
 import pytest
 from hypothesis import HealthCheck, given, settings
@@ -14,6 +15,7 @@ from labthings_fastapi.testing import create_thing_without_server
 
 from openflexure_microscope_server.things.camera.simulation import SimulatedCamera
 from openflexure_microscope_server.things.stage import (
+    BacklashCompensation,
     BaseStage,
     JogCommand,
     JogQueue,
@@ -44,7 +46,7 @@ def test_not_implemented_methods():
     """Check all methods a child class should implement raise NotImplemented."""
     stage = create_thing_without_server(BaseStage)
     methods_and_args = [
-        (stage.update_position, ()),
+        (stage._hardware_update_position, ()),
         (stage._hardware_move_relative, ()),
         (stage._hardware_move_absolute, ()),
         (stage._hardware_start_move_relative, ((1, 2, 3),)),
@@ -309,6 +311,279 @@ def test_move_absolute(dummy_stage, path):
         )
 
 
+def test_backlash_state(dummy_stage):
+    """Test that the backlash state updates as the stage moves."""
+    # Use with to start the movement thread.
+    with dummy_stage:
+        assert dummy_stage._backlash_state == {"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0}
+        assert dummy_stage.backlash_steps == {"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200}
+
+        # Move 100 steps to centre of x backlash range
+        dummy_stage.move_relative(x=100)
+        assert dummy_stage._backlash_state == {"x": 0.5, "y": 0, "z": 0}
+        # Move 50 more steps to halfway between centre and "engaged"
+        dummy_stage.move_relative(x=50)
+        assert dummy_stage._backlash_state == {"x": 0.75, "y": 0, "z": 0}
+        # Move back 50 steps to the centre
+        dummy_stage.move_relative(x=-50)
+        assert dummy_stage._backlash_state == {"x": 0.5, "y": 0, "z": 0}
+        # Move 500 steps, now fully engaged
+        dummy_stage.move_relative(x=500)
+        assert dummy_stage._backlash_state == {"x": 1, "y": 0, "z": 0}
+        # Move back 100 steps in the centre of backash range again.
+        dummy_stage.move_relative(x=-100)
+        assert dummy_stage._backlash_state == {"x": 0.5, "y": 0, "z": 0}
+        # Move forward a load to re-engage
+        dummy_stage.move_relative(x=500)
+        assert dummy_stage._backlash_state == {"x": 1, "y": 0, "z": 0}
+        # Move back 200 to be fully at the far side of the backlash range
+        dummy_stage.move_relative(x=-200)
+        assert dummy_stage._backlash_state == {"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0}
+        # Further motion changes nothing in state
+        dummy_stage.move_relative(x=-200)
+        assert dummy_stage._backlash_state == {"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0}
+
+
+@dataclass()
+class BacklashMoveTestCase:
+    """Structured information for each test of backlash compensation."""
+
+    position: dict[str, float]
+    backlash_state: dict[str, float]
+    backlash_steps: dict[str, int]
+    movement: dict[str, int]
+    relative: bool
+    backlash_compensation: BacklashCompensation
+    result: list[dict[str, int]]
+
+    @property
+    def rel_move(self):
+        """The relative movement."""
+        if self.relative:
+            return self.movement
+
+        return {
+            ax: self.movement.get(ax, pos) - pos for ax, pos in self.position.items()
+        }
+
+    def validate(self):
+        """Check that the total movement in the result is the relative movement requested."""
+        total = {ax: sum(move[ax] for move in self.result) for ax in self.position}
+        expected = self.rel_move
+        assert total == expected
+
+
+BACKLASH_TEST_MOVEMENTS = [
+    # Moving 1 step in x against preferred movement direction
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": -1, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        relative=True,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # There are 2 moves as it is against the direction
+        result=[{"x": -201, "y": 0, "z": 0}, {"x": 200, "y": 0, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    # Moving 1 step in the preferred movement direction
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 1, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        relative=True,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # There are 2 moves as 1 step doesn't move the backlash state to engaged.
+        result=[{"x": -199, "y": 0, "z": 0}, {"x": 200, "y": 0, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    # Moving 1 step in the preferred movement direction (already engaged)
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_state={"x": 1, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 1, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        relative=True,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # Already engaged
+        result=[{"x": 1, "y": 0, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    # Moving 100 steps in the preferred movement direction partially engaged
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0.7, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 100, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        relative=True,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # Already 70% to engaged 100 steps creates engagement
+        result=[{"x": 100, "y": 0, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    # Moving 100 steps in the preferred movement direction partially engaged (again)
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0.3, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 100, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        relative=True,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # Only 30% to engaged 100 steps doesn't engage, so 2 moves
+        result=[{"x": -100, "y": 0, "z": 0}, {"x": 200, "y": 0, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    ## Absolute move versions of the same tests
+    # Moving 1 step in x against preferred movement direction
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 123, "y": 456, "z": 789},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 122},
+        relative=False,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # There are 2 moves as it is against the direction
+        result=[{"x": -201, "y": 0, "z": 0}, {"x": 200, "y": 0, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    # Moving 1 step in the preferred movement direction
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 123, "y": 456, "z": 789},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 124},
+        relative=False,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # There are 2 moves as 1 step doesn't move the backlash state to engaged.
+        result=[{"x": -199, "y": 0, "z": 0}, {"x": 200, "y": 0, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    # Moving 1 step in the preferred movement direction (already engaged)
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 123, "y": 456, "z": 789},
+        backlash_state={"x": 1, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 124},
+        relative=False,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # Already engaged
+        result=[{"x": 1, "y": 0, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    # Moving 100 steps in the preferred movement direction partially engaged
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 123, "y": 456, "z": 789},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0.7, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 223},
+        relative=False,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # Already 70% to engaged 100 steps creates engagement
+        result=[{"x": 100, "y": 0, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    # Moving 100 steps in the preferred movement direction partially engaged (again)
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 123, "y": 456, "z": 789},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0.3, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 223},
+        relative=False,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # Only 30% to engaged 100 steps doesn't engage, so 2 moves
+        result=[{"x": -100, "y": 0, "z": 0}, {"x": 200, "y": 0, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    ## Checking axes correct even when not moving if asked to
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        relative=True,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.ALL_AXES,
+        # All move forward and back
+        result=[{"x": -200, "y": -200, "z": -200}, {"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200}],
+    ),
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        relative=True,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.XY_ONLY,
+        # x and y correct
+        result=[{"x": -200, "y": -200, "z": 0}, {"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": 200, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        relative=True,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.Z_ONLY,
+        # z corrects
+        result=[{"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": -200}, {"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 200}],
+    ),
+    ## Checking reversed backlash directions (on y)
+    # In preferred direction
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": -150, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 0, "y": -300, "z": 0},
+        relative=True,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # Only 1 move as preferred direction
+        result=[{"x": 0, "y": -300, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+    # against preferred direction
+    BacklashMoveTestCase(
+        position={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_state={"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0},
+        backlash_steps={"x": 200, "y": -150, "z": 200},
+        movement={"x": 0, "y": 300, "z": 0},
+        relative=True,
+        backlash_compensation=BacklashCompensation.MOVEMENT_AXES,
+        # 2 moves as against preferred direction
+        result=[{"x": 0, "y": 450, "z": 0}, {"x": 0, "y": -150, "z": 0}],
+    ),
+]
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("test_case", BACKLASH_TEST_MOVEMENTS)
+def test_backlash_compensated_moves(test_case, dummy_stage, mocker):
+    """Test that backlash correction is applied correctly.
+
+    See each test case for an explanation.
+    """
+    test_case.validate()
+    mock_hw_move_rel = mocker.patch.object(dummy_stage, "_hardware_move_relative")
+    # Set position
+    dummy_stage._hardware_position = dummy_stage._apply_axis_direction(
+        test_case.position
+    )
+    # check position is set
+    assert dummy_stage.position == test_case.position
+
+    dummy_stage._backlash_state = test_case.backlash_state
+    dummy_stage.backlash_steps = test_case.backlash_steps
+
+    if test_case.relative:
+        dummy_stage.move_relative(
+            **test_case.movement,
+            block_cancellation=False,
+            backlash_compensation=test_case.backlash_compensation,
+        )
+    else:
+        dummy_stage.move_absolute(
+            **test_case.movement,
+            block_cancellation=False,
+            backlash_compensation=test_case.backlash_compensation,
+        )
+    assert mock_hw_move_rel.call_count == len(test_case.result)
+    for res, call in zip(
+        test_case.result, mock_hw_move_rel.call_args_list, strict=True
+    ):
+        applied = call.kwargs
+        # Remove the block_cancellation argument and add in any axes that are 0
+        applied.pop("block_cancellation")
+        applied = {ax: applied.get(ax, 0) for ax in res}
+        # Check the expected result was applied for each move.
+        assert applied == dummy_stage._apply_axis_direction(res)
+
+
 def test_thing_description_equivalence(dummy_stage, mocker):
     """Stop extra actions getting added to child classes without explicit approval.
 
diff --git a/tests/unit_tests/test_stage_measure.py b/tests/unit_tests/test_stage_measure.py
index 5c9e0690..d4b5c5a8 100644
--- a/tests/unit_tests/test_stage_measure.py
+++ b/tests/unit_tests/test_stage_measure.py
@@ -487,10 +487,12 @@ def test_move_until_edge_error(rom_thing, mocker):
     # Error should be raised even though it is in the Try:
     with pytest.raises(RuntimeError, match="Mock"):
         rom_thing._move_until_edge("y", direction=-1)
-    # However the "finally" should have executed returning to the starting position
+    # However the "finally" should have executed, returning to the starting position
     assert rom_thing._stage.move_absolute.call_count == 1
     abs_move_kwargs = rom_thing._stage.move_absolute.call_args.kwargs
-    expected_abs_move_kwargs = dict(**mock_position_dict, block_cancellation=True)
+    expected_abs_move_kwargs = dict(
+        **mock_position_dict, block_cancellation=True, backlash_compensation=None
+    )
     assert abs_move_kwargs == expected_abs_move_kwargs