Abstract We demonstrate an approach to determine spectral energy distribution (SED) templates that are accurate to the 1% level from the visible through the infrared for nearby (unextincted) solar-type stars. Our approach is based only on measurements of T eff , log( g ), and M/H and the use of standard theoretical SED models. The success of this approach confirms that the existing absolute calibration is likely to be accurate to this level throughout this spectral range. We then demonstrate how to measure and correct for extinction, allowing extension of this calibration approach to faint levels (and more distant stars). We provide template SEDs in digital form for 11 G-dwarf stellar calibrators.