Taking Measure Blog: Weights and measures

Weights and measures

A researcher wearing a lab coat uses tongs to place a silvery sphere into a large scientific device as another researcher looks on.

One of the World’s Roundest Objects Is Helping to Build a Better Mass Measurement

July 17, 2024

Different countries' approaches can lead to different definitions of the kilogram. But NIST is working with our international partners to see how we can close

Measurement in the Movies

March 6, 2024

The nominees are in … for the best use of measurement in a movie.

Weighing Your Purchases: How New Laws May Help You Become a Savvier Online Shopper

March 1, 2024

When you buy something by weight or volume, you want to get what you pay for. And we’re helping to make sure that happens — whether you shop online or in a

A Scientific Christmas Tale

December 19, 2023

’Twas the night before Christmas; NIST staff had gone home. Our director was left to reflect all alone. She thought about NIST and the breadth of its work, from

4 Places Weights and Measures Help You Get What You Pay For

March 1, 2023

Here at NIST, we are committed to making sure you get what you pay for when buying something based on weight or measure, such as food or fuel.

NIST’s Researchers Look Ahead to High-Tech Trends in 2023 and Beyond

December 27, 2022

They study topics that impact all of us, from indoor air quality to cybersecurity.

U.S. Weights and Measures Week: Measuring Up to the New Normal

March 4, 2021

Each year during national Weights and Measures Week (March 1 to 7), we celebrate the contributions made by the weights and measures community to ensure accuracy

Charging Ahead: Weights and Measures Week 2020

March 3, 2020

Happy Weights and Measures Week 2020! Weights and Measures Week is celebrated every year from March 1-7 to commemorate President John Adams signing the first U

The Vara: A Standard of Length With a Not-So-Standard History

October 11, 2019

By the 1850s, the United States had annexed nearly all of what are now its southwestern states from Mexico, and with the region, its peoples. Though the U.S

The Case for Building Beautiful Instruments

March 26, 2019

I discovered my affinity for attractive instruments while working a job previous to my coming to NIST. My boss then had a love affair with the common hose clamp

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