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NIST workers using metrology equipment in a laboratory.

What is a National Measurement Institute?

NIST is the national measurement institute (NMI) for the United States. Also sometimes called a national metrology institute, an NMI is a unique organization authorized by a country’s government to:

  • maintain the country’s primary measurement standards
  • provide traceability for all national measurement needs
  • represent the country in the international system of units for trade and science
  • advance measurement science to support the country's economic competitiveness
  • use measurement expertise to support the development of technically sound documentary standards

Created January 7, 2025, Updated January 8, 2025