Metric in Sports

Athletic competition provides an outstanding opportunity to observe metric system measurements in action. International System of Units (SI) measurements are used for everything from keeping accurate event times to measuring the correct pressure of sports balls and competition distances. Measurement plays a big part in providing a level playing field for all athletes. Officials, athletes, and spectators depend on accurate measurements to establish new performance records.

Explore:

Learn how athletic events use metric system measurements.

• Summer Games Fast Facts (NIST)
• Winter Games Fast Facts (NIST)
• Track and Field (NIST)
• Bicycling (NIST)

Resources for Students and Teachers:

• Connections to Baseball (NIST) - Discover how NIST has contributed to the national pastime in many important, yet inconspicuous ways.
• Bouncing Science  (Public Broadcast Service) - Explore the properties of various sports balls and evaluate how their design is suited to each sport.
• Sports Numbers (NCTM) - In this activity, students apply their knowledge and interpret how numbers are used in a variety of sports scenarios (3rd to 5th grade).
• Engineering in Sports educational video series. (National Science Foundation, Directorate for Engineering)
  • Designing Safety Helmets - For many athletes, safety helmets are essential athletic gear.
  • Maximizing the Long Jump - The long jump is one of the most technically challenging track and field competitions.
  • Measuring a Champion - Timing is everything, where even a millisecond could mean the difference between victory and defeat.