Understanding Metrology: The Science of Measurement and Its Global Significance

Reliable measurements are the foundation of every modern industry – be it in manufacturing, logistics, quality assurance, or international trade. Ensuring that a product is dosed correctly, a raw material is precisely weighed, or a delivery is legally invoiced requires more than just a measuring device: it requires a precise and standardized measurement infrastructure.

Metrology, the science of measurement, provides this infrastructure. It ensures that measured values are comparable and traceable worldwide – thus creating trust in processes, products, and systems.

On the occasion of World Metrology Day we take a look at the importance of metrology – and highlight the central role it plays, particularly in the field of industrial scales.

What is metrology?

Metrology is the science of measurement. It deals with the definition of units of measurement, the practical implementation of these units, and ensuring the traceability of measurements to international standards. This discipline is divided into three main areas:

• Scientific metrology: The development and maintenance of units of measurement and measurement standards.
• Industrial metrology: The application of measurement methods in production and quality assurance.
• Legal metrology: The monitoring of measurements subject to legal requirements, e.g., in trade or healthcare.

Metrology ensures that measurements are consistent and comparable worldwide, which is essential for technological innovation and economic progress.

A Brief Look Back: The Origins of Modern Metrology

While systems of measurement have existed since ancient times, modern metrology began to take shape with the introduction of the metric system in 1799, which for the first time relied on scientific principles rather than arbitrary standards. The Metre Convention of 1875 marked a decisive step toward international standardization and led to the creation of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). Today, the International System of Units (SI) – based on seven base units (second, meter, kilogram, ampere, kelvin, mole, and candela) – provides the global standard for all scientific and industrial measurements.

In addition to SI-compliant units such as grams and kilograms, alternative weight units such as pounds (lb), ounces (oz), carats (ct), pennyweights (dwt), mommes (mo), and taels (tl) are also used in practice – particularly in logistics, precious metals trading, or in certain regional markets such as the Anglo-American region or Asia. Modern industrial scales enable precise and legally compliant use of these units of measurement thanks to metrologically defined conversion.

Why is metrology important?

Precise measurements are crucial for:

• Science and technology: Accurate data is the foundation for research and development.
• Industry and manufacturing: Quality control and efficiency depend on accurate measurements.
• Healthcare: Diagnostic devices and dosages require precise calibration.
• Environmental protection: Measurements of emissions and environmental parameters are essential for protecting our planet.

Without consistent and accurate measurement standards, many advances in these fields would not be possible.

The Relevance of Metrology in Industrial Scales

Industrial scales are a perfect example of the importance of reliable measurement technology in everyday life – especially in manufacturing, logistics, laboratories, warehousing, and shipping.

Metrologically reliable industrial scales are key for numerous industrial and legal requirements:

• Traceable accuracy: Scales must be traceably calibrated to national and international standards. This is the only way to ensure comparable and legally compliant results. Traceable calibration refers to the verification and adjustment of a measuring instrument using a reference standard whose accuracy can be proven to be based on a national or international standard. This ensures that measurement results are reliable, traceable, and comparable worldwide.
• Verification requirement: In many applications – such as commercial transactions or billing by weight – legal verification of the scale is mandatory. This is where legal metrology applies.
• Quality assurance: In production, deviations of just a few grams or milligrams often determine whether a product is rejected or approved.
• International trade: Companies operating globally must ensure that measurement systems meet the same standards everywhere.

World Metrology Day 2025 – Measurements for all times, for all people

World Metrology Day is celebrated every year on May 20th to commemorate the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875. This international agreement laid the foundation for a unified system of measurement and promoted global cooperation in metrology.

In 2025, World Metrology Day marks the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention. The motto is “Measurements for all times, for all people.” This theme emphasizes the universal importance of precise measurements for all aspects of life, from science to industry to everyday life.

UNESCO will celebrate this anniversary with a symposium in Paris where experts, scientists, and decision-makers will discuss the role of metrology in a sustainable future.

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