National Institute of Standards and Technology

NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. Driving Innovation What we do CHIPS for America What’s new Putting Einstein to the Test With the World's Most Accurate Clocks NIST Releases New Forensic Genetic Reference Material to Help Crime Laboratories Analyze Challenging Cases New Music Captures NIST's Essence, Measure for Measure 2 Health Care Organizations Will Receive 2025 Baldrige National Quality Awards Space: The Final Frontier for Standards Checkup Time! How Measurement Science Keeps You Healthy NIST Allocates Over $3 Million to Small Businesses Advancing AI, Biotechnology, Semiconductors, Quantum and More How Thousands of Tiny Dots Can Save First Responders’ Lives America’s national measurement institute NIST in your inbox Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock (Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Discover how our work makes America safer, healthier and more prosperous. Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity and Privacy Next-Gen Communications NIST is the National Metrology Institute for the United States, also known as an NMI. Everything you use in your everyday life works because of measurements. Without precise measurements, your car wouldn’t run, your phone wouldn’t work, and hospitals couldn’t function. We maintain the measurements that make industry and society work. Learn more about our unique role in the national — and global — economy. Standards and Measurements How NIST’s Measurements Work for You Stay up to date with the latest news from NIST. Sign up for our Tech Beat newsletter or to get news about your favorite research topics.