Physical Measurement Laboratory / Quantum Measurement Division

Mass and Force Group

The Group provides traceability for the SI units of mass and force, measurement services, and research in support of the U.S. industry, government, and scientific community.

The group also

Provides appropriate leadership and input to embody strong representation of U.S. interests and technology at national, regional, and international standards organizations in the fields of mass and force metrology.
Carries out research and development and provides technical support in measurement science, instrumentation design, development, and testing to develop new physical measurement services, new realization of the units, new transfer standards, new methods and data, custom tests, and consulting for mass and force metrology to improve NIST capabilities for accomplishing the first two items above to meet the needs and demands of U.S. industry, government, and the scientific community and to improve public health and welfare.
Provides technical support for legal metrology and to assist industry with the characterization of force transducers used in discrete parts manufacturing. deadweight machine images

Learn more about mass calibrations after the SI Redefinition >>

News and Updates

White Cat Hair on Black Pants: International Study Measures Stability of Precision Masses to Benefit Trade

November 26, 2018

When are two nominally identical kilogram masses no longer identical? When each goes to a different place and adsorbs...

Exactly how loud is that jackhammer?

August 17, 2018

When a jackhammer starts pounding outside your window at 7 o’clock on a Monday morning, you might find it annoying. For...

Comparison of Future Realizations of the Kilogram - Final Report

March 15, 2018

The Pilot Study — read 2016 article details — was completed in late 2016 and the Final Report was published on the BIPM...

NIST Sharpens the 'Charpy' Test to Make a More Precise Impact on Industrial Materials

February 26, 2018

A decade before an iceberg shattered the hull plates of the Titanic and half a century before a plague of brittle...

Industry Impacts

A man in a hardhat standing on top of the million-pound weight stack with a person standing at the bottom.

Massive Forces for Heavy Industry

Measuring large forces, such as the thrust of a rocket engine or the deflection of an aircraft wing, requires well-calibrated force sensors. NIST’s unique...