CODATA Recommended Values of the Fundamental Physical Constants: 2018

Published

June 30, 2021

Author(s)

Eite Tiesinga, Peter Mohr, David B. Newell, Barry Taylor

Abstract

We report the 2018 self-consistent values of constants and conversion factors of physics and chemistry recommended by the Committee on Data of the Interna- tional Science Council (CODATA). The recommended values can also be found at physics.nist.gov/constants. The values are based on a least-squares adjustment that takes into account all theoretical and experimental data available through 31 Decem- ber 2018. A discussion of the major improvements as well as inconsistencies within the data is given. The former includes a decrease in the uncertainty of the dimensionless fine- structure constant and a nearly two orders of magnitude improvement of parti- cle masses expressed in units of kg due to the transition to the revised International System of Units (SI) with an exact value for the Planck constant. Further, because the elementary charge, Boltzmann constant, and Avogadro constant also have exact values in the revised SI, many other constants are either exact or have significantly re- duced uncertainties. Inconsistencies remain for the gravitational constant and the muon magnetic- moment anomaly. The proton charge radius puzzle has been partially resolved by improved measurements of hydrogen energy levels.

Citation

Reviews of Modern Physics

Volume

93

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.93.025010

Local Download

Keywords

fundamental constants, quantumelectrodynamics, gravitational constant

Citation

Tiesinga, E. , Mohr, P. , Newell, D. and Taylor, B. (2021), CODATA Recommended Values of the Fundamental Physical Constants: 2018, Reviews of Modern Physics, [online], https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.93.025010, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=931443 (Accessed October 20, 2025)