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SI Units – Time

SI Units second
Credit: NIST
Illustration of Clocks

The second (s) is defined by taking the fixed numerical value of the cesium frequency ∆νCs, the unperturbed ground-state hyperfine transition frequency of the cesium-133 atom, to be 9,192,631,770 when expressed in the unit Hz, which is equal to s−1.

The number of periods or cycles per second is called frequency. The SI unit for frequency is the hertz (Hz). One hertz is the same as one cycle per second. Standard frequencies and the correct time are broadcast by radio stations WWV and WWVB in Colorado, and WWVH in Hawaii. NIST delivers digital timing signals by telephone and through the internet.

Official U.S. Government time is provided by NIST and USNO. NIST also offers an Internet Time Service (ITS) and an Automated Computer Time Service (ACTS) that allow setting of computer and other clocks through the Internet or over standard commercial telephone lines. Free software for using these services on several types of popular computers can be downloaded there. Information about these services can be found on the Time and Frequency Division Web site.

Resources for Teachers and Students

Teachers: Top 10 Tips for Teaching the Metric System. (NIST)

K-2

Pink background. Professor Second character. Hearts. Text: It's fun spending time with you. To and From lines.
Credit: ©2020 U.S. Secretary of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

Grade 3-5

Professor Second
Credit: ©2020 U.S. Secretary of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
  • League of SI Superheroes - Professor Second
    • This comic book-style video animation series has been developed to help middle school students learn about the 7 SI base measurement units.
  • SI Units Card Deck (SP 1297) - this activity offers a fun way to enhance understanding of the International System of Units. (NIST)

 

Grade 6-8

The word "TIME" appears and grows larger among line drawings of various types of clocks.
Credit: NIST
  • How Do You Measure Your Location Using GPS? The Global Positioning System, or GPS, has been part of our daily lives for more than 20 years. Learn about how we measure our location using GPS in this article.
  • How Do Atomic Clocks Work? (NIST) Our modern world depends on clocks that tap the secrets hidden inside atoms. But how do we use these tiny particles to tell time? This article will answer that question.
  • Second: Introduction - (NIST) In the modern world, atoms have become our best clocks. Atomic clocks enable us to define the second. This article delves into the brief history of second.
  • SI Base Units Relationship Poster (SP 1247) - a colorful poster illustrating the relationships of the International System of Units (SI) derived units with special names and symbols and the seven traditional base units. (NIST)
  • The Time - Place Connection If you want to know where you are, you need a reliable clock. This article from Smithsonian: National Air and Space Museum explores interesting facts about how knowing the accurate time is essential for determining position
  • 5 Concepts Can Help You Understand Quantum Mechanics and Technology — Without Math! Quantum mechanics may sound strange or confusing at first, but it is actually just a different way of understanding how the tiniest parts of our universe work. This blog explains key ideas and why they matter today.

Grade 9+

Animated illustration shows a clock, waves moving through dots, and the words "HDYMI? TIME."
Credit: N. Hanacek/NIST

 

League of SI Superheroes, Episode 5: Late Notice
League of SI Superheroes, Episode 5: Late Notice
Why Do We Use Atoms To Keep Time?
Why Do We Use Atoms To Keep Time?
League of SI Superheroes, Episode 2: Running Out of Time!
League of SI Superheroes, Episode 2: Running Out of Time!
What is PNT?
What is PNT?
How does NIST-F4, NIST's newest fountain clock, work?
How does NIST-F4, NIST's newest fountain clock, work?
What is time?
What is time?
Introducing NIST-F4: The Nation's New Primary Frequency Standard
Introducing NIST-F4: The Nation's New Primary Frequency Standard

 

s - Second - Time - 2018

FAQs

What is the current Coordinated Universal Time?

NIST and the U.S. Naval Observatory jointly operate a website that provides the Official U.S. Time. Readings from the clocks of these two agencies contribute to world time, called Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Learn more... How to get the time using a telephone, computer or radio signals? What is a leap second? What are the daylight saving time rules? Visit the Time and Frequency Division FAQs for more information.

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Created April 12, 2010, Updated June 17, 2025
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