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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science

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About us

National Metrology Institute

Providing the UK's measurement capability

Metrology is the science of measurement. As the UK's National Metrology Institute (NMI), NPL's mission is to provide the measurement capability that underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life. We are able to provide confidence in measurement results and data traceable to SI units.

Since 1900 we have developed and maintained the nation's primary measurement standards. These standards help provide confidence that the goods and services we buy live up to their claims, that the medicines we take are the right dosage, and the data we use for everything from climate change to financial trading is accurate. Our work also supports international trade and innovation in the commercial world.

UK measurement standards are underpinned by the National Measurement System (NMS), an infrastructure that ensures accuracy and consistency of measurement throughout the UK. We also represent the nation when liaising with international metrology and standards organisations and NMIs from other countries. We have over a century of experience meeting the requirements of the internationmeasurement community.

Discover more about the reach and impact of the NMS within the UK private sector

NMS Customer Survey

Excellent measurement science

NPL led the review of the UK's national measurement capability. It looked at the UK's measurement infrastructure and how measurement knowledge can enable scientific discovery, accelerate innovation and allow trade to be equitable. The the UK Measurement Strategy was published in December 2022.

UK Measurement Strategy 2022

Measurement is everywhere, playing a vital role in our lives

The National Measurement System (NMS) is responsible for stimulating good measurement practice and enables UK businesses to make accurate and traceable measurements, for the benefit of the nation. The NMS is a network of laboratories that provide measurement standards and calibration testing facilities. It maintains the measurement infrastructure, represents the position of UK measurement internationally and influences the development of standards. The NMS is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and supports innovation in business by demonstrating the compliance of new products and processes, reducing development times and improving existing products. It disseminates measurement knowledge and information to the wider measurement community through events, research, case studies, training, newsletters, advice and guides.

Find out more about the National Measurement System

Find out more about NMIs

Other NMS organisations

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Contact us

Our research and measurement solutions support innovation and product development. We work with companies to deliver business advantage and commercial success.
Contact our Customer Services team on +44 20 8943 7070

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