Metrology, the science of measurement, is part of everyday life in today’s world. We are measuring things all throughout our day!
From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, we are constantly relying on various types of measurement to help us make decisions in our daily lives.
Types of Measurement Used in Everyday Life
Metrology is used throughout many aspects of our daily routines, often without us even realizing it. Here are common examples of measurement used in everyday life:
Health and Fitness
One of the most common examples of measurement is weight. When you step on the bathroom scale in the morning, you are measuring your weight. This simple act of weighing yourself may influence your daily decisions. For example, you might decide not to have a snack based on the reading you observe. Additionally, using a fitness tracker to measure steps, heart rate, calories burned, pace per minute, and other types of measurement allow us to better monitor and improve overall health. These examples of measurement in health and fitness allow us to lead healthier lives.
Transportation
When you are driving to work, you are measuring your speed. You might be evaluating the risk of exceeding the posted limit with your tolerance to accept the penalty for doing so. Speedometers measure your speed, but even the GPS you are using relies on highly precise measurements of both distance and time to guide you accurately. The types of measurements don’t end there, however. Your cars fuel gauge and battery levels also rely on types of precision to ensure you have enough power for your trip. A simple car ride includes many types of measurement to get you from Point A to Point B.
Food Preparation
Cooking is another daily activity that is filled with different types of measurement. From measuring ingredients with measuring cups and spoons, to setting the oven temperature, there are many examples of precision when utilizing the kitchen. While most people think of measurement in terms of ingredients, using a thermometer to check is your meat is cooked thoroughly is another example of measurement in food preparation.
While not necessarily a part of food preparation, shopping for groceries also includes examples of measurement. For example, when buying produce, prices are often calculated by weight.
Time
Time is an example of metrology that most people don’t think of when thinking of types of measurement. However, when you look at a clock you might be measuring the time interval between the present and a future event. It might be lunch, quitting time, or an upcoming deadline. The measuring of time may be the most common example of measurement, as it often determines your daily routine and schedule.
The Impact of Measurement on Our Daily Lives
From tracking fitness to ensuring safe driving and improving the accuracy of our technology, precision measurement is essential for modern life. Its influence extends across health, safety, productivity, convenience, and innovation, making it a cornerstone of our daily life.
Understanding the various types of measurement and recognizing examples of precision in everyday life better allows us to appreciate how deeply metrology affects us. By mastering and applying precise measurements, we continue to innovate and improve overall quality of life.
At Measurement Science Conference (MSC), we discuss all types of measurements, from the mundane to the exciting. You will be able to meet measurement professionals from NIST, academia, multiple military branches, NASA, and industry. You’ll be able to engage with folks across several measurement disciplines, such as mass, force, temperature, length, chemistry, and many more.
