Mass and Electrical Calibration and Comparison Services
BIPM Physical Metrology Department services supporting traceability, equivalence and international confidence in mass and electrical measurements.
Services at a glance
The BIPM's calibration and comparison services in mass and electrical metrology contribute to traceability, demonstrate equivalence and provide evidence used within the international measurement system.
Calibration services
Providing measurements traceable to the SI, allowing NMIs to maintain traceability for standards that require calibration.
International comparisons
Comparing national standards to demonstrate equivalence and provide technical evidence used to support internationally recognized measurement capabilities.
Bringing expertise directly to NMIs
Travelling standards and technical support
Some comparison activities require highly specialized equipment and expertise. In electrical metrology, the BIPM has developed dedicated travelling quantum standards for comparisons of primary electrical quantum standards with very low uncertainty.
These standards can be sent to participating NMIs and accompanied by BIPM staff for on-site comparisons, providing measurement expertise and opportunities for technical knowledge transfer.
Explore BIPM electrical metrology →For measurement specialists
Explore Physical Metrology calibration and comparison services
Use the technical resources below to explore BIPM mass and electrical metrology services, comparison results and internationally recognized capabilities.
Frequently asked questions
Find quick answers about the BIPM Physical Metrology Department’s mass and electrical calibration and comparison services.
Why are calibration services needed?
Calibration services provide SI-traceable reference measurements that allow NMIs to maintain traceability for national standards that require calibration. This supports reliable calibration and measurement capabilities.
Why are international comparisons important?
Comparison services allow NMIs to demonstrate the equivalence of their national standards. This is essential for the international recognition of measurement capabilities.
Which mass and electrical quantities are covered by BIPM services?
The BIPM Physical Metrology Department provides services in mass metrology and electrical metrology. These include calibration services for mass standards and electrical calibration and comparison services in voltage, resistance and capacitance.
How are travelling standards used in BIPM comparisons?
The BIPM uses several types of travelling standards in comparison activities. In electrical metrology, dedicated travelling quantum standards can be taken or sent to participating NMIs for high-accuracy on-site comparisons of primary electrical quantum standards.
How do comparisons support internationally recognized measurement capabilities?
The results of international comparisons contribute to demonstrating the equivalence of national standards and support the review of Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) under the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Where are approved Calibration and Measurement Capabilities published?
Approved CMCs are published in the BIPM Key Comparison Database (KCDB), helping users worldwide identify internationally recognized measurement capabilities.