Weights And Measures Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 04, 2022
Fact-checked by Naman Khanna
Weights And Measures Day is observed on May 20.

Where is Weights And Measures Day celebrated?

This day is annually celebrated all around the world.

Who is Weights And Measures Day celebrated by?

This day is celebrated by all the people who love the accuracy of measurements and weighing.

When did Weights And Measures Day first start?

It is still unknown when the Weights and Measures Day started. However, this day is observed to pay tribute to the signing of the international treaty of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875.

Who started Weights And Measures Day?

The details of the person who started this day are unavailable.

History And Timelines

We have listed some interesting facts about the history and timeline of weights and measures.

Traditions And Customs

There are no specific traditions that are followed on this day.

Ways To Observe Or Weights And Measures Day

This day is a reminder to ensure that you calibrate all your measuring instruments at home. On this day, you can review the list of all your measuring instruments at home based on the manufacturing date, dust them, and if damaged, get them repaired to ensure longer life of your instruments.

Facts And Stats

  • The Weights And Measures Day is celebrated on May 20 as a celebration of the signing of the international treaty.
  • The day is celebrated worldwide, and the celebration includes the recognition of different universal units like meter, liter, seconds, and much more.
  • This year the Weights And Measures Day would fall on a Friday.
  • The unit of measurement to know the speed and slightest movement direction of your computer mouse is Micky. You can look for more such quirky units on this day.

Uniform Systems Of Measures

The ancient people of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley used the earliest known weights and measuring systems.

Fourth And Third Millennia BC

The Sumerian Number System

The numbering system was invented by the city of Sumer in Mesopotamia much before its script.

3000 BC

Babylonian Numbering System

Babylonian numbering system was inspired by a complicated numbering system that belonged to a much older civilization called Sumerians.

1900-1800 BC.

Oldest Long-Distance Measurement

'Farsnag' is the oldest known measurement unit, approximately 4.18 mi (6.72 km), used in Babylon.

4000 years ago

Invention Of Sundial

The Astronomer, mathematician Theodosius of Bithynia invented the first universal sundial used on Earth.

160-100 BC

What are common weights and measures?

These are the units and standards indicating the amount of some quantity, such as weight, capacity, or length.

What is weights and Measures in retail?

The weights and measures in retail are the details of the product mentioned on its package, meant for sale in the retail industry.

What do weights and measures inspectors do?

These inspectors ensure the weights and measures of all products follow the established norms and procedures specified by the concerned authorities.

What are some events similar to Weights And Measures Day?

Similar events are World Metrology Day, SIM event World Metrology Day- Measurement for Health, and National Metric Day.

What are some important facts about Weights And Measures Day?

On this day, the world came together to sign the International treaty. All the 59 states signed and agreed to use standards systems of weight and measures.

What are some essential things we need to keep in mind while celebrating Weights And Measures Day?

On this day, everyone should dust all the instruments used for weights and measures and prioritize the instrument calibration.

How do businesses celebrate Weights And Measures Day?

The businesses may conduct awareness programs for their staff, reiterating the need to maintain all related instruments and calibrate these instruments before the due date.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, May 20, 2020
  • Thursday, May 20, 2021
  • Friday, May 20, 2022
  • Saturday, May 20, 2023
  • Monday, May 20, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Naman Khanna

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Naman Khanna picture

Naman KhannaBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

An English literature graduate from Delhi University, Naman's broad interests include mathematics, science, and social science. With his knowledge and expertise in multiple subjects, he is an asset to our fact-checking team. Naman is set to pursue his postgraduate degree in English literature soon.

Read full bio >