NIST Certified Stage Micrometers
Dec 12th 2025
What is a Stage Micrometer?
A stage micrometer is a very precise ruler designed for microscopes. It is a slide made of either glass or metal to allow light to shine through it or shine down on top of it. The stage micrometer sits on the microscope stage and has very accurate measurements etched onto the slide. The stage micrometer shown at right is the MWSM2 stage micrometer that has both a 1" and 25mm scale on it. This stage micrometer is often used with stereo microscopes.
Why do you need a Stage Micrometer?
If you want to make any measurements using the microscope, a stage micrometer is used to calibrate the eyepiece reticle or software used for measuring accurately. The stage micrometer has a known size, just like a ruler does, and once the microscope is calibrated, accurate measurements can be performed with the microscope. The stage micrometer shown at right is the MA285A stage micrometer that has both a 1mm and 10mm scale. This stage micrometer is used with compound high power microscopes.
What does "NIST certified" mean?
NIST stands for the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This is the United States government agency responsible for maintaining measurement standards. When a stage micrometer is NIST certified or "NIST traceable" it means the following:
- The markings on the stage micrometer have been verified against official national standards.
- The NIST certified stage micromter includes a certificate stating its accuracy.
- If a stage micrometer has been NIST certified, you can trust that the 10 micrometer mark on the stage micrometer is exactly 10 micrometers.
NIST certification is especially important in professions such as aerospace, manufacturing quallity control, medical or research facilities, the pharmaceutical industry, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, and any industry where precise measurements could affect diagnoses, experiments, or product specifications. A NIST Certified stage micrometer is like having an offical stamp of approval that your microscope measurement tool is truly accurate.
All of Microscope World's stage micrometers are available with NIST certification. Contact us if you have any questions regarding NIST certified stage micrometers.
