mêle

Måle is a Norwegian verb meaning to determine the size, amount, or degree of something by comparing it with a standard or reference. The corresponding noun for the act of measuring is måling; måle is primarily used as a verb in modern Norwegian.

In everyday life, people measure length with rulers or tape measures, temperature with thermometers, weight with scales, and time with clocks. Measurements are expressed with units such as meters, liters, seconds, and kilograms, and can be combined with qualifiers such as approximate, precise, or exact.

In science and engineering, measurement is formalized through metrology. Key concepts include units (the International System of Units, SI), accuracy and precision, and uncertainty. Measurements seek traceability, meaning results can be linked to standards via an unbroken chain of calibrations and comparisons.

To perform measurement, one selects appropriate instruments, ensures proper technique, and records the result with its unit and, if possible, an estimate of uncertainty. Instrument choice depends on what is being measured and the required level of accuracy. Common instruments include rulers, tape measures, calipers, thermometers, scales, and sensors. Measurements are subject to various errors, such as systematic or random errors, and are interpreted in the context of the measurement goal and its required reliability.