yardstick

/ˈyärd-ˌstik/

noun

  1. a graduated measuring stick three feet (0.9144 meter) long

  2. a standard basis of calculation

  3. a standard for making a critical judgment : criterion

a yardstick for measuring astronomical distances

standard criterion gauge yardstick touchstone mean a means of determining what a thing should be. standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority. criterion may apply to anything used as a test of quality whether formulated as a rule or principle or not.