measuringstick
nounUK /ˈmeʒərɪŋ stɪk/
US /ˈmeʒərɪŋ stɪk/
A measuring stick is a stick with marks on it that you use to see how long or tall something is.
The teacher used a measuring stick to check how tall the sunflower had grown.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A standard used to judge or compare the quality of things.
Test scores are only one measuring stick for a good school.
3. A wooden or metal rod marked with units for measuring length.
The carpenter grabbed a measuring stick from his toolbox.
4. Something used to evaluate progress toward a goal.
Customer happiness is a useful measuring stick for the new service.