gauge [gauges](a measure; a standard of measure; an instrument to determine dimensions, distance, or capacity; a standard) noun [UK: ɡeɪdʒ] [US: ˈɡeɪdʒ]
yardstick [yardsticks](standard to which other measurements or comparisons are judged) noun [UK: ˈjɑːd.stɪk] [US: ˈjɑːrd.ˌstɪk]