noun
criterion; standard; measure; index
The most common modern use: a yardstick or standard for judging, evaluating, or measuring something abstract.
幸福を測る尺度は一つではない。
There is not just one measure of happiness.
この調査では、収入を生活水
In this survey, income was used as an index of living standards.
noun
A less everyday use referring to physical length or dimensions; in ordinary modern Japanese, 長さ or 寸法 is usually clearer.
古い解説文では、尺度が「寸法」や「長さ」の意味で使われることがある。
In older explanatory writing, 尺度 is sometimes used to mean 'dimensions' or 'length.'
noun
measuring rule; scale
Concrete measuring-instrument use, especially in technical or design-related contexts and compounds such as 三角尺度; 定規 or 物差し is more everyday for an ordinary ruler.
設計図を読むために三角尺度を使った。
I used an architect's triangular scale to read the blueprint.
The ordinary word for physical dimensions or measurements; 尺度 in this physical 'size/length' sense is less common.
A Sino-Japanese kanji compound written with 尺, associated with a traditional unit of length and rulers, and 度, associated with measure or degree. The spelling transparently supports the meanings 'measure,' 'scale,' and 'criterion.'