There is not just one measure of happiness.
In this survey, income was used as an index of living standards.
A less everyday use referring to physical length or dimensions; in ordinary modern Japanese, 長さ or 寸法 is usually clearer.
In older explanatory writing, 尺度 is sometimes used to mean 'dimensions' or 'length.'
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.
I used an architect's triangular scale to read the blueprint.
The yardstick for happiness differs from person to person.
Measure the length of the timber with a scale.
In this study, they evaluated using a new criterion.
Sales figures serve as a measure of success.
寸法 is the ordinary word for physical dimensions or measurements, while 尺度 in this sense is a more formal, less common way to refer to size.
物差し is the everyday word for a ruler and also a common figurative yardstick, while 尺度 sounds more formal and analytical when used abstractly.
指標 is an index or indicator often tied to concrete data, while 尺度 is a broader term for a criterion or measuring scale.
尺度 is a measuring scale or yardstick used for comparison, whereas 試金石 is specifically a trial that exposes genuine worth.
evaluation measure; yardstick for assessment
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.'