a standard of excellence, achievement, etc., against which similar things must be measured or judged

The new hotel is a benchmark in opulence and comfort.

any standard or reference by which others can be measured or judged

The current price for crude oil may become the benchmark.

Computers . an established point of reference against which computers or programs can be measured in tests comparing their performance, reliability, etc.

of, pertaining to, or resulting in a benchmark

benchmark test, benchmark study.

noun

criterion , gauge , measure , standard , touchstone , yardstick , mark , test , example , model