A laboratory (often abbreviated as lab) is a place where scientific research, measurement and experiments are conducted under controlled conditions. A typical lab can hold space for one to thirty, or more, researchers depending on the size of the room and state mandated maximum occupancy limit.

All laboratories share some common features, mainly laboratory equipment and laboratory glassware: Usually, they have at least one fume hood. Toxic and hazardous chemicals can be safely handled in a fume hood. This reduces, and usually eliminates, the risk of inhalation of toxic gases produced by the reaction of chemicals. Laboratories usually have a sink for handwashing. A fire extinguisher is located in a laboratory, as well as a fire blanket, to help exterminate fire in the event of an accident. There is also an eye wash station and an overhead shower in the event that chemicals gain access onto clothes, skin, or eyes. The exceptions to this would include certain engineering and physics laboratories, which usually do not include glassware, hoods, and toxic chemicals.

Supporting the laboratory is usually a stock room, or preparation room, where dry and wet chemicals are stored. This stockroom prepares all the reagents (acids, bases, buffers) of various quantities and concentrations, as well as orders and distributes supplies (glassware, chemicals, personal protective equipment) to the laboratory. In an engineering or physics laboratory, the stock room or preparation rooms are generally used for storing of equipment and repair facilities.

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