Laboratory Balances

Precision instruments designed for critical measurements of mass; includes electronic and analog balances in a range of mass capacities to support a variety of laboratory analyses.

Laboratory balances are used to accurately determine the mass or weight of an item or substance within a specific weight range and to a particular readability.

They are typically used to measure the weight of smaller amounts of substances in grams, milligrams, or micrograms. The term “scale” is typically used when referring to similar instruments that weigh larger amounts in kilograms. Depending on your application, choose the type of laboratory balance that is best suited for your needs.

Electronic toploading balances, also called precision balances, these instruments have a higher capacity than analytical balances. Considered semi-analytical, they usually have readabilities to 0.01g.

Analytical balances have finer readability, are much more sensitive to changes, and can detect smaller variations in mass than toploading balances. Semi-micro and microbalances are part of this category with much smaller capacities and higher resolutions.

Moisture balances measure the amount of liquid in a substance and are often used in food testing. They weigh the existing item or product, apply heat to evaporate any moisture, and re-weigh to provide the data used to calculate the moisture content.

Mechanical balances are often used for training or education. These analog balances include spring (dynamometers), pan or bucket, platform, trip, and triple-beam balances. Some mechanical balances have digital displays but are still mechanically operated.