Digital Scales; How to Read Specifications

The design and inner workings of a digital scale will vary significantly between brands. To help you to determine the difference between models and find the best for your needs, we have compiled a list of standard key terms and definitions you are likely to come across when searching for a digital scale.

Capacity

Capacity refers to the maximum weight that a scale is capable of weighing.

Resolution

The resolution refers to the smallest increment in applied weight that can be detected or displayed on a digital scale.

Net Weight

Net Weight is the weight of the load on the pan, minus the container (tare) weight.

Tare

To set a digital scale display to show zero weight. Tare is used to remove the weight of any packaging, so only the weight of the material is displayed.

Dynamic Weighing

Dynamic weighing is a feature of some scales which can be used to weigh moving objects such as animals or for fluid samples.

Calibration

Calibration is the procedure to make the scale to display a specific value of a known standard mass. After calibration, any other mass is determined using the standard as the reference.

Pan Size

Pan size is the size of the weighing platform

Weight

Weight is the force of gravity on an object measured using a scale. Depending on gravitational forces, the weight of an object will change depending on your location in the world. The associated SI unit of force and weight is the Newton. However, most scales will convert and report the result in mass units such as kilograms.

Force

For scales, the measurement of force is through the tension force of constraint acting on an object, opposing the local effect of gravity. Most scales convert the measured force to a resulting mass at Earth's gravity. So to summerise this principle, weighing scales input the force exerted by an object, but will display results in mass.

Mass

Mass determines the amount of matter in an object, and the mass of an object stays the same irrespective of location and gravitational forces. The basic unit of measurement for mass is the kilogram.

Trade Approved

Trade approved scales and balances are measuring devices approved for use in trade applications.

NMI

National Measurement Institute, Australia, is the measurement standards body of the Australian government.

CE

The CE marking on a scale is a certification mark that indicates conformity with safety, health, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area.

NRCS

National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, an agency of the South African Government Department of Trade and Industry.

OIML

The Organisation International de Métrologie Légale (International Organization of Legal Metrology) is an intergovernmental treaty organisation based in France.

NTEP

National Type Evaluation Program evaluates and certifies equipment before offered for sale for trade use in the United States.

Conclusion

When searching for a digital scale, it is essential to understand digital scale specifications to select the best product for your needs and budget.

Need some assistance finding the perfect digital scale for your needs? Contact an Instrument Choice Scientist. We're here to help! Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].