How to choose a precision balance or scale
By Grant, Inspection Tool Specialists. Reviewed November 2026.
Three things decide which balance or scale you need: the largest load you weigh, the readability (the smallest step the instrument shows) that your work requires, and where it will be used. Answer those first. A balance that cannot resolve the difference you must measure is of no use, however precise its display looks.
Readability
Readability is the smallest reading the balance shows, such as 0.1 g, 0.01 g, 0.1 mg or 0.01 mg. A common rule is that the readability should be at least about a tenth of the smallest difference you must detect. Weighing a sample to 0.1 g is not the same job as weighing it to 0.1 mg, and the price follows.
Which type?
| Type | Suits | Typical in our range |
|---|---|---|
| Precision balance, 0.01 g to 0.1 g | Laboratory and production weighing | T2C 0.01 g; TB 0.1 g |
| Analytical balance, 1 mg to 0.1 mg | Sample preparation and analysis | TJA 1 mg; TFA 0.1 mg |
| Semi-micro, 0.01 mg | Very small samples | TFA-SEM semi-micro |
| Density and textile | Density testing and fabric measurement | TCM density balance; TCS textile balance |
| Industrial, platform and waterproof | Production, packing and washdown areas | TM platform scale; TWP IP68 scale |
| Crane and hanging loads | Suspended loads on site | PCE-CS 1000N crane scale; PCE-DDM 3WI wireless crane scale |
Environment
Analytical balances need a stable bench, away from draughts, vibration and direct sunlight, and they need time to settle to room temperature. Static electricity can affect very light samples. Choose the location before the balance, and check the level.
Calibration weights
Check a balance regularly with calibration weights of the class suited to it. Higher classes such as E2 and F1 suit analytical work; F2 and M1 suit general and industrial weighing. Our calibration weight sets include E2 200 g (from about R13,650), F1 1 kg (from about R7,150), F2 1 kg (from about R6,550) and M1 (from about R12,700). Keep the weights clean and handle them with forceps or gloves.
Crane scales and suspended loads
A crane scale must be rated above the load you lift, and wireless models let the reading be seen from a distance. A scale is part of the lifting system, so follow the lifting procedure and any regulations that apply, and check them before you choose.
Price guide
As a guide to our current range, including VAT: compact bench and platform scales from about R3,300; precision balances from about R3,700; analytical balances from about R8,000 to R25,400 for the semi-micro model; crane scales from about R7,300; calibration weight sets from about R4,950. Prices change, so check the product pages and confirm the weights and printer each quote includes.
Questions we will ask you
Tell us the largest load, the smallest difference you must detect, where the balance will be used and in what conditions, whether you need records printed or sent to a system, whether the balance must be checked with weights, and the standard or procedure you work to. With that we can recommend a balance and provide pricing.