Buy an Analytical Balance That Meets Your Needs (And Budget)

We have reviewed many digital scales that claim accuracy down to the 0.001g level. Measuring to that level of precision with reliability is probably not feasible for most budget scales that we have reviewed, however, despite the manufacturer’s claims.

If you do indeed need that level of granularity and precision because maybe you’re a chemist, nutritionist, or another professional where every milligram counts, then you need an analytical scale (often called a lab scale).

These scales are designed to measure sub-mg level mass. They typically come with a draft shield to keep air currents away and a measuring pan to hold the item(s) being weighed. Ideal conditions call for room temperature readings to minimize air convection, a flat level surface, and may call for multiple readings to ensure consistency.

The actual science behind the way they measure mass is interesting as well. Rather than weighing mass directly, they essentially measure the amount of force that would be necessary to counter the mass that is being weighed.

There are additional considerations and features such as electromagnetic calibration and computer connectivity, but there’s a good chance that you may already know all about this if you’re in the market for an analytical scale.

Cheap Lab Scale – U.S. SOLID Digital Analytical Balance

If you are on a budget but you want a lab-quality scale then maybe this is the one for you. Built as a desktop scale, this one has all the basic functions you would expect from a lab scale.

This is the perfect lab scale for a school, university, or other training institution where you want something that will measure accuracy but will not break the bank on cost. It would also suit a jeweler that wants very accurate measurements of their wares.

For those of us who really need to get the accuracy down when under 10mg this is going to be just about the only option. This is a lab grade scale, meaning it’s a very, very accurate milligram scale, i.e, made to make sure that your measurements are ultra-precise.

You’ll have to let it warm up a bit to make sure that you can take advantage of that superb accuracy, however. If you’re willing to spend the money, though, the only thing you need to know is that this is the best that money can buy without short of spending thousands of dollars.

Capacity	Accuracy	Functions	Supported Units	Power
300 grams 10.6 oz	0.001 grams	Tare and Calibration, memory and other functions, measurement tray	g, lb, ct, oz	Mains Powered

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Best Lab Scale – Ohaus SPX223 Scout Analytical Balance

The Ohaus SPX223 Scout Analytical Balance is a great milligram scale and makes it into our list for one main reason and that is connectivity. It has optional connectivity modules that allow it connectivity to, RS 232, USB, Network, and Bluetooth. This means that you can connect this unit to almost any system you want for ease of use.

These lab scales have been built with versatility and robustness in mind. for example, they are stackable to allow for easy storage, very reliable and quick, and easy to operate for easy and fast setup and pack away. Perfect for a school or a lab where space is limited.

The versatility of these lab scales and their many connectivity options make them a great option for all but the most demanding of measurement scenarios where sub-milligram measurements are needed. But short of that they are a great option for anyone that needs a highly reliable, easy-to-use, and highly accurate analytical balance.

Capacity	Accuracy	Functions	Supported Units	Power
220 grams 7.7 oz	0.001 grams	Tare function, backlit LCD	gram, ounces, grain, and carat	Mains Powered

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Precision Lab Scales – U.S. Solid Digital Analytical Balance

Lastly, for those of you who really need commercial-level accuracy without breaking the bank (keep in mind most lab scales cost several thousands of dollars), there is a great option by U.S. Solid, a very solid, lab-scale that measures down to a 10th of a milligram.

It has a capacity of 120g and more importantly, it offers true precision down to 0.00001g at +-0.2mg accuracy. Unless you are working with medications or other materials that need measurements down to extremely small values this scale will be much more sensitive than you need. But if you do want something that accurate then this is it.

It has a draft shield, stainless steel pan, LCD backlight, tare feature, part count function, includes calibration weights, and has an RS232 port for direct connection to a computer.

Capacity	Accuracy	Functions	Supported Units	Power
120 grams 4.2 oz	0.0001 grams	High Accuracy, draft shielding, advanced functions	ounce, karat, gram, pound	Mains Powered

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Premium Lab Scale – Torbal AGCN120 Analytical Balance

The Torbal AGCN120 is a well-designed analytical scale designed to measure down to the 0.0001 gram level. In addition to weight, it can measure density.

It has a host of high-end features including % weighing and parts counting and can measure in a number of different units such as carats, grams, and pounds.

It has a clear and transparent accessible chamber, and sturdy metal housing, and comes with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Capacity	Accuracy	Functions	Supported Units	Power
120 grams 4.2 oz	0.0001 grams	High Accuracy, draft shielding, advanced functions	ounce, karat, gram, pound	Mains Powered

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