Microbalance vs Semi-Micro vs Analytical Balance: Which Do You Need?
Short answer: the difference is the smallest step the balance can show. An analytical balance reads to 0.1 mg (0.0001 g), a semi-micro balance reads to 0.01 mg (0.00001 g), and a microbalance reads to 0.001 mg (1 µg). Each step down gives you ten times finer readability on a smaller capacity, and asks for a steadier room. Pick the one whose readability fits your smallest sample: for example, the A&D BM-200 analytical balance (220 g x 0.1 mg) is $3,376, the A&D GH-252 semi-micro balance (101 g x 0.01 mg / 250 g x 0.1 mg) is $4,499, and the A&D BM-20 microbalance (22 g x 0.001 mg) is $9,988.
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Lab buyers often ask us whether they really need a microbalance or whether a semi-micro or analytical balance will do. MNM Scales has sold and calibrated lab balances since 1992, for over 30 years, and we are an authorized dealer for the A&D and Sartorius balances in this guide. Below is how the three classes compare, what each one is used for, what they cost on our live listings, and how to set up the room so the balance can perform to its readability. If you are still choosing between an analytical and a precision balance, start with our analytical vs precision balance guide.
Microbalance vs semi-micro vs analytical balance at a glance
| Class | Readability | Typical capacity | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical balance | 0.1 mg (0.0001 g) | about 60 g to 520 g | Sample prep, formulation, QC, standards, density |
| Semi-micro balance | 0.01 mg (0.00001 g) | about 60 g to 250 g, often dual range | Reference standards, small-sample assays, pharmaceutical and research labs |
| Microbalance | 0.001 mg (1 µg) | about 2 g to 22 g | Air and emissions filters, very small powder samples, coatings and small parts |
Readability is the smallest increment on the display, not a promise of accuracy. What matters in practice is repeatability and the smallest net sample you need to weigh with confidence; our capacity and readability guide explains how to read a spec sheet. Many semi-micro balances and some microbalances are dual range: a finer step on the lower part of the range and a coarser step above it.
Analytical balance: 0.1 mg readability
An analytical balance is the everyday instrument of most labs. It reads to 0.1 mg, has a glass draft shield around the pan, and handles samples from a few milligrams up to a few hundred grams. On our live listings, the Sartorius Entris II BCE64i-1S (60 g x 0.1 mg, internal calibration) is $1,749 and the A&D BM-200 (220 g x 0.1 mg, internal calibration) is $3,376. If your smallest sample is tens of milligrams or more, an analytical balance is usually the right fit.
Semi-micro balance: 0.01 mg readability
A semi-micro balance reads to 0.01 mg, ten times finer than an analytical balance, while keeping a working capacity of roughly 60 to 250 g. That makes it a common choice for weighing small amounts of reference standards into larger containers. Examples on our live listings: the A&D GH-252 (101 g x 0.01 mg / 250 g x 0.1 mg, internal calibration) at $4,499, and the Sartorius Quintix125D-1S (60 g x 0.01 mg / 120 g x 0.1 mg) at $5,199. Browse all semi-micro balances.
Microbalance: 0.001 mg (1 µg) readability
A microbalance reads to one microgram. Capacities are small, typically a few grams to about 22 g, and the weighing chamber is compact to keep air movement away from the sample. Microbalances are used for weighing air and emissions filters, very small powder doses, coatings and other samples where a few micrograms matter. The A&D BM series microbalances on our live listings have internal calibration and a built-in ionizer to neutralize static on the sample and container:
| Microbalance | Capacity x readability | Price |
|---|---|---|
| A&D BM-5D | 2.1 g x 0.001 mg / 5.2 g x 0.01 mg (dual range) | $8,998 |
| A&D BM-5 | 5.2 g x 0.001 mg | $9,998 |
| A&D BM-22 | 5.1 g x 0.001 mg / 22 g x 0.01 mg (dual range) | $9,998 |
| A&D BM-20 | 22 g x 0.001 mg | $9,988 |
See every model in our microbalance category, or compare Sartorius models and prices in our Sartorius balance price guide.
How to choose between them
- Start with your smallest net sample. Write down the smallest amount you need to weigh and the tolerance you need on it. If your SOP follows USP General Chapter 41, the balance’s repeatability at that weight sets the minimum weight it can be used for.
- Check the largest load, including the container. A microbalance with a 5 g capacity will not take a heavy weighing vessel; a semi-micro balance often will.
- Consider a dual-range model. If most work is at 0.1 mg but some samples need 0.01 mg or 0.001 mg, a dual-range balance covers both on one instrument.
- Choose the calibration method. Internal calibration lets the balance adjust itself when the temperature changes; see internal vs external calibration.
- Plan the room before the balance arrives (next section).
Setting up the room for 0.01 mg and 1 µg weighing
- A solid weighing table or stone bench away from doors, foot traffic and vibrating equipment
- Stable room temperature and no air vents or fans blowing on the balance
- Time to warm up after power-on, as listed in the balance manual
- Static control: an ionizer (built into the A&D BM series) and anti-static containers
- Tweezers or gloves, so that fingerprints and hand heat do not reach the sample or the test weights
- Test weights in a class that suits the balance; see calibration weight classes
Calibration for microbalances, semi-micro and analytical balances
All three classes fall in our up to 2.2 kg calibration tier. Choose in-house calibration with a certificate or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate. Mail-in calibration also covers balances bought elsewhere and is usually done within 1–3 business days after we receive the balance (see mail-in scale calibration). For labs in the Houston area, we also calibrate on-site: $295 plus $2 per mile, round trip, charged once per visit, with calibration priced per balance (see scale calibration in Houston).
In-house calibration + certificate ($95) NIST calibration + NIST-traceable certificate ($395)
Why buy from MNM Scales
- Microbalances, semi-micro and analytical balances from A&D and Sartorius, at live listed prices
- One of the largest scale distributors and an authorized dealer for the brands we sell, in business since 1992 (over 30 years)
- In-house calibration with a certificate, or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate; mail-in calibration also covers scales bought elsewhere and is usually done within 1–3 business days after we receive the scale
- TDA licensed with registered technicians; on-site service in the Houston area is $295 plus $2 per mile, round trip, charged once per visit, with calibration priced per scale
- Scale rentals of all types of scales
- Order pickup at our shop, 21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX, by appointment
- Phone answered 24/7 at (832) 290-3120
Not sure which class you need? Call us with your smallest sample weight and tolerance and we will suggest a model.
Microbalances Semi-micro balances Analytical balances Call (832) 290-3120
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a microbalance and an analytical balance?
A microbalance reads to 0.001 mg (1 µg) with a capacity of a few grams to about 22 g. An analytical balance reads to 0.1 mg with a capacity of about 60 g to 520 g. The microbalance gives 100 times finer readability on a much smaller capacity.
What is a semi-micro balance?
A semi-micro balance reads to 0.01 mg (0.00001 g), ten times finer than an analytical balance, with a capacity of roughly 60 to 250 g. Many are dual range, reading 0.01 mg on the lower range and 0.1 mg above it.
How much does a microbalance cost?
On our live listings, A&D BM series microbalances range from $8,998 for the BM-5D to $9,998 for the BM-5 and BM-22. Prices can change, so check the product page for the current price.
Which balance do I need for weighing filters?
Air and emissions filter weighing usually calls for a microbalance with 0.001 mg readability, a built-in ionizer and a stable room. Check your test method for the readability it requires.
Can you calibrate a microbalance I bought elsewhere?
Yes. Mail-in calibration covers balances bought elsewhere and is usually done within 1–3 business days after we receive the balance. In the Houston area we also calibrate on-site.
Is a 0.01 mg balance an analytical balance?
A balance that reads to 0.01 mg is usually called a semi-micro balance. Analytical balances read to 0.1 mg.