Platform Scale Buying Guide: Size, Capacity and NTEP for 150 to 1,000 lb
Reviewed by MNM Scales technicians · Updated November 4, 2026 · Prices checked November 4, 2026
Short answer: size a platform scale to the footprint of the load first, then pick capacity and graduation. For boxes, parts and totes up to 300 lb that you ship or sell by weight, the NTEP A&D FG-150KALN at $569 puts a 15.4 x 20.9 in stainless platform under a column display. For long or rolling loads up to 1,000 lb, the low-profile Brecknell PS1000 at $533.99 has ramped ends and a 55.75 x 20.25 in deck. Buy it calibrated: call (832) 290-3120.
This guide is for warehouses, shops, farms and shipping desks choosing a portable platform scale in the 150 to 1,000 lb range: bigger than a bench scale, smaller and lighter than a 4 x 4 ft pallet floor scale. MNM Scales has sold, calibrated and repaired scales for over 30 years from our shop in Cypress, Texas, and we are one of the largest scale distributors. MNM Scales is an authorized A&D Weighing and Brecknell dealer.
Platform scale size: match the deck to the load
The load should sit fully on the platform, with no edge hanging over the frame, so the weight reaches every load cell. Measure the largest item you weigh and add a few inches on each side.
| Load | Platform that fits | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cartons, totes and parts bins | About 15 x 21 in | A&D FG-150KALN or A&D FG-200KALN |
| Long items, rolled goods, dogs and other animals that walk on | 42 x 22 in | Brecknell PS500-42S |
| Long or heavy loads you roll or walk on, up to 1,000 lb | 55.75 x 20.25 in with ramps | Brecknell PS1000 |
| Pallets and pallet jacks | 4 x 4 ft or larger | Step up to a floor scale; see our floor scale buying guide |
Capacity and graduation
Pick a capacity above your heaviest load plus any container or cart, then check the graduation (the smallest step the display shows). A 300 lb x 0.1 lb scale shows 3,000 divisions; a 1,000 lb x 0.5 lb scale shows 2,000. Finer steps help with parts and postage, while coarser steps are fine for heavy goods.
- 300 lb x 0.1 lb: the A&D FG-150KALN, NTEP Class III.
- 400 lb x 0.1 lb: the A&D FG-200KALN, NTEP Class III, same 15.4 x 20.9 in platform.
- 500 lb x 0.2 lb: the Brecknell PS500-42S, a 2 in high stainless deck.
- 1,000 lb x 0.5 lb: the Brecknell PS1000, a 2.5 in high steel deck with tread plate and ramped ends.
Low-profile with ramps or a column display
- Column display: the FG-150KALN and FG-200KALN mount the display on a column above the platform, so it stays readable when a box covers the deck. They run on the included AC adapter or four C batteries (not included), and add counting and HI/OK/LO checkweighing.
- Low profile with a cable indicator: the PS500-42S (2 in high) and PS1000 (2.5 in high with ramped ends) let people, animals and carts step or roll on. The indicator mounts on a wall or desk, runs on its AC adapter or four AAA batteries (both included) for about 20 hours, and has a Hold key for loads that move. An indicator floor stand is extra (not included).
- Portability: the PS1000 has two handles for moving and storage, and all four run on batteries away from an outlet.
Both Brecknell models send weights to a printer or PC over RS-232 with a 10 ft cable included; the FG models take an RS-232C board (FG-23, not included). See how to connect a scale to a computer.
Platform scale models compared at live prices
| Model | Capacity x graduation | Platform | Display | NTEP | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A&D FG-150KALN | 300 lb x 0.1 lb | 15.4 x 20.9 in stainless | Column | Class III, CC 05-101A1 | $569 |
| A&D FG-200KALN | 400 lb x 0.1 lb | 15.4 x 20.9 in stainless | Column | Class III, CC 05-101A1 | $555 |
| Brecknell PS500-42S | 500 lb x 0.2 lb | 42 x 22 x 2 in stainless | Cable indicator | In-house weighing | $536.99 |
| Brecknell PS1000 | 1,000 lb x 0.5 lb | 55.75 x 20.25 x 2.5 in steel, ramped ends | Cable indicator | In-house weighing | $533.99 |
Rules: NTEP for platform scales
If you sell goods, charge shipping or bill anyone by weight, the scale needs NTEP approval for that use. The FG-150KALN and FG-200KALN are on NTEP Certificate of Conformance 05-101A1 (A&D FG Series, Class III, active, checked on the NCWM database on November 4, 2026). The Brecknell PS500-42S and PS1000 are built for in-house weighing such as inventory, production and animal weights. See our NTEP and legal-for-trade guide and legal-for-trade calibration in Texas.
Texas note: TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. See TDA’s scales used in trade guidance (PDF) and our TDA scale certification guide, or call us or TDA to confirm your use.
When to step up to a floor scale
Move to a 4 x 4 ft or larger floor scale when you weigh pallets, drive a pallet jack on, or need more than 1,000 lb. Our floor scale buying guide covers sizes, capacities and NTEP floor scales. Weighing oversized cartons for carriers? See our shipping scale guide for large packages, and browse all industrial scales.
Calibration and rental
- Calibration: we calibrate platform scales in our Cypress shop or at your site, with an in-house or NIST-traceable certificate; call for a quote on your capacity. See NIST vs in-house certificates.
- On-site service: $295 + $2 per mile per visit across the Houston area, plus calibration per scale; see on-site calibration.
- Mail-in, repairs and rentals: use mail-in calibration, have us repair the brands we sell, and rent all types of scales while yours is out of service.
Not sure which platform scale fits? Send us the largest item, its weight, and whether you sell or ship by weight. We will match the scale and ship it calibrated. Shop: 21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX 77433, visits by appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is a platform scale?
A scale with a flat deck that sits on the floor or a bench, sized for loads bigger than a bench scale pan: cartons, totes, parts bins, animals and carts, usually from 150 to 1,000 lb.
What size platform scale do I need?
Pick a deck the whole load fits on with room to spare: about 15 x 21 in for cartons and totes, 42 x 22 in for long items, and 55.75 x 20.25 in with ramps for loads you roll or walk on.
Do I need an NTEP platform scale?
Yes if you sell, ship or charge by weight. The A&D FG-150KALN and FG-200KALN are NTEP Class III on CC 05-101A1.
Platform scale or floor scale?
Choose a platform scale up to 1,000 lb for loads that fit a 2 to 4.6 ft deck. Choose a 4 x 4 ft or larger floor scale for pallets, pallet jacks and heavier loads.
Can a platform scale run on batteries?
Yes. The Brecknell PS500-42S and PS1000 include four AAA batteries for about 20 hours, and the A&D FG models take four C batteries (not included) besides the included AC adapter.
Do you calibrate platform scales?
Yes, in our Cypress shop or on site at $295 + $2 per mile per visit plus calibration per scale. Call (832) 290-3120 for a quote.