Top Loading Balance Buying Guide: Readability, Capacity and Calibration
A top loading balance weighs on an open pan from 0.1 g down to 0.001 g, and for wet benches the IP65 A&D FX-300iWP (320 g x 0.001 g) is on sale for $940.00 (regular $2,090.00), in stock.
Reviewed by MNM Scales technicians · Updated November 5, 2026 · Prices checked November 5, 2026
Short answer: a top loading balance weighs on an open pan above the load cell, typically from 0.1 g down to 0.001 g. Match readability to the smallest amount you weigh, then pick a capacity that covers your heaviest container plus sample. For 0.01 g work up to about 2 kg, the Sartorius PRACTUM2102-1S is $889. For wet benches at 0.001 g, the A&D FX-300iWP (320 g x 0.001 g, IP65) is $940. Buy it calibrated: call (832) 290-3120.
This guide is for labs, QC rooms, schools and production floors choosing a top loading balance. 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.
What a top loading balance is
A top loading balance places the weighing pan on top of the load cell, with or without a short draft shield. It covers general-purpose work where you need finer steps than a bench scale and more capacity than an analytical balance. Typical ranges run from a few hundred grams to several kilograms, with readability from 0.1 g to 0.001 g.
Readability vs capacity
| What you weigh | Readability to look for | Capacity to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching labs, sample prep, rough QC | 0.01 g to 0.1 g | 1 kg to 5 kg |
| Formulation and fill checks with a container | 0.01 g | 2 kg to 3 kg, with headroom for the vessel |
| Fine additions, wet or dusty benches | 0.001 g | Up to a few hundred grams; IP65 if washdown |
Add the empty container to the sample weight before you pick capacity. A stainless beaker can use a large share of a small balance’s range.
Internal vs external calibration
External calibration uses a known weight you place on the pan. Internal calibration runs a built-in weight on a schedule or when temperature changes. Our internal vs external calibration guide covers when each fits. The models in this table use external calibration (weight not included). A solid, level surface reduces drift; see our balance table guide if vibration is an issue.
Top loading balance models compared at live prices
| Model | Capacity x readability | Calibration type | Key features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sartorius PRACTUM2102-1S | 2100 g x 0.01 g | External | Monolithic weigh cell; mechanical overload protection; counting and checkweighing; RS232 | $889 |
| Sartorius BCE2202-1S Entris II | 2200 g x 0.01 g | External | LED touch display; 12 applications; RS232 and USB-C; replaces first-gen Entris 2202 | $1,134 |
| A&D FX-2000iWP | 2200 g x 0.01 g | External | IP65 washdown body; stainless pan; about 1-second settling | $970 |
| A&D FX-300iWP | 320 g x 0.001 g | External | IP65; Ø130 mm pan with breeze break; RS-232C; counting with ACAI | $940 |
Browse precision balances. Draft shields, calibration weights and printers are not included unless the listing says so.
Rules: NTEP for top loading balances
Weighing for your own recipes, QC or teaching is in-house use. Selling by weight or printing a net weight from your own balance is commercial, and the scale has to be legal for trade. The models in this guide are non-NTEP, so call us for a legal-for-trade top loading balance if you sell by weight. Need it legal for trade? Here is an NTEP alternative: A&D FX-2000iN. Our NTEP guide explains the certificate, and we handle legal-for-trade scale 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.
Calibration and rental
- PRACTUM2102-1S and FX-300iWP calibration add-ons: our TDA-registered technicians calibrate your balance in-house before it ships. Add in-house calibration with a certificate ($95) or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate ($395). See NIST vs in-house certificates.
- BCE2202-1S and FX-2000iWP calibration add-ons: in-house calibration with a certificate ($195) or NIST-traceable calibration ($495).
- Other top loading balances: call for a quote.
- On-site service: $295 + $2 per mile per visit across the Houston area, plus calibration per scale; see on-site calibration and balance calibration in Houston.
- 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 in for service.
Not sure which top loading balance fits? Tell us the smallest amount you weigh, your heaviest container and whether you sell by weight. We will match the balance and ship it calibrated. Calibration weights, draft shields and printers are not included unless the listing says so. Shop: 21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX 77433, visits by appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is a top loading balance?
A balance with the pan on top of the load cell, used for general lab and QC work at readabilities from about 0.1 g to 0.001 g.
What readability do I need?
Match it to the smallest amount you weigh. Teaching and rough QC often use 0.01 g; fine additions use 0.001 g.
Internal or external calibration?
External uses a weight you place on the pan; internal uses a built-in weight. The models in this guide are external calibration.
Do I need an NTEP top loading balance?
Only if you sell or charge by weight. The models in this guide are non-NTEP, so call us for a legal-for-trade option.
What capacity should I buy?
Add the empty container to the sample and pick the next capacity up, so the reading stays inside the rated range.
Do you calibrate top loading balances?
Yes. For the PRACTUM2102-1S and FX-300iWP, in-house calibration with a certificate is $95 and NIST-traceable is $395. For the BCE2202-1S and FX-2000iWP it is $195 and $495. For other models, call for a quote.