Counting Scales

A counting scale weighs a sample of identical parts, works out the average piece weight, and then counts a full bin, tote or bag by weight in seconds. MNM Scales stocks counting scales and parts counting scales for parts rooms, shipping benches, assembly lines and inventory counts, from A&D, OHAUS, Brecknell, CAS, Rice Lake and our own MNM Scales line. We own the inventory on our shelves in Cypress, TX, and every counting scale ships free nationwide. Calibration before shipping is available on request (paid service tiers), and our TDA-Registered Technicians service scales on-site across the Houston area.

How a counting scale works

The scale divides the total load by the average piece weight (APW) of your sample to show a piece count. Three numbers decide how well a counting scale fits your parts:

• Internal resolution. The finer the internal resolution, the smaller the part the scale can count reliably. Counting models resolve far finer inside than their displayed readability: 1/1,000,000 on the A&D FC-i and GC series, 1:1,500,000 on the OHAUS Ranger Count 3000 and 1/500,000 on the Rice Lake DIGI DC-782.
• Capacity. Pick a capacity that covers your largest full bin or tote, plus the container weight.
• Sample size. Larger samples give a steadier piece weight. Scales with automatic accuracy improvement (ACAI on A&D models) refine the piece weight as you add parts.

Our counting scale buying guide walks through sample sizes, piece weights and bin sizes step by step.

Counting scales in stock

Small parts and electronics

• A&D FC-500i: 500 g x 0.05 g with ACAI, counting parts down to a 0.0005 g minimum unit weight, for screws, washers and electronic components.
• OHAUS RC31P3 and OHAUS RC31P6: NTEP Ranger Count 3000 counting scales for small parts.
• A&D GC-6K: 6 kg x 1 g with a 1,000-item memory for part numbers, tares and limits.
• Rice Lake DIGI DC-782: 6 lb x 0.001 lb portable counting scale, also in 15, 30 and 60 lb models.

Bins, totes and kitting

• OHAUS RC31P15: 15 kg x 0.5 g (30 lb x 0.001 lb) with RS-232 and NTEP approval.
• Brecknell B140-60: 60 lb x 0.002 lb with a rechargeable battery and coin counting, a strong all-round parts counter.
• CAS ED-30: dual range 15 lb x 0.005 lb and 30 lb x 0.01 lb, with counting and checkweighing, NTEP for weighing.
• MNM Scales IDS-811 portable counting scale: 66 lb x 0.002 lb, also works as a checkweigher.
• A&D FC-50Ki: 50 kg x 5 g (100 lb x 0.01 lb) for heavier bins and totes.
• MNM Scales PS-C30KS economy counting scale: 50 lb capacity, a budget pick for the stockroom.

Popular counting scales compared

Specifications below come from each maker’s data sheet. On NTEP scales, the certified (legal-for-trade) division can be coarser than the finest reading the display shows; both are listed where they differ.

Shop counting scales by brand

Compare the full range by manufacturer: A&D counting scales, OHAUS counting scales, Brecknell counting scales, MNM Scales counting scales, CAS counting scales and Rice Lake counting scales.

How to choose a parts counting scale

Small parts and electronics

For resistors, screws, rivets and other light parts, choose a low-capacity scale with fine readability and a minimum unit weight well below your lightest part, such as the A&D FC-500i or the OHAUS RC31P3. See our guide to choosing a small parts counting scale.

Bins, totes and kitting

For full bins of fasteners or molded parts, a 30 lb to 100 lb counting scale such as the Brecknell B140-60 or A&D FC-50Ki gives room for the container and the parts. Tare the empty bin first, then count.

Many part numbers

If you count hundreds of different parts, a scale with item memory saves resampling. The A&D GC series stores up to 1,000 items with unit weight, tare and limits.

Counting for sale or billing

When you sell or bill by count, use an NTEP approved model such as the OHAUS RC31P15. Browse all NTEP legal-for-trade scales for other trade-approved options.

Wet or washdown areas

Food plants and wet production areas call for sealed stainless construction. See our washdown scales for IP-rated models.

Counting plus checkweighing

Many counting scales add high/low limits for pass/fail checks. For dedicated over/under work, see our checkweighing scales.

Who uses counting scales

• Fastener makers and steel and metal producers: counting bolts, nuts, washers and stampings into bins, bags and orders.
• Aerospace, car, motorcycle and suspension manufacturers: kitting parts for assembly lines and counting incoming components.
• Plastics and paper goods plants: counting molded parts, caps, labels and sheets by weight.
• Pharmacies: counting tablets and packaged supplies for inventory.
• Food manufacturers, distributors and grocery stores: counting packaged goods, lids and supplies during inventory.
• Pawn shops and churches: counting coins with coin-counting models such as the Brecknell B140.
• Oil and gas and chemical operations: counting fittings, gaskets and spare parts in stockrooms and yards.

Calibration for counting scales

For any counting scale, calibration before shipping is available on request (paid service tiers), done in our Cypress, TX shop. Pricing is set by the scale’s maximum capacity:

A scale whose capacity is exactly at a tier limit uses the lower tier.

Most counting scales between 15 lb and 75 lb fall in the 6.2–35 kg tier. Calibration usually takes 1–3 business days after we receive the scale. Already own a counting scale? Use our mail-in scale calibration service, available for scales bought anywhere. Read more about NIST vs in-house calibration certificates.

Calibrated and serviced on-site in Houston

Our TDA-Registered Technicians calibrate and repair counting scales on-site across the Houston area and surrounding suburbs, with Dallas, Austin and San Antonio on request, and can check every scale in a parts room in one visit. On-site service is $295 plus $2 per mile round trip, charged once per visit, with calibration priced per scale on top. See scale calibration in Houston and scale repair, which covers all brands.

Scale rentals and buying in quantity

MNM Scales rents all types of scales, including counting scales for a physical inventory or a short project. See scale rental in Houston. Outfitting several stations or warehouses? Our wholesale scales program quotes volume pricing, and the bulk buying guide covers matching models across sites.

Counting scale FAQ

How accurate is a counting scale?

Accuracy depends on internal resolution, sample size and how uniform your parts are. With a sample of 10 or more pieces and parts that are consistent in weight, a quality counting scale gives a count you can trust for inventory. Larger samples improve the result further.

What is a parts counting scale?

A parts counting scale is a counting scale set up for parts rooms and assembly lines: it stores piece weights, counts full bins or bags, and often adds checkweighing limits for kitting. Most are 6 lb to 100 lb bench models with internal resolution far finer than the display.

What is the smallest part I can count?

The smallest piece weight a scale can count is listed on each product page. For very light parts, choose a low-capacity, fine-resolution model such as the A&D FC-500i at 500 g x 0.05 g, with a 0.0005 g minimum unit weight.

Can I use a counting scale for legal-for-trade sales?

Yes, when the model is NTEP approved and set up for trade. The OHAUS RC31P15, RC31P6 and RC31P3 are NTEP approved counting scales. In Texas, our TDA-Registered Technicians can place trade scales in service.

What capacity counting scale do I need?

Add the weight of your heaviest full container to the weight of the bin itself, then choose the next capacity up. Most parts rooms use 30 lb to 66 lb counting scales.

Can you calibrate my counting scale?

Yes. Calibration before shipping is available on request (paid service tiers). You can also send your scale to us for mail-in calibration, or have our TDA-Registered Technicians calibrate it on-site in the Houston area.

Do you rent counting scales?

Yes. Ask about scale rentals for inventory counts and short projects.

How do I get a quote?

Call (832) 290-3120 or contact us with the model, quantity and your location, 24/7.