Precision balance

A precision balance weighs to 0.1 g, 0.01 g or 0.001 g (1 mg), the range most labs, classrooms, pharmacies, jewelers, reloaders and production QC benches work in every day. MNM Scales is an authorized dealer for A&D Weighing, OHAUS and Sartorius, with one of the largest selections of precision balances in Texas, from portable 220 g milligram balances to 10 kg and larger toploaders. Every balance ships free from our shop in Cypress, TX. Calibration before shipping is available on request (paid service tiers).

How to choose a precision balance

• Readability. Match the smallest step you need to the smallest sample you weigh. 0.001 g (1 mg) suits powders, reagents and small parts, 0.01 g covers most lab and QC work, and 0.1 g handles larger samples and batches. Need 0.1 mg? Step up to an analytical balance.
• Capacity. Add your heaviest container to your heaviest sample and leave some headroom. Precision balances run from about 120 g up to 10 kg and beyond.
• Calibration type. Internal calibration (models marked “i”, “I” or “internal”) adjusts the balance with a built-in weight at the touch of a key or on a schedule. External calibration models cost less and calibrate with a test weight. See internal vs external calibration.
• Legal for trade. If you sell by weight, choose an NTEP Class II model from our NTEP precision balances.
• Environment. For wet or dusty areas, pick an IP65 model from our waterproof precision balances.
• Data output. Most models offer RS-232 or USB for printers, PCs and LIMS software. See how to connect a scale to a computer.

Still deciding between classes? Read analytical vs precision balance and scale capacity and readability.

Popular precision balances in stock

• A&D EJ-54D2 Newton: dual range, 22 g x 0.0002 g and 52 g x 0.001 g, compact.
• OHAUS Scout SPX223: 220 g x 0.001 g portable milligram balance.
• A&D FX-120i: 122 g x 0.001 g with a fast-response sensor.
• A&D GX-203A Apollo: 220 g x 0.001 g with internal calibration.
• OHAUS Scout SPX2201: 2,200 g x 0.1 g portable balance.
• Sartorius BCE2201-1S Entris II: 2,200 g x 0.1 g.
• Sartorius BCE5201-1S Entris II: 5,200 g x 0.1 g.
• A&D GX-6001A Apollo: 6,200 g x 0.1 g with internal calibration.
• A&D GX-2002AN Apollo: 2,200 g x 0.01 g, internal calibration, NTEP Class II.
• Sartorius BCE3202I-1S Entris II: 3,200 g x 0.01 g with internal calibration.

Top loading balances

A top loading balance (toploader) is a precision balance with an open pan on top and no draft shield, so you can set beakers, containers and parts straight on the pan. Toploaders cover the 0.01 g and 0.1 g range from about 200 g up to 32 kg and more, which makes them the everyday balance for formulation, batching, QC checks, receiving and teaching labs. All of the top loading balances below are in stock in Cypress, TX.

Choose a toploader by your heaviest container plus sample, then by readability. For selling by weight, pick an NTEP model marked “N” such as the GX-2002AN or browse NTEP precision balances. For loads beyond 32 kg, see our bench scales.

Shop precision balances by brand and type

Browse by brand: A&D precision balances, OHAUS precision balances and Sartorius precision balances, or see the full A&D Weighing, OHAUS and Sartorius lines. By type: NTEP precision balances, NTEP milligram balances, NTEP gold and cannabis balances, waterproof precision balances, semi-micro balances, analytical balances and all laboratory balances. Measuring moisture content? See our moisture analyzers.

Choosing the right precision balance

Labs and QC benches

The A&D GX-A Apollo and Sartorius Entris II lines cover 0.001 g to 0.1 g work with internal calibration on many models, so the balance stays accurate as room temperature changes during the day.

Schools and portable work

OHAUS Scout balances such as the SPX223 and SPX2201 are light, run on AC or batteries and stand up to classroom use.

Reloading and hobby

The A&D FX-120i and EJ-54D2 weigh powder charges and small parts to the milligram. Compare them in our reloading scale guide.

Selling by weight

Jewelry, gold, cannabis and pharmacy sales need an NTEP Class II balance, such as the A&D GX-2002AN. Learn more in what is NTEP.

Larger samples

For batches, formulation and parts up to 6 kg and more, the A&D GX-6001A and Sartorius BCE5201-1S keep 0.1 g readability at higher capacity.

Pharmacy scales and balances

Pharmacy scales and balances weigh compounding ingredients, powders and capsules to 0.001 g (1 mg). The A&D GF-200P pharmacy balance (210 g x 0.001 g) and the A&D GF-300P pharmacy balance (310 g x 0.001 g) are NTEP Class II approved, for pharmacies that also sell by weight. For small-quantity weighing to 0.1 mg, see our analytical balances. Our guide to the best pharmacy balance explains what USP expects and how to find the smallest amount a balance can weigh accurately, and our technicians calibrate pharmacy balances on-site across Houston.

Precision balance calibration

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

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

Balances up to 2,200 g fall in the first tier, 3.2 to 6.2 kg models in the 2.2–6.2 kg tier, and 10 kg and larger toploaders in the 6.2–35 kg tier. Calibration usually takes 1–3 business days after we receive the balance, and our mail-in scale calibration service covers balances bought anywhere. See NIST calibration certificate vs in-house for what each option gives you. Our TDA-Registered Technicians service all scale classes.

On-site balance service in Houston

Our technicians provide balance calibration in Houston and scale repair on-site across the Houston area and surrounding suburbs, with Dallas, Austin and San Antonio on request. On-site service is $295 plus $2 per mile round trip, charged once per visit, with calibration priced per balance on top.

Outfitting a lab or classroom

Buying balances for a lab, school district or several sites? Our wholesale scales program quotes volume pricing, see buying scales in bulk, and our scale rentals cover short projects. Call (832) 290-3120, or contact us any time, 24/7.

Precision balance FAQ

What is the difference between a precision balance and an analytical balance?

A precision balance reads to 0.001 g (1 mg) or coarser and usually has a higher capacity. An analytical balance reads to 0.0001 g (0.1 mg) and has a draft shield to keep air currents off the pan.

Which precision balance brands do you carry?

We are an authorized dealer for A&D Weighing, OHAUS and Sartorius, and we also stock RADWAG and other lab brands.

Do I need internal calibration?

Internal calibration is worth it if the balance moves often, the room temperature changes, or your quality system asks for frequent checks. External calibration models are a good value for stable benches.

Which precision balances are legal for trade?

Models marked N or NTEP, such as the A&D GX-2002AN, are NTEP Class II approved for selling by weight.

What is a top loading balance?

A top loading balance is a precision balance with an open pan on top and no draft shield. It reads to 0.01 g or 0.1 g at capacities from about 200 g to 32 kg, such as the OHAUS Scout SPX2201, Sartorius Entris II BCE8201-1S and A&D GX-32001L.

What is the difference between a top loading balance and an analytical balance?

An analytical balance reads to 0.0001 g (0.1 mg) and needs a draft shield. A top loading balance trades that fine readability for higher capacity and an open pan, so it handles larger containers and samples.

Can you calibrate a balance I already own?

Yes. Send it through our mail-in calibration service, or book an on-site visit in the Houston area.

Which balance should a pharmacy use?

For compounding to the milligram, choose a balance that reads at least 0.001 g, such as the NTEP Class II A&D GF-200P or GF-300P. Check with your state board of pharmacy for the balance it requires.

Is shipping free?

Yes. Every precision balance ships free nationwide from our Cypress, TX shop.