Weight Measurement

This unit provides information to aid in the selection and proper use of a laboratory balance. Laboratory balances are used for measuring the mass of an object and come in two main types: mechanical and electronic. Electronic balances generally come with a computer interface to facilitate the collection, storage, and manipulation of the data. In addition to weighing objects, electronic balances also perform a range of computations, including counting objects, measuring density, statistics, and pipet volume calibration. Balances vary widely in terms of their capacity (how heavy an object they can accurately weigh), precision, accuracy, repeatability, and robustness. Understanding the various characteristics of a laboratory balance is necessary to be sure that the balance is well suited for your particular scientific or industrial needs. This unit also discusses the proper use and maintenance of a laboratory balance. In general, laboratory balances are relatively easy to use and require little maintenance. © 2026 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Measuring mass using a top-loading balance Basic Protocol 2: Measuring mass using an analytical balance.