Understanding scale terminology, or lingo, helps you make the right decisions when buying a scale. There are many common terms used in the weighing industry, but we've condensed it down to the most important ones to keep it simple. In no time at all, you will be able to "speak weighing" like a real professional!

You'll also learn about the types of displays available, weighing platform sizing and power options. Understanding these things will also better prepare you when choosing a scale.

Scale Terminology

Below is a list of the most common scale terms and what they mean. Capacity and readability are the most recognizable, but a few others can also be equally as important depending on your weighing needs.

Capacity

• What it means: The most commonly used scale term in the list, capacity is the maximum weight a scale can measure. It's like the "weight limit" of the scale. For example, if a scale has a capacity of 500 pounds, you can't weigh anything heavier than 500 pounds on that scale. Exceeding the capacity of a scale can lead to damage and inaccurate results.

Readability

• What it means: Readability refers to the smallest amount of weight the scale can show clearly. For example, if a scale's readability is 0.1 pounds, it can show measurements in 0.1-pound increments (like 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 pounds). The smaller the readability, the more precise the scale is.

Accuracy

• What it means: Accuracy is how close the scale's reading is to the actual weight of the object. A very accurate scale will give you a weight that’s very close to the true weight of the item.

Precision

• What it means: Precision refers to how consistent the scale is when you weigh the same object multiple times. If you weigh the same item several times and the scale shows the same number every time (like 5.0 lbs, 5.0 lbs, 5.0 lbs), it’s precise.

Tare

• What it means: Tare is the weight of the container or packaging that holds the item you're weighing. The tare function allows you to "zero out" the weight of the container, so you only measure the item inside. For example, if you put a box on the scale and press the tare button, the scale will show "0" and only measure what's inside the box.

Weight Limit

• What it means: Weight limit is the highest weight the scale can measure before it becomes inaccurate or overloaded.

Stability

• What it means: Stability refers to how steady the scale’s reading is once you’ve placed something on it. A stable scale will give you a consistent reading and won’t jump around.

Zero

• What it means: Zero is the starting point of the scale. When a scale is "zeroed," it shows "0" before any weight is placed on it. This ensures you get an accurate reading. Many scales have a "tare" or "zero" button that resets the scale to 0, which is useful for measuring items inside containers or when the scale shows an incorrect reading.

Types of Displays

Scales have different types of displays that show the weight. The display can affect how easy it is to read and use the scale. Here are the most common types:

Digital Display:

This is the most common type today and are common among digital kitchen scales, bathroom scales and more. Digital displays show the weight as numbers on a screen, usually an LCD or LED screen. They are easy to read, and many digital scales can show weight in different units (like pounds, kilograms, or grams). Some digital scale displays include a backlight that make them easy to read, even in low light environments. 

• Why it matters: Digital displays are simple and clear, making it easier to read weights accurately.

Mechanical or Dial Display:

Mechanical or dial displays use a rotating dial with a needle that points to the weight on a marked scale. Antique scales used mechanical dials. Some new scales still use mechanical displays for the "vintage" appeal, or when electrical power isn't available.

• Why it matters: Mechanical scales don’t need batteries, but the needle can sometimes be hard to read accurately. The reading may also jump around a little, making it harder to get a steady weight. They are not as consistent as their digital counterparts, but still find purpose in a lot of general weighing applications.

Touchscreen Display:

Some modern scales use a touchscreen instead of buttons. These scales often have advanced features, like setting profiles, viewing weight history, or connecting to apps or other devices.

• Why it matters: Touchscreens make it easy to interact with the scale and access more advanced features. They can be intuitive to use but may require more care to keep clean and working properly.

Sizes of Weighing Platforms

The size of the scale platform, or weighing surface, is important because it determines how much space you have to place the object you're weighing. There are different sizes for different uses:

Small Platforms

Small platforms are used for weighing small items, like food, jewelry, or small packages. These platforms are compact and easy to store, which is common with pocket scales and kitchen scales. They range in size from only a couple inches up to 4 or 5 inches on the longest dimension.

Medium Platforms

Medium platforms are bigger and can handle a wider range of objects, like packages, bags, luggage and more. The typical size range of a medium platform is anywhere from 8 inches, up to 24 inches on the longest dimension. Pet scales, bench scales and postal scales commonly include a medium-sized weighing surface.

Large Platforms

Large platforms are designed for weighing bigger or heavier objects, like boxes, furniture, construction materials and even large pets or animals. These platforms are usually much bigger and are used in commercial settings.

Power Options

Different scales have different ways of getting power, and the power option can affect how and where you use the scale. Here are the main types of power sources:

Battery Powered

Some scales run on batteries, making them portable and easy to move around. Battery-powered scales are convenient because you don’t need to plug them into a wall, but the batteries will need to be replaced or recharged occasionally.

• Why it matters: Battery-powered scales are ideal for portable use, like in kitchens or small businesses where you don’t always have an electrical outlet nearby.

Plug-In (AC Power)

Scales that plug into an electrical outlet are powered by AC (alternating current) power. This is common for larger, industrial scales or those used in places where the scale needs to stay in one spot.

• Why it matters: Plug-in scales don’t need to be recharged or have their batteries replaced, making them ideal for long-term, heavy-duty use. However, they need to be near a power outlet.

Rechargeable Batteries

Some scales come with rechargeable batteries, which can be charged using a power adapter. These scales offer the convenience of being portable while still avoiding the need for constantly replacing disposable batteries.

• Why it matters: Rechargeable battery scales are good for those who want a balance between portability and cost-effectiveness (since you don't need to buy new batteries often).

Solar-Powered

A few scales, especially smaller ones, are powered by solar energy. They have small solar panels that use light to charge the scale, so they don't need to be plugged in or use batteries.

• Why it matters: Solar-powered scales are great for saving energy and avoiding battery replacement, but they depend on having enough light to keep working.

Summary

Choosing the right scale involves understanding terms like capacity, readability, and accuracy, as well as how the scale is powered. You also need to think about the display type (digital, analog, or touchscreen), the size of the platform, and whether you need a scale that’s portable or stationary. By considering all these factors, you can select the scale that works best for your needs!