Have Realistic Expectations. Resist the overwhelming temptation to find one balance that can "do it all" By trying to achieve everything with one device, you can easily spend more money and experience less effective results than if you invest in several balances that may have fewer features, but are designed for specific applications. By having several balances, you also have "backup" balances available in case you need them.

Readability. Readability is the smallest amount of weight change that you can visibly detect on the display. In your balance search...this is the first feature you should select. (example: 1g, 0.01g, 1mg)

Capacity. The maximum capacity is the largest weight value the balance will display before you receive some type of “overload” or “error” message. It is the effective range in which the balance operates. Find the exact readability you are looking for. Then, move on to select an appropriate max capacity.

Accuracy vs. Sensitivity. Remember the old brain teaser: which is heavier, a pound of feathers or a pound of lead? The same principle applies to the accuracy of a balance. For example, which of the following balances is more accurate:

BALANCE A with a capacity of 210g and a readability of 0.1mg

BALANCE B with a capacity of 210g and a readability of 0.001g?

The answer is neither. Each device is equivalent in accuracy. However, Balance A, because it is rated as 210g x 0.1mg, is more sensitive than Balance B, which has a readability of 0.001g. In other words, the device that has a readability of 0.1mg displays a finer, smaller, or more sensitive increment of measure. The value on the display will change when a smaller sample is placed on the platform.

Unit of Measure. Most balances today offer multiple, user-selectable Units of Measure. Some examples include: g, kg, mg, percent, pcs, ct, mom, lb, oz, ozt, tael and more! If you frequently use more than one Units of Measure, make sure that pushbutton conversion is available. If you need to use more than two, be specific with your sales representative before ordering. Not all devices allow pushbutton conversion for multiple Units of Measure. Some devices are limited to a pushbutton conversion between only two units of measure (e.g., pounds and kilograms; or grams and ounces). To obtain a different conversion on these devices, you must change the setup parameters of the device. Other devices offer pushbutton conversion that require toggling through a range of as many as 15 Units of Measure or more.

Peripheral Interfacing. With the technology available today, a primary consideration when purchasing a balance is communications capability. The primary job of a balance is to report (and collect) weight data. With software such as the Adam DU data collection, it is easier than ever to collect and analyze weight data during and after the weighing process. Communications allow you to transmit this same data to peripheral equipment that can automatically sort, merge, and analyze it. Many balances feature RS 232 serial or USB communicaton.

Density Determination. If the balance is likely to be required for density determination of solids or liquids on a regular basis, it may well be advisable to consider a balance with density determination software. This feature is often available on balances weighing to 3 and 4 decimal places, and includes apparatus specifically designed to allow the user to weigh samples in air and in a liquid.