There are countless occupations and jobs which require you to be specific and precise when measuring, even in small amounts.

For such tasks you will be choosing either an analytical balance or a precision balance.

While they sound similar, these products have some major differences which could influence the one you opt for.

This blog will detail the key uses, general specifications, advantages, and disadvantages of each. In doing so it will help you come to an informed decision.

Precision Balance

A highly accurate device, the precision balance is used to weigh an item’s mass. It typically does so to an accuracy within a milligram, weighing 150g up to over 10 kilograms.

This apparatus is helped by the various pan sizes available, many of which accommodate bigger loads.

Precision balances are also available in a wide range of capacities, from several hundred grams up to kilograms.

They are usually seen as a step up for laboratories where a portable balance will no longer suffice.

Whilst they still perform the same job as an analytical balance, this is where the major differences emerge.

Precision Balances typically have a performance ranging from 1mg to 0.1g, which does make them incredibly useful in routine procedures. They are less effective when more advanced features are required.

Moreover, these models offer greater robustness than a balance boasting accuracy and little else. Indeed, they are unaffected by environmental interference, meaning they can be calibrated less frequently.

This kind of laboratory scale is the go-to for a range of applications, including those associated with the chemical, research and education, medical and pharmaceutical sectors. They are also deployed for specialised industrial tasks and general production.

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples we provide on our site…

KERN PFB Compact Laboratory Balance 

£285.00

This is one of our cost-effective models. It comes complete with a user-friendly operation mode and is placed in a larger housing to increase stability.

Ohaus Adventurer® Precision

£1,030.00

The Ohaus Adventurer Precision is one of our top-of-the-range precision balances. It is full of inventive and functional features whilst still possessing an uncomplicated interface.

Analytical Balance (Top-Loading Balance)

Just like a precision balance, an analytical balance is designed to measure a given mass. The applications with which they’re synonymous however differ quite dramatically.

An analytical balance is typically utilised for Formulation, Density Analysis, Differential Weighing, Interval Weighing and Pipette Testing.

Due to the importance of the aforementioned work, they are made to give incredibly accurate readings.

In order to limit the margin of error an analytical balance is usually set up in a quiet room, which is closed off from external distractions. Within that environment it is always placed upon a flat and stable surface.

Unlike a Precision balance - which has a performance ranging from 1mg to 0.1g - an analytical equivalent typically offers a readability ranging from 0.1mg – 0.01mg.

Some also include counting and check counting settings, which is ideal for totalling tablets for example.

A potential drawback is the smaller pan size and resulting capacities. That said the high accuracy and reliability of analytical balances more than make up for that. They are undoubtedly the best option for measuring small samples.

Take a closer look at two of our most popular options…

Kern ADB/ADJ

£760.00

The ADB/ADJ by Kern is one of our cheaper analytical balances, combining a simple design with easy-to-use functions. It was made to be compact in order to fit in small spaces and be easily stored.

Ohaus Explorer™ Semi-Micro

£4,955.00

Our top of the range analytical balance, the Explorer Semi-micro has been designed to ensure a very specific weighing result. It is therefore incredibly accurate, offering internal calibration courtesy of weights sized at 52g, 120g and 220g.

To summarise, a precision balance is designed for measuring mass in industrial and laboratory settings with a wide variety available to meet different applications.

An Analytical balance however offers a much higher degree of accuracy, which is all-important in medical settings.