Basic Terms for Analytical Balances

Balance readability, or resolution, refers to the division size a balance can accurately weigh to. Balance divisions are the smallest increment of measurement displayed. The number of divisions a balance can display is calculated by dividing its capacity by its readability. For example, a balance with a capacity of 220 grams and a resolution of 0.0001 grams would have 2,200,000 divisions. The number of divisions can be considered one of the requirements for an exceptional analytical balance. Higher divisions signal a higher quality weighing sensor in the balance, providing more accurate weighments.

Repeatability is the balance’s ability to measure and display the same value for a known mass when it is placed on the balance more than once. If a 20-gram calibration weight is placed on a balance five different times, the weight should display as 20 grams every time. Often, repeatability is listed in divisions, which can signify the balance’s accuracy.

Stabilization time is how long it takes the weight sensor in the analytical balance to accurately weigh the material. While stabilization time does vary with the balance model, typically it is between 3 to 10 seconds.