Micro vs Semi-Micro vs Analytical Balance: Stop Overbuying
Updated: Sep 28
Choose a laboratory balance from the smallest mass you must weigh accurately, not the readability on the label. Rule of thumb: your smallest sample should be at least 100× the balance's repeatability.
Balance type | Readability | Capacity | Weighs accurately from | Typical use | Our price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Micro balance | 0.001 mg | 2–10 g | ~1 mg | Trace and forensic work | On request |
Semi-micro balance | 0.01 mg | 80–220 g | ~10 mg | Reference standards, filter weighing | £3,088–£5,733 |
Analytical balance | 0.1 mg | 120–320 g | ~100 mg | Quantitative chemistry | £1,040–£4,399 |
Semi-analytical / precision | 1 mg–0.01 g | 0.2–8 kg | ~1–10 g | Reagent and media prep | £694–£2,874 |
Portable and floor scales | 0.1 g upwards | 0.6 kg–3 t | ~100 g+ | Goods in, non-critical weighing | On request |
The short version
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Micro vs semi-micro vs analytical: what's the difference?
A micro balance reads 0.001 mg, a semi-micro balance 0.01 mg and an analytical balance 0.1 mg. Each step is ten times finer and needs a more stable setup.
Micro balance: reads 0.001 mg (1 µg), capacity just a few grams. For trace, forensic and particulate work.
Semi-micro balance: reads 0.01 mg, ten times finer than analytical. Needs a very stable bench and often an ioniser.
Analytical balance: reads 0.1 mg with a draught shield. The default for quantitative chemistry.
Semi-analytical balance: reads 1 mg (0.001 g), still with a draught shield. A step between analytical and precision.
Precision balance: reads 0.01 g or 0.1 g, capacity in kilograms, usually no draught shield.
“ A balance that reads to five decimal places is worthless if you routinely weigh 5 mg on it. — LS Scientific |
Minimum weight: the spec that decides the purchase
Minimum weight is the smallest sample a balance can weigh within your tolerance, not the smallest number it can display.
USP <41> requires 0.10% accuracy, so minimum weight = 2000 × repeatability standard deviation.
It's a property of the installation, not the model: the same balance scores worse on a vibrating bench.
Re-establish it periodically and after any move. USP <1251> covers good weighing practice.
Readability vs accuracy has its own guide: analytical balances explained.
Prices: laboratory balances in stock
Laboratory balances cost from £694 for a precision balance to £5,733 for a semi-micro balance; micro balances are priced on request.
Semi-micro balances, 0.01 mg
Semi-micro balances (0.01 mg) cost from £3,088 (Pioneer) to £5,733 (Explorer Plus EXP).
Pioneer Semi-Micro | £3,088 |
Adventurer Semi-Micro | £4,242 |
Explorer Semi-Micro EXR | £4,988 |
Explorer Plus Semi-Micro EXP | £5,733 |
Analytical balances, 0.1 mg
Analytical balances (0.1 mg) cost from £1,040 (PR Series) to £4,399 (Explorer Plus EXP).
PR Series Analytical: £1,040.25
Pioneer Analytical: £1,420.25
Adventurer Analytical: £2,541.25
Explorer Analytical EXR: £3,828.50
Explorer Plus Analytical EXP: £4,398.50
Precision balances, 1 mg to 0.01 g
Precision balances (1 mg to 0.01 g) cost from £694 (PR Series) to £2,874 (Explorer Plus EXP).
PR Series Precision: £693.50
Pioneer Precision: £969.00
Adventurer Precision: £1,230.25
Explorer Precision EXR: £2,498.50
Explorer Plus Precision EXP: £2,873.75
Also in the range: portable, bench and floor scales and moisture analysers. Read our moisture analysers guide and lab ovens comparison for loss-on-drying.
Accurate readings: siting and calibration
Get accurate readings by keeping draughts, vibration, temperature changes and static away from the balance.
Draughts are the commonest cause of drift. Keep the shield closed and site away from doors and air-con.
Vibration: below 0.1 mg, use a dedicated anti-vibration table.
Temperature: let samples cool to room temperature. Warm vessels read light.
Static: dry powders and plastic boats push readings by milligrams. Use an ioniser.
Calibration weights: OIML E2 for semi-micro and analytical, F1 for precision balances.
Schedule: internal calibration daily, external checks at a set interval, traceable recalibration yearly.
Our calibration services cover balance recalibration alongside the rest of your equipment.
FAQ: laboratory balances
What is a semi-micro balance?
A laboratory balance that reads to 0.01 mg (0.00001 g), ten times finer than an analytical balance, with a capacity of about 80–220 g. It's used for reference standards, trace analysis and filter weighing.
What is the difference between a micro balance and an analytical balance?
A micro balance reads to 0.001 mg with a capacity of a few grams. An analytical balance reads to 0.1 mg with a capacity of 120–320 g.
What is the minimum weight on a micro balance?
It depends on its measured repeatability. Under USP <41>, minimum weight is 2000 times the repeatability standard deviation, measured where the balance is installed.
What is a semi-analytical balance?
A balance reading to 1 mg (0.001 g) with a draught shield. It sits between an analytical balance (0.1 mg) and a precision balance (0.01 g).
Precision balance vs analytical balance: which do I need?
Use an analytical balance for small samples in quantitative chemistry, and a precision balance for reagent and media preparation in grams to kilograms.
How much does a laboratory balance cost?
In our range: precision balances £693–£2,874, analytical balances £1,040–£4,399, and semi-micro balances £3,088–£5,733.
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