Analytical balances are a category of scientific scales or laboratory balance used for exacting weighing applications of small amounts of material in the laboratory, in educational environments or in the wider industrial workplace, in fact anywhere requiring fast and accurate weighing performance. A wide range of models are available with defined weighing ranges, readabilities, accuracies and repeatability. Depending on the model, analytical balances are typically designed with weighing capacities from 1mg up to 200g, with readabilities anything between 0.1mg to 0.01mg or better. Micro-analytical balances are used for weighing much smaller amounts of material, from 0.1mg upwards.

Analytical balances are often used in combination with sample containers such as weighing papers and dedicated spatulas for sample handling and transfer, and calibration weight sets.

Most modern analytical balances are electronic, with many of the following features now offered as standard:

• Integral data and method storage, with USB and RS232 connectivity for communication and data download
• Clear backlit displays and simple touchscreen user interfaces for uncomplicated operation
• Draught-shields to protect the measuring pan from air currents, with sliding tops and doors
• Level adjustment indicators and overload/underload indicators
• Selectable weighing modes and units of measurement
• Internal or external calibration and auto-tare functionality