Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A digital balance is a measuring instrument used to determine the mass or weight of an object with high precision. It provides digital readouts for easy and accurate measurements.
Related terms
Tare Function: The tare function allows you to reset the reading on a digital balance back to zero, compensating for any additional containers or materials placed on it so that only the desired object's weight is measured.
Precision vs Accuracy: Precision refers to how close multiple measurements are to each other, while accuracy refers to how close those measurements are to the true value. A digital balance can provide both precision and accuracy in weight measurements.
Units of Measurement: Digital balances can measure weight in different units such as grams (g), kilograms (kg), ounces (oz), or pounds (lb). Understanding and selecting the appropriate unit is important for accurate measurements.