Balances and scales are very precise instruments and like all instruments, they perform within stated parameters.

Basically, linearity is a deviation (or no deviation) from a straight line. If we draw a graph with weight at one side and displayed value on the other, a purely linear balance would show a straight 45° line from the zero point, right up to full capacity. Each time the load increases, the displayed value increases at the exact same rate, thus giving the straight line. See Fig. 1. (Please note that the errors in the graphs used below are exaggerated to provide clarity).

Figure 1

In Fig. 2. We see an example of the allowed linearity of an analytical balance of 200 g with an allowable linearity of ± 0.0002 g. This example shows the error allowed around the “perfect” linearity. The green shaded area represents the permissible error allowed.

Figure 2

In Fig. 3. We show the typical linearity of a 200 g balance, with a slight positive error (0.0001 g) below 100 g and a slight negative error over 100 g of 0.0002 g. This balance is just within specification.

Figure 3

In Fig. 4. We see a balance that is just outside the tolerance allowed, as the curve of the displayed value exceeds the ±0.0002 g permissible error.

Figure 4

Manufacturers and scale dealers have the ability to correct errors in linearization by adjusting the balance with test weights at regular intervals of the capacity. Linearization is not calibration that can be performed with a single weight. Linearization should not be attempted without specialist knowledge and the correct test weights.