How to Calculate the Tolerance for Class II and Class III Scales

Follow this procedure to determine the scale tolerance for Class II and Class III scales:
1. Step 1: Determine the accuracy class of the weighing device.

2. The accuracy class of a weighing device is designated by the manufacturer and shall
comply with parameters shown in Table 3. Determine the class of the scale using the
minimum scale division and the maximum number of scale divisions.

Table 3.
Parameters for Accuracy Classes

Number of Scale
Value of the Verification Number of Scale Divisions (n)
Class Divisions (n)
Scale Division (d or e) Maximum
Minimum

SI Units
II 1 to 50 mg, inclusive 100 100 000
equal to or greater than 100
5 000 100 000
mg
III 0.1 to 2 g, inclusive 100 10 000

equal to or greater than 5 g 500 10 000

U.S. Customary Units

0.0002 lb to 0.005 lb,
III 100 10 000
inclusive

0.005 oz to 0.125 oz, inclusive 100 10 000

equal to or greater than 0.01
500 10 000
lb
equal to or greater than 0.25
500 10 000
oz

3. For devices marked with a class designation, the typical class or type of device for that
particular weighing applications is shown in Table 7a.
Table 7a.

Typical Class or Type of Device for Weighing Applications

Class Weighing Application or Scale Type

I Precision laboratory weighing

II Laboratory weighing, precious metals and gem weighing, grain test scales

All commercial weighing not otherwise specified, grain test scales, retail
precious metals and semi-precious gem weighing, grain-hopper scales,
III animal scales, postal scales, vehicle on-board weighing systems with a
capacity less than or equal to 30 000 lb, and scales used to determine
laundry charges

Vehicle scales, vehicle on-board weighing systems with a capacity greater

III L than 30 000 lb, axle-load scales, livestock scales, railway track scales, crane
scales, and hopper (other than grain hopper) scales

Wheel-load weighers and portable axle-load weighers used for highway

IIII
weight enforcement

Note: A scale with a higher accuracy class than that specified as “typical” may be used.

4. Determine the total number of divisions (i.e., the minimum increment or graduation
indicated by the scale) of the scale by dividing the scale’s capacity by the minimum
division. n = Scale capacity/Value of the scale division

 Example: A scale with a capacity of 5000 g and a minimum division of 0.1 g (5000g x
0.1g) has 50 000 divisions. 5000 ÷ 0.1 g = 50 000 division

 Example: On a scale with a minimum division of 0.1 g and 50 000 total scale divisions
the appropriate class is “II.” Note: If a scale is used where the number of scale
divisions is between 5001 and 10 000 and the division size is 0.1 g or greater and is
not marked with an accuracy Class II marking, Class III scale tolerances apply.

5. Determine the number of divisions for any test load by dividing the value of the mass
standard being applied by the minimum division indicated by the scale.
  Example: A 50g weight applied to a 5000g x 0.1g scale, 50g ÷ 0.1g = 500 divisions

6. Determine the tolerance from Table 6 in divisions appropriate for the test load and class
of scale.
 Example: If the scale has a minimum division of 0.1 g and a 1500 g mass standard is
applied, the test load is equal to 15 000 divisions (1500/0.1). On a Class II scale with
a test load between 5001 and 20 000 divisions, Table 6. indicates the maintenance
tolerance is plus or minus two divisions (2 x 0.1g = 0.2g).

Table 6.
Maintenance Tolerances
(All values in this table are in scale divisions)
Tolerance in Scale Divisions
1 2 3 5
Class Test Load
I 0 - 50 000 50 001 - 200 000 200 001 +
II 0 - 5 000 5 001 - 20 000 20 001 +
III 0- 500 501 - 2 000 2 001 - 4 000 4 001 +
IIII 0- 50 51 - 200 201 - 400 401 +
(Add 1 d for each additional 500 d or fraction
III L 0- 500 501 - 1 000
thereof)

 Note: The acceptance tolerance values are one-half the maintenance tolerance
values.

 Note 2: Using the above example on a Class II scale with a test load between 5001
and 20 000 divisions, Table 6. indicates the maintenance tolerance is plus or minus
two divisions (2 x 0.1g = 0.2g). When applying acceptance tolerance, divide the
maintenance tolerance in half; making the tolerance plus or minus one division
(0.2g/2 = 0.1g).

7. The tolerances applicable to devices not marked with an accuracy class shall have the
tolerances applied as specified in Table T.1.1. Tolerances for Unmarked Scales.