SOLUTION DETAILS
What Do “d” and “e” Mean on a Laboratory Balance?
When using a laboratory balance, users may notice two values in the specifications or on the nameplate: d and e.
A common question is:
When the balance displays a weighing result, is it based on “d” or “e”?
The short answer is:
Normal weighing indication is based on “d”. The value “e” is used mainly for metrological verification.
These are two different technical parameters, not two weighing modes.
What is “d”?
d = actual scale interval / display division
It represents the smallest increment the balance normally displays.
For example, if:
d = 10 mg = 0.01 g
the balance can display:
100.00 g → 100.01 g → 100.02 g
Therefore, during normal weighing, the displayed value follows d.
What is “e”?
e = verification scale interval
It is used mainly for metrological verification and for assessing the maximum permissible weighing error.
For example, the balance mentioned above may be marked:
Max: 4200 g
Min: 0.5 g
d = 10 mg (0.01 g)
e = 100 mg (0.1 g)
For this balance:
e = 10d
However, this does not mean the operator can choose between two weighing resolutions.
The balance continues to show normal results at d = 0.01 g, while e = 0.1 g is used for verification.
Why can some balances look different?
Manufacturers and markets may present metrological information in different ways.
Some balances may show additional symbols or data related to verification on the display. On others, including many laboratory balances supplied from China, d and e are listed on the nameplate, in the specifications or in verification documents instead of appearing as separate E/D modes on the weighing display.
This difference in presentation can cause confusion.
On a BIOSTELLAR balance, there is no need to look for an “E” or “D” symbol on the display during normal weighing.
Simply remember:
Normal weighing indication → d
Metrological verification → e
For example:
d = 0.01 g
e = 0.1 g
Reading = 125.37 g
The displayed result, 125.37 g, is based on the actual display division d = 0.01 g.
The value e = 0.1 g does not mean the display should change to 125.4 g.
Does the absence of an E/D symbol affect accuracy?
No.
The absence of an E/D symbol on the display does not mean the balance cannot provide its specified weighing resolution.
The key value is the specified d, which determines the display division during normal weighing.
The value e serves a different purpose and is used when the balance is evaluated under the applicable metrological verification requirements.
A simple way to remember
Think of it this way:
d tells you the increment you can read on the display.
e is the verification scale interval used in metrological assessment.
So there is no need to decide whether each weighing result corresponds to “E” or “D”.
During normal weighing, the indication follows d.
Contact Amy for more information about BIOSTELLAR laboratory balances and weighing solutions.
WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 156 6233 7510
Email: amy@biostellarlab.cn
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