The scale division,
d, is the smallest possible increment on a measurement scale. On an analytical balance,
d equates to the readability of the balance, which is the smallest difference in weight that can be determined. This should not be confused with the minimum weight of the balance. The verification scale division,
e, is relevant for Legal for Trade analytical balances and relates to the maximum number of decimal places that can be used for weight results in direct sales transactions. For example, in the case
e = d, the weight in a direct sales transaction can be given using the readability of the balance. So, if
d is 0.001 g, all weight results can be given to 3 decimal places. In the case where
e = 10
d and
d = 0.001 g, weight results can only be given to 2 decimal places, i.e., 0.001 g x 10. In this case, on the display of your analytical balance, you may see the third decimal place of the weight result enclosed in brackets, e.g., 2.67(3) g.