Measuring weight in modern times is usually accomplished by the help of digital scales. These scales can measure a very wide range of weights, going from very light (about 0.1oz) to very heavy objects. Digital scales are based on the technology of the load cells. The load cell can sense pressure that is applied to it, and effectively transform it into a weight of an object being measured. The generated digital value is carried further to be displayed on a screen.

There are various brands and models of digital scales available on the market, with many different shapes and sizes. Accessories such as trays, calibration weights and AC adapters are usually available with the purchase of a digital scale. Most scales come with an easy reference manual. Product quality and price varies greatly among different models.

Many areas of scale usage will benefit from having a digital instead of mechanical scale. Digital scales are more accurate,efficient and reliable than their mechanical counterparts. Their size is also smaller, and some models can even fit into a pocket. Weighing process is much easier with a digital scale, and is much harder to make a mistake. Many digital scales can be connected to a computer or an accounting system. Automatic postage calculation, label creation and printing become possible as a result of computer and accounting integration. As a direct result of extra features and higher complexity, digital scales usually have a higher price tag than their mechanical counterparts.

The most important feature of a digital scale is a digital display. Factors such as display size, matrix quality, type of backlight and digit size determine the readability of the display.

High precision in measurements is an important characteristic of a high quality digital scale. Overloaded scales should not break easily. Other parameters that define the quality of a scale are weight capacity, precision and accuracy.

There are many usages of digital scales, in industry, warehouses, laboratories, medical fields, and homes. Scales can have many purposes, so they can be specialized for single or multiple functions, such as bathroom scale, kitchen scale, postage scale, floor scale.