The Best Weed Scales of 2024: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

Written by experts, this comprehensive guide is your final stop before placing your order. Including the best weed scales to buy for different needs and expert advice on how to choose the right one.

At some point in time, most of the cannabis connoisseurs decide that it’s time to purchase a weed scale. Maybe you’re a budding (no pun intended) entrepreneur looking to start a little business on the side. Perhaps you’re running a full-blown canna-business. Or maybe you buy a lot of weed and want to ensure that your dealer isn’t shorting you. Whether you fly solo or have a full-blown canna-business, it’s pretty handy to have a weed scale around.

If you’re buying a marijuana scale for the first time, you likely have lots of questions. How do I choose the best scale for weed? Where can I buy a weed scale? No worries! This buyer’s guide will walk you through all the basics of finding the best weed scale. Including reviews of the most reputable models in brands in different categories and things to keep in mind when choosing the right one for your purposes.

The Best Scales for Cannabis

The Best Weed Scales

Although many marijuana scales are just rebranded versions of the same model, not all scales are created equally. There are a few models and brands that stand out above the rest, but which one is right for you will depend on what type of scale you’re looking for.

For those who already have a bit of knowledge, we’ll get right to the list of reviews. If you’d like to know more about choosing the best weed scale for your purposes, skip down to our “How to Choose” section below, then scroll back up to peruse the reviews.

Amir Upgraded Digital Scale
#1 Best Small-Medium Weed Scale
Precision:0.1g / 0.01g Max Capacity:500g / 3,000g Warranty:1 Year Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
American Weigh Digital Scale
#2 Best Small-Medium Weed Scale
Precision:0.1g / 0.01g Max Capacity:100g / 1,000g Warranty:10 Years Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
Amir Brifit Scale (Upgraded)
#3 Best Small-Medium Weed Scale
Precision:0.01g Max Capacity:100g / 200g Warranty:1 Year Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
Hochoice Digital Pocket Scale
Best Pocket Weed Scale
Precision:0.01g Max Capacity:100g - 600g Warranty:None Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
AWS Stealth CD Scale
Best Stealth Weed Scale
Precision:0.1g / 0.01g Max Capacity:100g / 500g Warranty:10 Years Price:Under $25 [Scroll to Review]
Horizon Lighter Scale
#1 Best Pocket-Stealth Weed Scale
Precision:0.01g Max Capacity:100g Warranty:None Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
AWS Matchbox Scale
#2 Best Pocket-Stealth Weed Scale
Precision:0.01g Max Capacity:100g Warranty:10 Years Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
CGOLDENWALL Lab Scale
#1 Best Heavy Duty Weed Scale
Precision:0.01g Max Capacity:200g - 5,000g Warranty:1 Year Price:$100-$200 [Scroll to Review]
AWS Lb Series Scale
#2 Best Heavy Duty Weed Scale
Precision:0.1g / 0.01g Max Capacity:500g / 3,000g Warranty:10 Years Price:Under $50 [Scroll to Review]
NEWACALOX Milligram Scale
Best Milligram Weed Scale
Precision:0.001g Max Capacity:50/100/200g Warranty:None Price:Under $50 [Scroll to Review]

Best Small-Medium Weed Scales

Most people prefer weed scales that can hold a bit more weight and are suitable for all-around use but aren’t necessarily as tiny as pocket scales. This is why small-medium duty scales are a great choice, and also the most popular.

These marijuana scales are still small enough to tote around, but they can hold a bit more weight than their pocket counterparts. They provide great capacity and excellent precision, as well as a ton of features and a huge selection to choose from. The vast majority of the small-medium weed scales cost around $12-$20 (on Amazon).

For anyone who’s not sure which category of weed scale to buy, we recommend starting here.


1. Amir Upgraded Digital Scale

Many brands sell this model, and for a good reason – it’s probably the most popular weed scale on the market right now. While there aren’t many differences between the different brands, we chose Amir because: 1. They offer a 12-month warranty. 2. Their price is fair. 3. They have thousands of positive reviews on Amazon. 4. They have many versions (and colors) to choose from. 5. This is the scale the author has been using for the last few years (pictures coming soon) – still works like a charm. I am using the 0.1g version (up to 3000g), as 0.01g is really not necessary when scaling weed, at least in my opinion.

Amir Upgraded Digital Weed Scale comes in three versions: Precision of 0.01g up to 500g, 0.1g up to 500g, and 0.1g up to 3,000g. The 0.01g version is available in four metal colors: silver, black, green, and red, while the 0.1g version is available in black and silver. All versions are made of quality materials, while the surface itself is made of stainless steel. This device is one of the most durable weed scales on the market.

At just 4 x 5 x 0.75 inches, these scales offer plenty of room to weigh weed without taking up too much storage space. All versions include two plastic trays you can use as weighing containers, tare and PCS functionality, multiple units to choose from, overload protection, uneven surface protection, and two batteries so you can get started right away. It will also show a low battery warning when their power is beginning to drain.

This series of weighing devices is known to be very durable. But just in case – Amir’s scales come with a 12-month warranty.


2. American Weigh Digital Scale

If you want to play it safe and go with a more known brand, The American Weigh Digital Scale might be the best choice for you. Although they are probably manufacturing their scales in China, just like the rest of the brands, their products come with a remarkable 10-year warranty. So in a rare case something goes wrong, you will have someone to talk with.

This model is quite popular and comes in 2 versions: 0.01g up to 100g, and 0.1g up to 1,000g, both with thousands of positive reviews on Amazon. The only differences between the two are the precision, maximum capacity, and their size, as the 0.01g is a bit more compact with only 5 x 3 x 0.75 inches, while the latter is 3.88 x 5.75 x 1.0 inches.

Both are made from stainless steel and high-grade plastic and have an integrated flip-open lid for maximum convenience and portability. This model contains all the bells and whistles, like an LCD display, different unit weighing, PCS functionality, overload protection, and a tare button. It also comes with two AAA batteries.

This model doesn’t come with weighing containers, so you’ll have to get creative. The weighing surface is quite big, so you shouldn’t have any significant problems. Just make sure your container is not covering the tare function button as you will need to press it after placing the container.


3. Amir Brifit Digital Scale – Upgraded Version

For those who are after a more funky design but still want a top-notch weighing device, the Brifit Digital Scale features a unique design and several fun colors to choose from. This model is sold under many brand names. We choose Amir Brifit mainly because they have hundreds of positive reviews and provide a 12-month warranty, but also because their product looks awesome and comes in many colors.

The Brifit Digital Scale is on the smaller side at 3 x 5 x 0.75 inches (almost a pocket-size). It’s made of stainless steel and rugged plastic with a protective clam-shell design. There are two versions, a maximum capacity of either 100 or 200 grams, both with a precision level of 0.01 gram.

Both versions come with a 50g calibration weight and two AAA batteries. They have most of the features one would expect, including tare functionality, overload protection, a low battery indicator, and the ability to weigh in different units. The 200g version is available in grape purple, mint green, orange, yellow, green, red, and blue, while the 100g version comes in green and orange.

While this model does not come with a weighing container, any plastic container or even a cup will do just fine – as the weighing surface is relatively big.


Best Pocket Weed Scales

Pocket weed scales are an excellent choice for those who need a small and portable device. These scales cost more or less the same as small-medium scales, around 12$-20$ on Amazon.

But just because you opt for portability doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice precision and features. Most of the features are the same, just in a smaller design and package. The only down-side is having a smaller weighing surface, as you won’t be able to weigh more than a few grams at once without using a weighing container (or tray).


1. Hochoice Digital Pocket Scale

If you prefer a device that can fit in your pocket but isn’t too small and has great precision as well as all the needed functions – The Hochoice Digital Pocket Scale is a perfect choice.

It comes in 4 different versions with different maximum capacity limits – 100, 200, 300, or 600 grams. All of the different versions weigh with 0.01-gram precision. These numbers are pretty impressive for a scale that only measures 4.8 x 2.7 x 0.4 inches.

Even though this scale is relatively small, it packs a punch. It provides tare functionality, a PCS function (which is labeled as “count”), six different measurement units to choose from, batteries that can be charged via a USB connection, and a relatively large LCD screen. The Hochoice Digital Pocket Scale also has an auto-shutoff feature that can be adjusted to make it automatically shut off after a certain period of inactivity. This feature prevents it from going dead in your pocket.

This scale is made of stainless steel and ABS plastic and includes a cover plate that doubles as a weighing tray when in use. Unfortunately, this model does not come with any warranty.


Best Stealth Weed Scales

Stealth scales are useful for keeping around when you need a device that can fly under the radar. Besides this, some of them are simply fun to have and show off. Similar to the previous categories, stealth weed scales cost around 12$-25$. They also offer most of the features you would find in regular non-stealth models, just with enhanced privacy.


1. American Weigh Stealth CD Scale

This stealth weed scale is cleverly disguised as a run of the mill, 5.5 x 5 x .04 CD case, but inside the familiar plastic case, there is a stainless steel weighing platform and an LCD screen. There are six different covers to choose from that look just like albums by different artists.

The scale itself comes in two different versions. One with a maximum capacity of 100 grams and accuracy of 0.01 grams, and the other with a maximum capacity of 500 grams and accuracy of 0.1 gram. These scales are more than just a pretty face, despite what they look like on the outside, inside they are packed with features. They come equipped with tare function, PCS, and multi-unit weighing,

The American Weigh Stealth CD Scale is at the top end of the pricing spectrum, but the discreet design will surely be worth the premium price for some people. Besides, it’s backed by American Weigh’s 10-year warranty.

The reviews on this scale are mixed, it looks like the 0.1g version is more stable, and buyers are more satisfied with it. The 0.01g version might be too sensitive for such a slick design, as some user reviews suggest.


Best Pocket & Stealth Scales

These tiny little devices are both compact and stealthy, but their small size can also make them a bit less robust than their larger counterparts. For many people, this type of scale is a backup or second scale for use in specific circumstances when they can’t take along their larger, more robust one.

Their design is usually quite creative, but it comes with a price as they tend to come with less functionality than other types of scales. Most of them cost between $12 and $20. Only very few stealth-pocket scales cost more than $20, but still below $30.

More drawbacks of pocket and stealth weed scales are that they can be a bit more fragile than larger types, some are less accurate, and they can be trickier to use since the weighing surface is so small.

Nevertheless, if nothing less than the smallest and stealthiest weed scales on the market will do, here are a few of the best options:


1. Horizon Stealth Lighter Scale

The Horizon Stealth-Pocket Lighter Scale is one of the smallest weighing devices on the market. It measures in at just 1.75 x 3 x 0.7 inches and designed like a Zippo lighter. It’s super stealthy and discreet.

This tiny scale is made of stainless steel and high-grade plastic. There is also an LCD screen conveniently hidden under the flip-top lid. It can measure amounts from 0.05 grams to 100 grams with a precision of 0.01g, and powered by 1 CR2032 battery, which is included.

Surprisingly, this little scale has a ton of features. It has a tare function, multiple unit measuring, low battery indicator, and overload protection. The only thing it’s missing is PCS, but most users are not using it anyway. The Horizon Lighter Scale also comes with a plastic cover piece that you can use as a weighing tray, but even with it – you won’t be able to weigh large amounts at once. Probably 3-5 grams maximum before your pile will start to collapse. Overall this is perhaps one of the best weed scales that’s pocket-sized and stealthy.

Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with any warranty. Also, while this scale is just tiny, keep in mind it’s a bit larger than a typical lighter.


2. American Weigh Stealth Matchbox Scale

Another great scale for weed from the American Weigh brand – The Matchbox Scale. This device is just tiny, probably the smallest pocket weed scale on the market at only 2.9 x 1.4 x 0.5 inches. It comes with American Weigh’s typical 10-year warranty, so customers can buy with confidence knowing they’ll be protected if anything goes wrong.

The Matchbox scale comes in three different versions: 0.01g up to 100g, 0.1g up to 100g, and 0.1g up to 650g. There are also four designs to choose from: Club Matchbox, Hotel Matchbox, Vintage Matchbox, and Restaurant Matchbox. Which one to choose is a matter of personal preference – their features are the same, but prices may vary.

These scales are made with a stainless steel weighing surface, plastic cover that can act as an expansion to the weighing surface, and a paper sleeve that slips over everything to give it that convincing matchbox look. It includes tare and multi-mode functionality and runs on 2 AAA batteries, which are included.

This model is an awesome scale for weed, almost a gadget, but keep in mind it is just tiny. If you need to scale more than very few grams, you will have to do it in batches or get creative with finding the right weighing container. Even when using the cover as expansion – the weighing surface is very small. Also, tiny scales can’t compete with larger devices when it comes to accuracy, reliability, and also durability – as they tend to be more fragile.


Best Heavy Duty Weed Scales

Some situations require more capacity than pocket or medium-duty weed scales. In these cases, a heavy-duty scale is the best choice. Many of these can also double as kitchen scales, so in addition to weighing your herb, they can help you measure out dry goods for baking (marijuana-infused cookies or brownies, perhaps?).

Heavy-duty weed scales are designed to weigh out much greater portions of weed with ease. Though their maximum capacities may not be enormously higher than that of the small and medium-sized devices, the main difference is in the size of their weighing surfaces. The weighing surfaces and the scales in general are much larger, making it a lot easier to weigh out all your buds without having to stack them precariously on top of one another.

These scales may be an overkill for the average casual user, but businesses and growers will find their increased size and capacity very appealing. They’re the professional choice for budding cannapreneurs.

A good heavy-duty weed scale can cost anywhere from $30 to $200 depending on its precision, capacity, and design. Here are a few recommendations:


1. CGOLDENWALL High Precision Lab Scale

The CGOLDENWALL High Precision Lab Scale comes in a total of 8 versions, with maximum capacities of 200, 300, 500, 600, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, and 5,000 grams. They all have precision levels down to the hundredth of a gram (0.01g), and the price for each version can vary from the low to mid 100s.

This model is a pretty high tech scale, with a response time of one second, high stability sensors, and a single chip microcomputer inside. It can tare, count, weigh in multiple units, alert the user if exceeding the maximum capacity, and do many other things.

You won’t get any weighing container with this product, but this is not a problem as you can use anything to contain your weed – the weighing surface is just huge. Even without a container, you will probably be able to weigh at least 50-100 grams before your pile collapses.

This heavy-duty scale can run off the included power supply cord or a 9-volt battery, which you will have to buy separately. The CGOLDENWALL High Precision scale is made of plastic with a stainless steel weighing surface and measures about 10.24 x 7.88 x 2 inches. A 1-year warranty backs all versions.

This model is probably the most professional scale on this page, an excellent option for growers and retailers who need to weigh large amounts of weed regularly.


2. American Weigh Lb Series Scale

If you are looking for a heavy-duty weed scale under $50 that is being sold by a known brand, backed by a 10-year warranty and has thousands of positive reviews – this one is for you.

The American Weigh LB Series Scale comes in three versions. The first version is very popular, and features a precision of 0.1 gram. It’s available in two versions – a maximum capacity of 1,000 grams and a maximum capacity of 3,000 grams. The second version can weigh up to 500 grams with a precision of 0.01 gram, but its reviews are are less positive.

Each has a large plastic bowl integrated with the weighing platform that can hold plenty of weed to be weighed all at once. The scale itself is quite large as well, measuring 7.3 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches. It definitely won’t be fitting into any pockets, but that’s not what it’s for.

This scale can do it all, including taring, measuring in multiple units, PCS, and even more. It can be powered by batteries or an AC adapter – both of which are included.


Best Milligram Weed Scales

If scales that weigh down to the hundredth of a gram don’t seem precise enough, a milligram weed scale may be just the thing. These scales weigh super precisely down to the milligram (0.001 gram), which provides a great deal of detail.

For most people, this is simply an overkill as there’s usually no need to know the weight of weed down to the milligram, but some people might want to know anyway. They’re not much more expensive than other scales, most of them cost between $15 and $50.


1. NEWACALOX Digital Milligram Scale

The NEWACALOX Digital Milligram Scale comes in black or gold with maximum capacities of 50, 100, or 200 grams. Of course, as its name suggests, the precision is 0.001 grams.

This scale has a tare function, PCS counting, eight different weighing unit modes, an auto-off feature, an overload indicator, and a windscreen – as this scale is so sensitive that even wind can affect the weighing results.

It can be powered either by the included 2 AAA batteries or by a USB charger. It’s quite compact at just 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches; some would even call it a pocket scale. Unfortunately, the NEWACALOX Digital Milligram Scale does not come with any warranty.

If you prefer to buy a device that is backed by a warranty – check out American Weigh Gemini Series Milligram Scale.


Best Dispensary Weed Scales

Dispensary weed scales are the cream of the crop when it comes to capacity, precision, and professionalism. They have tons of features, and they also have the price tags to match. They may cost anywhere between $200 and $2,000 and sometimes even more than that.

Dispensary scales are designed for commercial environments and NTEP-certified for that type of usage. For anyone who’s not a medium to large-sized company, this type of weighing device would be way, way overkill, and a significant waste of money.

Anyone who’s looking to buy a dispensary weed scale for their business should consult with a professional to ensure that the scale meets all the needs of the business, including integrating with the payment system, cash registers, and anything else needed.

Certification

If you plan to use your weed scale for commercial purposes, it should have a certification from the NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program). Put in place by the National Conference on Weights and Measures, NTEP specifications cover the accuracy of scales, their capacity, and even how they’re affected by shifts in temperature.


Why Use a Weed Scale?

There are a variety of reasons why someone might choose to use a weed scale; here are the most common:

  • Weigh weed that you’re buying to ensure that you’re getting what you paid for.
  • People who pool their money with friends or relatives to buy their cannabis in bulk and want to divide the stash evenly without having to “eyeball it.”
  • Cannabis cultivators who want to keep track of their total yield.
  • Medical patients who need to keep track of their daily/weekly/monthly doses
  • Retailers and growers who need to weigh out packages to prepare for sale and distribution.
  • “Cannabis chefs” who need to get the right amount of cannabis in the new recipe they’re trying out.
  • Those who want to weigh their stash before leaving the house to make sure they are not breaking any local laws.

Weed Scales Prices

Most non-commercial weed scales cost between $12 and $20. You could certainly spend more than that if you wanted, but there’s really no need to for everyday use.

High capacity scales are more varied and could cost anywhere from $30 to $200. The price mainly depends on the maximum capacity the scale can handle and the precision with which it weighs each load.

Professional dispensary scales are, of course, the most expensive of the bunch, costing between $200 and $2,000. These scales offer both extremely high capacities and an extremely high level of precision. They are also NTEP approved (NTEP stands for National Type Evaluation Program), making them suitable for commercial use.


Which Brands Are The Best?

When it comes to average, everyday weed scales designed for personal use, there are more brands than actual models. What this means is that a ton of different companies are selling weed scales, but they’re all buying their stock from the same handful of manufacturers and just slapping their name and logo on top.

With that being the case, there isn’t really one brand that stands out from the crowd, since the products each brand sells are virtually identical. The two main things to consider when choosing which brand to buy from are:

  • Is it a popular, well-known, and respected brand? Many of the companies selling cannabis scales also sell kitchen or bathroom scales. Brands that have made a name for themselves that way are much more likely to provide a positive customer experience than random unknown brands who only sell one product.
  • Do they offer a warranty? Some brands offer a warranty period of up to 10 years. That’s music to a buyer’s ears because it sends a clear message that the company stands behind its products.

American Weigh Scales (AWS)

One brand that meets both of these guidelines is American Weigh. They’re the ones who offer the 10-year warranty, and their products have earned 1,000s of glowing reviews on Amazon. So it’s safe to say that they’re pretty popular.

American Weigh scales may be identical to most of the other weed scales on the market, but the fact that they stand behind it with their incredibly long warranty period and don’t mark it up to a ridiculous price makes them a great brand to buy from. Some other brands may overcharge you and cut you loose, but with American Weigh, you’ll always have someone to contact if something goes wrong with the product you received.

Keep in mind that American Weigh isn’t the only known weed scale brand out there, and not all of their products have positive reviews, so customers will still need to do a little research before buying and choose carefully.

Buy Online: American Weigh Scales (Amazon)

AWS Most Popular Scales:

Where to Buy a Weed Scale

With a massive selection, real user reviews, return policy, and the lowest prices – Amazon is by far your best bet when buying weed scales online.

Of course, you can also buy a weed scale from one of the many online headshops, which usually stock at least a few models. But keep in mind these models are the same ones you would find on Amazon for a much lower price.

Buy Online: Weed Scales on Amazon

Pro tip: Searching for “weed scale” may not bring up all the results you’re looking for as “weed” is not allowed Amazon. Instead, try searching terms like “gram scale,” “herb scale,” and “pocket scale.”

Things to Note When Choosing a Weed Scale

Anyone who came into this guide not knowing the difference between stealth scales and dispensary scales may be feeling a little overwhelmed right now, and that’s ok. In simple terms, there are only a few factors to pay attention to when choosing the right weed scale for you. Let’s go over the most important ones.


Size and Portability

The size and portability of the cannabis scale in question is a significant factor for anyone who plans to carry their device with them, wants to keep things discreet, or just has limited storage space at home.

Small-Medium

Small-medium weed scales are the most popular group by far. They are the most recommended to the vast majority of our readers. The reason they’re so great is that they’re the perfect blend of small size and big features – these scales have all the essential features and quality parts, but they’re small enough not to take up too much space. Most of these scales could even fit into a pocket in a pinch.

Pocket Size

If that’s still a little too large, a pocket scale should be perfect. These small scales fit in purses or pockets with no problem, and most of them still contain all the critical features on this list. Most people won’t need to go any smaller than a pocket scale, which is good because the devices that are smaller than that tend to be lacking a bit in quality and functionality. The tiniest weighing devices are challenging to use, can only handle minimal qualities, and may be missing some key features.

Big Capacity

On the other end of the spectrum, high capacity and heavy-duty scales may be a worthwhile purchase for small business owners and or home-growers. These scales will never fit in a pocket, but they tuck away easily in cabinets or on countertops. Their larger size, and particularly their larger weighing area, makes it a lot easier to weigh a bunch of weed at once. And if you need to transport one of these scales from one place to another, they could easily tuck into a bag and be carried along.


Weighing Precision

When weighing weed, it’s important to use a scale that is more accurate than, say, measuring flour to bake with. A gram of flour may only cost a couple of pennies, but a gram of weed is significantly more expensive.

0.1g

We recommend using a scale that measures with a precision of at least 0.1 gram. This way, the maximum loss in measurement from the scale’s margin of error is only 1/20 of a gram; instead of the half a gram it could be on a device with a precision of 1 gram.

0.01g

Scales with an accuracy of 0.01g provide a maximum error range of 1/200 gram (0.005g). They are overkill for most people, but might be useful in some cases. For example, in a situation where you’re selling a large quantity of marijuana divided into many small bags. In that case, the 1/20 of a gram from the less precise scale’s margin of error can add up over time. People dealing with potent extracts and concentrates which need to measure out tiny amounts might also find this level of accuracy helpful.

0.001g

There are even more precise weed scales that can measure down to the milligram (0.001g). But for weed weighing, these are no more than a cool (and expensive) gadget to play with.


Tare Function

The tare function is the single most important function of any weed scale, especially for those scales that are so tiny they can’t fit more than a few buds on without them spilling off.

What the tare function does is allows the user to place a container on the weighing surface, then zero out the scale so that it automatically subtracts the weight of the container from the weight of the weed. This negates a lot of mental math and frustration, as well as minimizing the margin of error of the scale. It also allows users to use a tray, plate, or bowl to hold more weed in to measure all at once, so it’s pretty much an essential feature.


Maximum Capacity

It’s important to choose a weed scale that will allow enough capacity to weigh the amount of weed you typically handle. When making this calculation, be sure to include the weight of any container used to hold marijuana during weighing, since this will also be deducted from the total maximum capacity.

As a general rule, accuracy tends to decrease as the maximum capacity increases, and vice versa. Scales with an accuracy of 0.1g usually offer higher maximum capacities than those with an accuracy of 0.01g.

Capacities of 100 to 200 grams should be more than enough for personal use. Capacities of 300, 400, or even 500 grams are too much for most of the readers – but many small-medium sized scales have them anyway, especially the 0.1g versions.

Be aware: The weight of the container is subtracted from the maximum capacity. If your scale’s maximum capacity is 100g, and your container weight is 20g, your “new” maximum capacity will be 80g. For this reason, make sure you choose a container that is not too heavy.

Overload Protection

Overload protection is what prevents the scale from displaying inaccurate results if you exceed its maximum capacity. Instead of just displaying random numbers that the user could mistake for an accurate reading, scales with overload protection will display an error message to let them know what went wrong.

It’s a pretty important feature for people who are testing the limits of their weed scales. But most models have them, so it shouldn’t be too much of a concern.


Units

For most purposes, a weed scale that weighs only in grams will be totally fine. If you intend to use your weed scale for measuring in units other than grams, make sure the scale you’re interested in can weigh in that unit before buying.


Materials and Design

As far as materials go, most brands manufacture their weed scales out of high-grade plastic and stainless steel. It’s best to have a weighing platform that’s made out of stainless steel instead of plastic so that it will hold up longer. Things like cases and covers or weigh trays for the scale are typically made of plastic, which is fine.

One thing to note about the design of the scale is that it needs to be compatible with container weighing since marijuana tends to roll and fall all over the place when stacked on a flat surface. Many weed scales have a built-in cover that doubles as a tray for weighing, so those designs will certainly be compatible, but for those that don’t, you’ll want to make sure that using a container won’t obscure any buttons or the display.


PCS

PCS, also called count, is a function that most users probably won’t need. What it does is calculate the number of items in a batch of identical-weight items placed on the scale. It could be useful for someone who had prepared a bunch of one-ounce bags and wants to quickly see how many are left, but most people can get by just fine without it.


Are Batteries Included?

It may not be a deal-breaker if a certain scale comes without batteries, but it’s always better to know ahead of time instead of being disappointed when the scale finally arrives. Most small-medium and even large devices come with batteries or other power supplies, but a few do not – especially the heavy-duty ones.


What About a Warranty?

The availability and length of a warranty say a lot about how much a company stands behind their products. It also offers customers a bit of peace of mind when buying since they know that if something goes wrong with their scale they’ll be able to make it right.

All American Weigh scales come with a 10-year warranty, and several other brands offer 1, 3, or 5-year warranties.


Are Weed Scales Different from Kitchen Scales?

They’re not that different. Someone who already owns a kitchen scale with the right capacity, units, and degree of precision might be able to get away without a dedicated scale just for cannabis. However, weed scales have a few useful features that kitchen scales are often missing.

For one thing, weed scales are typically more accurate than kitchen scales, since 1 gram of cannabis is significantly more costly than 1 gram of flour or sugar. Weed scales are also designed to be used with containers, or they may even include a container, and they are generally more portable for use outside of the kitchen.


Calibration Weights

High precision scales (0.1g and up) are sensitive devices. It’s not very uncommon for a scale to lose its calibration over the years. Even if your weighing device is brand new, it’s best to check it for accuracy as soon as you get it, and periodically after that.

To do so, you’ll need one or more calibration weights, which are pretty cheap to come by and will probably last forever. Some of the scales on this list come with their calibration weights, but some don’t.

Once you have your weight, put it on the scale and see if the weight on the screen matches the weight stamped on the weight itself. It’s best to try this with a few different weights to ensure accuracy, including one that’s heavy enough to show even small discrepancies. Calibration weights of 50 or 100 grams should be more than enough for most of the scales reviewed above. Even 20 grams will do it.

If you find your scale is calibrated wrong, most devices will let you re-calibrate them following the calibration instructions in the manual.

Buy Online: Calibration Weights (Amazon)


The Latest Trend: Weighing Apps

These applications allow you to weigh your weed simply by putting it on top of your smartphone or tablet. There are Android, iOS, and Windows Phone versions. The obvious advantage of the scale simulator is that you can see right then and there how much cannabis is being given to you, so that you don’t get shorted.

There are a variety of apps out there that claim to be able to weigh things just by placing them on the screen of your smartphone. While it’s a cool idea and may work for estimating very small quantities in a pinch, its usefulness is limited.

Remember, your smartphone doesn’t have a scale in it. It is capable only to estimate how hard a finger is pressing against it, not whether or not your dealer is shorting you. Therefore, the accuracy is quite low and only works for very small quantities.

Weed scale apps may be able to estimate weight in certain situations, but it’s better to use them as a backup or last resort rather than a primary weed weighing device.


Summary

A good scale cost less than $20. As far as where to buy weed scales, Amazon is the best for the variety available and low prices.

Small-medium-duty scales are the best choice for most of our readers and will cost no more than $20. They are not too small and contain all the needed features. Their accuracy and maximum capacity are more than enough, and their size is still relatively small, making them relatively portable.

Small-tiny scales should be preferred only as a last resort. They usually too small to deal with, suffer from lack of features, and in general considered as less accurate. Their price is similar to the small-medium group, usually up to $20.

Large-heavy-duty scales are just great, if you need them. They cost anywhere between 20$ and 200$ and provide enhanced features as well as a bigger weighing platform.

As for warranty – all American Weigh scales come with a 10-year warranty, and several other brands offer 1, 3, or 5-year warranties. Some of the brands also offer a money-back guarantee.

Accuracy – for weighing weed, we recommend buying a weed scale with a precision level of at least 0.1g.


Bottom Line

Weed scales are a mandatory tool in any cannabis lover’s arsenal, whether they’re a casual user, a small business owner, or a large dispensary. For casual users, weed scale prices are not too bad.

Finding the best weed scale is mostly dependent on how exactly you intend to use it. The key characteristics you will have to keep in mind are size, precision, tare function, maximum capacity, units, materials, and design. Warranty is great to have, but not mandatory, as most of the weed scales are quite cheap.

The Best Weed Scales of 2024
Amir Upgraded Digital Scale
#1 Best Small-Medium Weed Scale
Precision:0.1g / 0.01g Max Capacity:500g / 3,000g Warranty:1 Year Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
American Weigh Digital Scale
#2 Best Small-Medium Weed Scale
Precision:0.1g / 0.01g Max Capacity:100g / 1,000g Warranty:10 Years Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
Amir Brifit Scale (Upgraded)
#3 Best Small-Medium Weed Scale
Precision:0.01g Max Capacity:100g / 200g Warranty:1 Year Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
Hochoice Digital Pocket Scale
Best Pocket Weed Scale
Precision:0.01g Max Capacity:100g - 600g Warranty:None Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
AWS Stealth CD Scale
Best Stealth Weed Scale
Precision:0.1g / 0.01g Max Capacity:100g / 500g Warranty:10 Years Price:Under $25 [Scroll to Review]
Horizon Lighter Scale
#1 Best Pocket-Stealth Weed Scale
Precision:0.01g Max Capacity:100g Warranty:None Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
AWS Matchbox Scale
#2 Best Pocket-Stealth Weed Scale
Precision:0.01g Max Capacity:100g Warranty:10 Years Price:Under $20 [Scroll to Review]
CGOLDENWALL Lab Scale
#1 Best Heavy Duty Weed Scale
Precision:0.01g Max Capacity:200g - 5,000g Warranty:1 Year Price:$100-$200 [Scroll to Review]
AWS Lb Series Scale
#2 Best Heavy Duty Weed Scale
Precision:0.1g / 0.01g Max Capacity:500g / 3,000g Warranty:10 Years Price:Under $50 [Scroll to Review]
NEWACALOX Milligram Scale
Best Milligram Weed Scale
Precision:0.001g Max Capacity:50/100/200g Warranty:None Price:Under $50 [Scroll to Review]

Disclosure: CNBS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a small affiliate commission when you purchase through links on this page.

Clyde Jenkins - CNBS Author: Clyde Jenkins
Clyde is a former journalist and a cannabis connoisseur. He is an expert in well researched journalistic writing, which includes industry overviews, technology-related topics, lifestyle and culture topics, product reviews, and in-depth buyer’s guides. From common practices to what is currently hot and trending – when it comes to the practical side of this plant, Clyde is our guy.
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Joana Burton
Joana Burton
4 years ago

The matchbox scale is so cute! I bought it 2 years ago and it still works like a charm.

This scale is just great for my needs, but it’s super small. I am not a heavy user, buying around 10 grams of weed every month (or even less), but even when using a plastic cup as a weighing container I can’t weight all the 10 grams at once. Have to weigh in 2 batches.

If you are a light consumer just like me, this scale is just excellent. But if you need to weigh more than 6-8 grams at once you might consider to buy a bigger weighing device.

As my husband just got his medical card, I decided to purchase a larger scale as we are probably going to buy larger quantities of weed from now on. We ordered the amir upgraded digital scale and will keep you updated once it arrives.

Thank you for the great guide 🙂
Joana B

Brian Bassett
Brian Bassett
6 years ago

Selling marijuana, like most things in America, has been and still is a scam hoisted on many buyers. People that sell pot want you to think that the fresher the better – sticky, smelly and moist is what you want. Dank! Right? Wrong.

Fresher means for the most part wetter. Water weighs 8.34 lbs. per gallon at around 65 degs. The wetter your pot is the more it weighs. Curing pot properly means giving it time to dry properly and to let less desirable and harsher tasting chemicals dissipate and/or oxidize. The scent of marijuana, however pleasant has very little to do with its potency.

Unscrupulous sellers try to sell pot that is as fresh as possible because it still holds a lot of water, going as far as to add water to fully dried pot and microwaving quickly to rehydrate. Adding all that weigh prior to pulling out their cute little digital weed scales and setting your cost per gram, 1/4, 1/2, full ounce or pound.

It is worse in the new commercial atmosphere where you never even see the pot weighed. Just pick a little sealed bag by strain and pay whatever price is stamped on the bag. What you find in that bag is pot that has been so molested and trimmed and generally fucked with that it is a mere shadow of what it would have been if cured properly. The weight is arbitrary when the pot hasn’t fully cured, regardless of what type of weed scale you use.