Analytical balances are also designed for very precise measurements of very small samples, having a finer readability, a greater sensitivity to change, and an ability to detect smaller variations in mass., with a readability down to 0.1 mg. For acute measurements in labs, analytical balances are the right choice.

Precision balances usually have a higher capacity than analytical balances and have more variety in body style and options, but they do not offer readabilities greater than three decimal places (typically delivering results of 0.1 g, 0.01 g or 1 mg).

Moisture Analyzers, sometimes called "moisture balances", provide a primary method for accurate moisture measurement by using the loss on drying (LOD) method. The balance periodically weighs the sample and when the test is completed, automatically calculates the moisture content (or solid content) of the initial sample.