Load cells or load sensors are force transducers that convert a physical force such as a compression or tension force or a push or pull force into a change in a parameter such as resistance or capacitance that brings about a change in electrical signal proportional to the applied force. Load cells are what you'll find in a typical bathroom scale or one in a grocery checkout counter. They are ubiquitous and used in elevators, surgical tools, automobiles, aircraft and other applications. It might not be an overstatement to say that global commerce as we know it might come to a halt if it were not for these load cells or force sensors! 

CompressionTensionUniversalButtonPancakeLow ProfileSingle PointShear BeamS-BeamMiniatureSub MiniatureThrough HoleWater ProofLoad Cell

Button Load Cell

Button Load Cell

Compression Force or Push Force Measurement

RSB5, REB5, RSB2, RSB1

Explore

S-Beam Load Cell

S-Beam Load Cell

Tension or Compression Force Measurement

RAS1, RES2, RRS3, RRS4

Explore

Through Hole

Through Hole

Tension or Compression Force Measurement

RSB6

Explore

Pancake Load Cell

Pancake Load Cell

High Capacity, Tension or Compression Force Measurement

RSB6, RAL1, RMW1

Explore

Miniature Load Cell

Miniature Load Cell

Compression Force or Push Force Measurement

RSB5, REB5,
RSB7, REB7

Explore

Single Point Load Cell

Single Point Load Cell

Compression or Tension Force Measurement

RAPG, RSP1,
RAP4/RAP3, RRP1/RRP2

Explore

Capacitive Load Cell

Capacitive Load Cell

Integrated Load Cells with UART or USB Output

iLoad, iLoad Pro,
iLoad TR, iLoad Flex

Explore

NTEP/Water Proof

NTEP/Water Proof

Load Cells for "For Trade" and Water Proof Applications

RRP1, RRP2,
RRS1, RRS3, RRS4

Explore

Overview of Load Cells

Load Cell Selection Criteria

The above section showed you different types of load cells. Here are some important factors to consider when you pick a load cell for your application.

01

WaterProof Load Cells

If you are going to be using the load cells in a wet environment, then you need to get load cells that are IP60 or higher rated. We offer hermetically sealed IP68 rated waterproof sensors - the RRS3 and RRS4 load cells.
2

NTEP Rated Load Cells

If you are selling something by weight (known as "for trade") then you must use an NTEP rated load cell for your application. We offer several NTEP rated load cells as part of our offering.
03

Operating Temperature Conditions

Well controlled, room temperature or outdoor, harsh environments with changing humidity and temperature
04

Max Range & Accuracy

What is the maximum force or weight you need to measure? How accurately do you need to measure it? Accuracy is specified generally as a % of full scale in the load cell industry.
05

Size Constraints

What are the dimensions of the load cell that can fit into the available space. How are you going to mount and fasten it into your application?
06

Off center loading

If you are building a scale, what is the size of the platform and the base? You must pick a special load cell like the Single Point Load Cell that offers off center loading compensation.

Configure your Load Cell Solution

Select Sensor

Pick a Load Cell

Pick the right load cell for your application based on:
Max Range, Accuracy, Operating Conditions & Certifications

Select Sensor

Select Interface

Pick an Interface

Pick an Interface based on:
Number of Channels, Output Type, Digital (UART, USB, WiFi, BLE, XBee), Analog (mV/V, 0-5 VDC, 4-20 mA), Data Update Rate Needed

Select Calibration Mode

Pick a Calibration Mode

Pick a Calibration Mode:
Compression, Tension, Universal

Select Calibration Mode

Select a Display

Pick a Display

Pick a Display:
Touch Screen LCD, Software on PC/Tablet, DAQ or PLC

Compression Load Cells

We offer a range of compression load cells for compression force measurement or push force measurement. They range in size from just 10 mm or less than half an inch diameter and capacity as small as a few pounds of force to several inches in diameter and up to 10,000 lbs of push force. Just place it on a flat surface and push on top of the button to measure the compressive force.

RSB5

RSB5

The smallest, thinnest load cell we offer
Capacities: 150 g (0.25 lb), 500 g (1.1 lb), 1 kg (2.2 lb), 2.5 kg (5 lb), 5 kg (10 lb) to 25 kg (50 lb)
Size: 10mm diameter (0.4 inch), 3 mm high (0.1 inch)
Accuracy Class: 0.5% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: 15C to 60C

Explore

REB5

REB5

The most economical miniature load cell we offer
Capacities: 2 kg (4.4 lb), 5 kg (11 lb), 10 kg (22 lb) & 100 kg (220 lb)
Size: 13mm diameter (0.5 inch), 7 mm high (0.27 inch)
Accuracy Class: 1% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C 

Explore

RSB2

RSB2

The most popular button load cell we offer
Capacities: 25 kg (55 lb), 50 kg (110 lb), 100 kg (220 lb), 250 kg (550 lb), 500 kg (1100 lb), 1000 kg (2200 lb)
Size: 50 mm diameter (<2 inch), 22 mm high (< 1 inch)
Accuracy Class: 0.05% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

RSB1

RSB1

High Capacity button type load cell
Capacities: 2000 kg (4400 lb), 5000 kg (11,000 lb)
Size: 82 mm diameter (~ 3.2 inch), 44 mm high (~ 1.75 inch)
Accuracy Class: 0.05% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C 


Explore

S-Beam - Tension & Compression Load Cells

We offer a range of S-beam Load Cells for tension and compression force measurement. The S Beam load cells can be used to measure pull or push forces. They range in size from just 20 mm or less than an inch height and capacity as small as a few pounds of force to several inches in height and up to 40,000 lbs of push or pull force. These load cells can be calibrated to be used in compression only, tension only or in universal mode. Just specify the right calibration when buying the load cell you need.

RES2

RES2

This is the smallest S-beam Miniature Load Cell we offer
Capacities: 5 kg (11 lb), 10 kg (22 lb), 50 kg ( 110 lb)
Accuracy Class: 0.5% of full scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

RAS1

RAS1

This is the most popular S-beam Load Cell we offer
Capacities: ~10 kg (25 lb) to 20 Tonnes ( 40K lb)
Accuracy Class: 0.02% of full scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

RRS3

RRS3

This is one of two waterproof load cells we offer
Capacities: 100 kg (225 lb), 500 kg ( 1125 lb)
Accuracy Class: 0.05% of full scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

RRS4

RRS4

This is one of two waterproof load cells we offer
Capacities: 1000 kg (2250 lb), 5000 kg ( 11,250 lb)
Accuracy Class: 0.05% of full scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

Single Point Load Cells

The single point load cells are one of the most accurate load cells we offer and are particularly good for building scales that need to bear off center loads. They are used widely to build weight scales and are one of the most common load cells available in the market. They can be used to measure compression forces or tension forces if calibrated in both directions. We offer them in various sizes and capacities and some with NTEP certifications.

RAPG

RAPG

This is the smallest single point Load Cell we offer
Capacities: 100 g (0.25 lb), 300 g (0.7 lb), 1 kg ( 2.2 lb), 2 kg ( 4.4 lb) & 3 kg ( 6.6 lb)
Accuracy Class: 0.02% of full scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

RSP1

RSP1

This is the most popular Single Point Load Cell we offer
Capacities: 3 kg (6.6 lb), 5 kg (11 lb), 10 kg (22 lb), 20 kg (44 lb), 50 kg (110 lb)
Accuracy Class: 0.02% of full scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

RAP4/RAP3

RAP4/RAP3

This single point Load Cell is used to construct larger scales > 12" x 12"
Capacities: ~50 kg (RAP4, 110 lb), 250 kg (RAP4, 220 lb) and 750 kg (RAP3, 1650 lb)
Accuracy Class: 0.02% of full scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

RRP1/RRP2

RRP1/RRP2

These are the two NTEP Load Cells we offer.
Capacities: RRP1 up to 100 kg (220 lb) & RRP2 up to 600 kg (1250 lb)
Accuracy Class: 0.02% of full scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

Miniature & Sub-Miniature Load Cells

Miniature and sub-miniature load cells are the smallest load cells we offer and are used in application that have very small openings and are constrained by available space. Some load cells like the RSB5, REB5 button laod cells can be used to measure compression forces only whereas some such as the REB7 or RES2 miniature S-Beam load cell or the iLoad Mini Capacitive load cells with threaded stud can be used to measure tension or both compression and tension if calibrated in both directions.

RSB5

RSB5

The smallest, thinnest load cell we offer
Capacities: 150 g (0.25 lb), 500 g (1.1 lb), 1 kg (2.2 lb), 2.5 kg (5 lb), 5 kg (10 lb) to 25 kg (50 lb)
Size: 10mm diameter (0.4 inch), 3 mm high (0.1 inch)
Accuracy Class: 0.5% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: 15C to 60C

Explore

REB5

REB5

The most economical miniature load cell we offer
Capacities: 2 kg (4.4 lb), 5 kg (11 lb), 10 kg (22 lb) & 100 kg (220 lb)
Size: 13mm diameter (0.5 inch), 7 mm high (0.27 inch)
Accuracy Class: 1% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C 

Explore

RSB7

RSB7

Miniature load cell for push & pull applications
Capacities: 50 g (0.1 lb), 150 g (0.3 lb), 250 g (0.5 lb), 500 g (1.1 lb), 1 kg (2.2 lb)
Size: 25 mm diameter (<1 inch), 35 mm high (< 2 inch)
Accuracy Class: 0.25% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: 15C to 70C

Explore

REB7

REB7

Economical Miniature load cell for push & pull applications
Capacities: 1 kg (2.2 lb), 2 kg (4.4 lb), 5 kg (11 lb), 10 kg (22 lb), 100 kg (220 lb)
Size: 25 mm diameter (~1 inch), 38 mm high (< 2 inch)
Accuracy Class: 1% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

Capacitive Load Cells

Capacitive load cells work on the principle of change in capacitance in response to an applied force. When a force is applied, the change in gap between two capacitive plates leads to a change in capacitance. This change in capacitance is measured as a change in frequency. The iLoad Mini Load Cells output frequency and need the DQ-1000U or DQ-4000U frequency to UART/USB interface devices to output force data. The iLoad, iLoad TR and iLoad Pro sensors are fully integrated load cells with UART/USB digital calibrated outputs that can connect directly with a PC/Mac/Linux computer to display or gather data.

These capacitive load cells are meant for use under controlled room temperature (~25C) conditions and provide data at a maximum of 150 Hz (base models) or 500 Hz (high speed version). These load cells offer accuracies from +/- 0.25% of full scale to +/- 1% of full scale and are considered moderate accuracy, general purpose force sensors.

iLoad

iLoad

Low Profile Digital Load Cell with UART/USB Output
Capacities: 50 lb, 100 lb, 250 lb, 500 lb
Size: Dia 3 inch, 0.5 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.25% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

Explore

iLoad TR

iLoad TR

Tilt Resistant Digital Load Cell with UART/USB Output
Capacities: 10 lb, 50 lb, 100 lb

Size: Dia. 3 inch, 1 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.25% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

Explore

iLoad Pro

iLoad Pro

Digital Load Cell with UART/USB Output
Capacities: 50 lb, 100 lb, 250 lb, 500 lb, 1K lb, 2.5K lb, 5K, 10K lb
Size: Dia 3.25 inch, 0.5 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.25% - 1% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

Explore

iLoad Flex

iLoad Flex

Thin Flexible Miniature Load Cell with UART/USB Output
Capacities: 10 lb

Size: Dia. 10 mm, 3 mm high
Accuracy Class: 1-2% of Full Scale
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

Explore

iLoad Mini

iLoad Mini

The smallest, thinnest capacitive load cell we offer
Capacities: 10 lb, 50 lb, 100 lb, 200 lb
Size: Dia. 1.25 inch, 0.25 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.5% - 1% FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

Explore

iLoad Mini Stud

iLoad Mini Stud

The mini load cell for tension/universal
Capacities: 10 lb, 50 lb, 100 lb, 200 lb
Size: Dia. 1.25 inch, 0.8 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.5% to 1% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

Explore

iLoad Mini Pro

iLoad Mini Pro

High Capacity Miniature Load Cell

Capacities: 500 lb, 1K lb, 2.5K lb, 5K lb
Size: Dia 2 inch, 1 inch high
Accuracy Class: 1% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

Explore

iLoad Mini Pro Stud

iLoad Mini Pro Stud

High Capacity Miniature Load Cell with Stud
Capacities: 500 lb, 1K lb, 2.5K lb, 5K lb
Size: Dia 2 inch, 1 inch high
Accuracy Class: 1% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

Explore

Specialty Load Cells

Some applications need special load cells such as a through hole load cell, a tank weighing load cell or a pedal force load cell to meet very specific application needs. Here are a few load cells that are unique and may fit your needs.

RSB6

RSB6

Low profile, Through Hole Load Cell
Capacities: 250 kg (550 lb), 500 kg (1100 lb), 1000 kg (2,200 lb), 2500 kg (5,500 lb) & 5000 kg (11,000 lb)
Size: Dia. 75 mm to 140 mm, 25-40 mm high
Accuracy Class: 0.05% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

RAL1

RAL1

High Capacity Pancake load cell
Capacities: 5K lb, 10K lb, 25K lb, 50K lb & 100,K lb

Size: Dia. 4 to 6 inch, 2.25 to 4.5 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.02% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C 

Explore

RMW1

RMW1

Tank Weighing Load Cell
Capacities: 1K lb. 2.5K lb, 5K lb, 10K lb & 20 klb

Size: 4 inch x 4 inch by under 2.5 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.03% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 65C

Explore

Pedal Force

Pedal Force

Pedal Force Load Cell
Capacities: 150 kg (300 lb)


Size: 70 mm x 70 mm x 18 mm high

Accuracy Class: 0.1% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

NTEP Load Cells/Waterproof Load Cells

When you use a load cell to weigh something that will be sold on the basis of weight for e.g. you package a 1 lb of coffee or a 16 oz. bag of nuts for sale, then one is supposed to use a scale (which uses a load cell) that is NTEP certified. NTEP stands for National Type Evaluation Program and is administed under the authority of the US Dept. of Commerce. We offer a few NTEP rated load cells that we buy from third party load cell manufacturers who have this certification. OIML is a similar certification to NTEP used in Europe and other International jurisdictions. While the accuracy and ratings will be very close to NTEP, they are not recognized in lieu of NTEP in the US. FM stands for Factory Mutual rating for Intrinsically Safe to use load cells.

These NTEP load cells are some of the load cells with the highest rated accuracies with around +/- 0.02% of full scale. They are also the best temperature compensated load cells that generally are compensated from -10C to 40C. For conditions where the temperatures might vary or have thermal gradients, we recommend you use these load cells with high stability and reliability.

RRP1

RRP1

Waterproof (IP66) NTEP & FM Rated Load Cell
Capacities: 3 kg (6.6 lb) to 100 kg (220 lb)
Size: 150 mm x 40 mm x 25 mm
Accuracy Class: 0.02% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C

Explore

RRP2

RRP2

Waterproof (IP67) NTEP & FM Rated Load Cell
Capacities: 50 kg (110 lb) to 660 kg (1250 lb)
Size: 188 mm x 63 mm x 62 mm
Accuracy Class: 0.02% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C 

Explore

RRS1

RRS1

Waterproof (IP67) NTEP & FM Rated Load Cell
Capacities: 25 lb to 20K lb
Size: From 2.5x2x0.75 to 7x5x2.25 inch
Accuracy Class: 0.02% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C 

Explore

RRS3

RRS3

Waterproof (IP69), OIML & FM Rated Load Cell
Capacities: 225 lb or 1125 lb
Size: 2.5 x 2.5 x 1.2 inch
Accuracy Class: 0.05% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C 

Explore

RRS4

RRS4

Waterproof (IP69), OIML & FM Rated Load Cell
Capacities: 2250 lb, 4500 lb or 11250 lb
Size: Under 5.6 x 5.4 x 1.7 inch
Accuracy Class: 0.05% of Full Scale
Compensated Temp Range: -10C to 40C 

Explore
Why Buy From Us?

30 day money-back guarantee

Generous application support

NIST Traceable Calibration

Ready to use out-of-the-box

Royalty Free Software APIs 

Patent protected technology

End to End Solutions

Scales

Scales

Ready-to-use scales with NIST traceable calibration certificates in various capacities & sizes. Pallet scales, waterproof scales & NTEP rated scales also available.

Explore

Brake Testing

Brake Testing

Pedal Force Sensors to help you characterize & test brakes, accelerators and other pedals used to apply a force to control a vehicle or other device.

Explore

IV Bag Monitoring

IV Bag Monitoring

Monitor IV bags remotely and get alerts before the fluid runs out. Save lives, save time and reduce cost with our simple to use USB or Wireless IV Bag monitors.

Explore

Tank Weighing

Tank Weighing

Weigh tanks for process control, inventory tracking and for dispensing fluids. Refill tanks or fill smaller tanks or containers by weight with our easy to use control system.

Explore

Weigh Modules

Weigh Modules

Weigh Modules allow you to insert sensors underneath existing machinery or containers to quickly weigh contents. No need for special machining or mounting. Available with displays, USB or wireless interfaces. 

Explore

Suspension Testing

Suspension Testing

One of a kind Force & Displacement sensors allow you to characterize and test suspensions to measure how much the suspension compresses with applied loads. DIsplay, log and plota Force vs. Displacement results.

Explore

Harness Testing

Harness Testing

Whether you are testing parachute harnesses or chains that pick up heavy loads using cranes or are ropes that are used to save life during rescue missions, our harness testing solutions make it easy for you. 

Explore

Thrust Force

Thrust Force

Characterize rocket thrust force, aircraft lift and drag, or a drone's ability to lift weight using our easy to use thrust force measurement solution with 1 KHz data update rates and LoadVUE Pro or SensorVUE software.

Explore

Powering the World's Most Advanced Applications

FAQ

When was Loadstar Sensors founded?

The company was founded in 2003 with the idea of developing easy to use digital PC friendly force measurement solutions. In 2010, Loadstar Sensors was purchased by and operates as a wholly owned unit ofYPoint Capital, Inc. We have over 10,000 customers in 85+ countries and have over 20 issued patents. We are located in the heart of Silicon Valley in Fremont, CA.

What is a Capacitive Load Cell?

A capacitive load cell works on the principle of change of capacitance in response to applied forces. When a force is applied, it changes the gap between two capacitive plates. This change is transduced into a change in frequency of the output signal. Instead of minute changes in voltage, one can get change in frequency and conver this into a measure of force.

What is a Resistive Load Cell?

A resisitive load cell is built using strain gauges arranged in a wheatstone bridge network. A strain gauge is basically a resistive element that is piezo resistive i.e. it changes resistance in response to changes in strain (change in length over original length). Applied forces lead to induced stresses that lead to displacement and strain. The change in strain leads to a change in resistance. So with an applied inout voltage one can measure tiny changes in voltage and use this to infer the applied force.

Do you offer signal conditioners and displays?

We offer signal conditioners that allow you to connect to a computer (PC. Mac or Linux) via USB or wirelessly via XBee, WiFi or BLE protocols. We also offer sensor interfaces with UART output to connect to a microcontroller to develop an embedded application. Our analog signal conditioner makes it easy to get  analog 0-5 V voltage output or 4-20 mA current output. Or simply connect to our touch screen LCD display to show values on a simple physical display.

What software do you offer?

We offer free LoadVUE Lite software to display force/weight on a Windows 8/10 PC/Tablet. The LoadVUE Pro software allows you to display, log & plot force/weight data, recalibrate sensors and get remote support. SensorVUE extends support to an unlimited number of sensors as well as all types of sensors we offer. ControlVUE software extends the functionality offered by SensorVUE and adds the ability to control external devices based on sensor values through a USB Relay with one to eight channel. Our sensors and interfaces allow you to write your own code as well! We also offer customization and custom softrware development services to meet your specific needs!

Do you offer calibration service?

Yes. We offer calibration service on new sensor purchases as well as recalibration service for previously purchased sensors. We use NIST traceable reference standards to perform and validate the calibration and provide a free calibration certificate as part of the service. We are NOT ISO certified.

How can I get pricing information?

You can register on our website, login and see all prices, download spec sheets and solid models. You can also send us an email with your contact information and shipping address and we will be happy to send you a formal quote.

What is your return policy?

We give you a 30 day guarantee for you purchase. Please refer to our Returns and Refunds Policy and contact us if you face any issues with your product(s).

Any calibration service fees, shipping and payment fees cannot be refunded.

What is the typical lead time?

We need between one and two weeks usually to ship your order for items in stock. This is because we have to make your sensor, interface and calibrate them together, make sure the quality meets all specs and then pack and ship it to you. We offer expedited processing options if you are in a rush and need to get sensors sooner. If out of stock or if sensors are needed in volume, we could take 4-6 weeks or longer. Please contact us to get an estimate of price and lead time for your particular needs.

Do you offer educational discount?

We believe teaching young kids and encouraging R&D is crucial to make this world a better place. We support teaching and research activities in educational institutions with a 10% education discount on purchased products in exchange for sharing write ups, pictures, video clips and other material we can use in our marketing materials on and off line.

Customer Reviews

Testimonials

Looking for the best load cell for your application?