5 Best Digital Scale Apps for Android That Really Work

The concept of what types of apps to make is nearly limitless, and it seems like there’s an Android app for everything. Imagine even 10 years ago, if someone told you that you would be able to use an “app” on your phone to weigh the coffee you were about to make, you wouldn’t believe them! 

But phone scale apps do exist now, and some actually even work. Digital scale apps are apps that utilize the accelerometer of your device to give you an approximation of a certain weight. Despite the convenience, these apps are not on par or equal to the accuracy of an actual weighing scale.

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The bottom line is: if you just want a rough estimate of how heavy a small item weighs, then these apps can be a great way to do that. There are numerous limitations in obtaining an accurate measurement of weight, to the point that it’s not to be relied upon and you’re much better off with an actual scale. However, if you’re in need of an emergency measurement of something important. Then these android scale apps are useful and come in handy.

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Good news! I’ve tested a few phone scale apps for you. I checked to see how these apps work, which ones work best, and which ones are worth your time. Watch the video above to see more! If you want information on each app, check out our list below

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Scale apps for your Android device

I tested lots of digital scale apps on the Play Store but these 5 apps are my best picks.  

1. Kitchen Scale
2. Scale Estimator
3. Precision digital scale
4. Working Scale Free
5. 3 Grams Digital Scales

As a rule of thumb, do take into account that these apps cannot give you an accurate or precise measurement. These apps can only provide you with a rough estimate of what you’re measuring.

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1. Kitchen Scale

This app works differently compared to other digital scale apps for Android. The app shows you an area approximation of weight per substance instead of the actual weight. For example, choosing salt weighing 5 grams in the app will show an area that you need to fill with salt.

The app displays a circle, which is an approximation of how much volume a particular substance will take up. You can pour the sugar, spice, or anything nice on the screen to get a better idea on what amount is appropriate.

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Actual Test

The app shows an area of a circle that should be an equivalent of the selected weight of the material. I tested the accuracy of the app by taking 10g of uncooked rice.

As the image showed above, I took 10g of uncooked rice and measured it using a weighing scale. Then I configured the app to show 10g of rice.

As shown above, an actual 10g of rice is more than what the app display’s method will indicate for you to use. The rice overflows too much. Additionally, the accuracy of the app is profoundly affected by the native display of the phone as well.

For example, if a phone has a native display of 720p, the area of the circle shown for a 10g of rice is bigger compared to a device with a 1080p display.

I wouldn’t recommend this app as an option. It doesn’t weigh the material. But if you need a rough estimate without a scale, this might do, although use it at your own risk.

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2. Scale Estimator

Scale Estimator provides a rough weight estimate of objects of not more than 100 grams. It’s true to itself, as its disclaimer says, that it can’t give a precise or accurate measurement, only an approximation.

It does have a bizarre way of weighing as it will require you to use a plastic bag (preferably a Ziplock bag) and a coin.

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Steps:

• Inflate the plastic bag.
• Balance your phone on the plastic bag.
• Put the coin on the designated space as specified by the app.
• And put the object on top of the coin.

The default coin is a US Quarter, but if you’re going to use a different coin, you can tap settings and select “Others.”

Scale Estimator suggests that you inflate your plastic bag properly as the result varies on its rigidness. Make sure that it’s appropriately sealed after inflating.

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Actual Test

This app uses the device’s proximity sensors for 3 directional levels, such as X, Y, and Z. It requires the uses of a plastic bag beneath it so it can utilize the proximity level of the device for weighing items. It also involves the use of a coin to enhance its accuracy through proximity changes.

For this test, I weighed a nail-cutter. The item weighted less than 25 g according to our analog measuring scale.

Next, I calibrated the app using an air-filled zip bag, a coin, and an Android smartphone. I did the same test procedure 5 times to get an accurate measurement on the app. In all 5 tests, I got the same result of 25.93 g. Even if it’s almost a gram more in weight compared to our control weight, its approximation is quite near. It’s not bad, but the result can vary a lot depending on how the app is used.

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3. Precision digital scale

Considering that the Precision digital scale has the word “precision” in it, I was led to expect that it could come up with precise measurements. The Precision digital scale app makes use of your smartphone’s accelerometer.

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By placing the object you want to measure on the device’s screen, you’ll get an approximation of its weight. On the flip side, you have to be very careful as the pressure you put on the display could cause the results on a digital scale app for Android to fluctuate.

Although upon testing, I found out that the app isn’t as accurate and precise as it says it is, and I wouldn’t recommend it for people in need of emergency measurements. But do take note that it may differ from phone to phone, and what may not be accurate or precise on my device might be better on yours.

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4. Working Scale Free

This app is the Free version of the digital scale app “Working Scale made by Science With Android.” The Working Scale Free app uses your phone’s built-in sensors to measure the mass of individual objects ranging from 5 grams to 100 grams.

Of course, the Working Scale Free scale app won’t work perfectly, and it still can’t replace analog weighing scales. However, it can function like one, albeit not as accurate as you’d expect. At the very least, you’ll be able to get an idea of the object you weigh, especially if you have another material to scale it with.

5. 3 Grams Digital Scales app with Weight Converter – Free with In-App Purchases

The 3 Grams 3-in-1 digital scale app is more than just a weighing scale app. The app uses your phones built-in tilt sensors to calculate the weight of similar objects. Furthermore, you can use your phone’s camera to weigh larger objects and convert one unit to another unit. Pretty neat!

One odd thing that I observed when it comes to this app is that you have to use it in a specific way to produce an accurate result. You are required to balance your phone first on something curved or soft before using it or placing objects to weigh on the bottom of the phone.

The only issue that I didn’t like about this app is the intrusiveness and the number of ads. Before you can even start using the app and calibrate it, you’ll experience a bombardment of ads. If you can live with that, then that’s good. Otherwise, you’re going to have to pay for the ads’ removal.

Disclaimer: The free version of this app was quite a headache for us. The app only allows you to weigh one time and will require you to purchase credits if you wish to weigh more items. 3 Grams app works similarly to the Scale Estimator app, which uses the device proximity to measure the object. Unfortunately, due to the implementation of credits, I couldn’t do any assessment of accuracy performance. It works similarly to the second app on the list.

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Are you frequently in need of a scale?

Etekcity Smart Kitchen Digital Scale

If you’re a barista, a cook, or someone who has a penchant for being exact, then this scale can surely help you with all your needs.

The Etekcity Smart Digital Kitchen Scale is a digital kitchen scale that’s designed to aid you with your diet. It’s capable of displaying the nutrition facts of food as well as its weight. You can pair this weighing scale with your phone using the VeSync app that you can download and install from the Google Play store. Learn more about this product here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Digital scale apps & their odd position

Truth be told, the current digital scale apps available for Android are far from being perfect. If developers can find a way to address the accuracy issue – be it by the development of new technology – then that will be the time when these digital scale apps can truly be useful. Either way, they exist without dedicated hardware built into the smartphone.

These apps may be disappointing, especially if these phone scale apps are your only means of weighing something important. But you would need to use it as a last resort.

All in all, I wouldn’t recommend these phone scale apps for you, especially if you want an accurate approximation of something you’re weighing. Our devices just don’t have the actual hardware to measure weight. But if you’re in need of an approximate weight, this would do. Just be sure to take your results with a grain of salt.

Have questions about digital scale apps or know of more accurate phone scale apps? Let me known in the comments section below!