What Instrument Measures Force?

A force gauge is a handheld instrument commonly used by professionals to measure forces in various industrial and educational environments - like research and development, laboratory roles, product testing, quality assurance, and production-based applications.

Types of Force Gauge

There are two main types of force meter, the digital meter and spring meter. Each type works slightly differently.

1. Spring Meters: These are often analogue devices that feature a spring with a hook to attach to the object you want to measure. Spring force meters measure the force required to extend the spring mechanism.
2. Digital Meters: Employ either a load cell or a strain gauge. The software and electronics of the force gauge convert the electrical signal generated by either the load cell or strain gauge into a force value that displays on the instrument's digital screen.

How to Express Force?

The simplest formula used to calculate force is as follows:

F = ma

Where F = force, m = mass and a = acceleration.

The SI unit of force is the Newton (N), mass is the kilogram (kg), and acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²).

One-kilogram-force (kgf) equals a mass of one kilogram multiplied by the value approximating the average magnitude of gravity on Earth (9.80665 m/s²). Therefore, one kilogram-force (kgf) equals 9.80665 Newton (N). Most force meters will display results in both Newtons and kilogram-force. Others may also have gram-force (gf) and imperial units such as pound-force (lbf) and ounce-force (ozf). 

Instruments to Measure Force

Digital Force Gauge - Basic 500N (50Kgf) Product code: IC-FGC-500   The IC-FGC-500 force meter determines compression and tension forces up to 50kgf. The unit includes three different test modes for Peak, Tracking and Pre-set (which activates through a user-set value) along with a 500-reading data logger memory and EDMS software for output.   Specifications Measurement units: N, gf, kgf, ozf, and lbf Accuracy: ± 0.3% F.S. Capacity: 50Kgf   Video: How to Set up And Use The IC-FGC-500 Digital Force Gauge

Force Gauge (20kg) Product code: FG5020   The FG5020 Force Gauge accurately measures tension and compression forces up to 20kgf. Users can select a measurement type and easily change between positive and reverse display with a single button press. The unit includes peak hold and zero buttons to help ensure accurate measurements. Specifications Measurement units: g/oz/Newton Accuracy: 0.5% + 2 digits Capacity: 20.00 Kgf

Mechanical Analogue Force Gauge - Basic 500N (50Kgf) Product code: IC-FGA-500   The IC-FGA-500 is an analogue force gauge with a compact and ergonomic design for basic push and pull force testing. The unit includes two intuitive operation modes: Peak hold mode: The highest measurement remains on display. Peak hold mode is handy for repetitive testing in an assembly line or quality control testing. Real-time tracking mode allows users to carefully analyse and observe resistance to a force load as the load increases.   Specifications Measurement units: N and Kgf Accuracy: ± 2% of the full scale Capacity: 50Kgf

Conclusion: What Instrument Measures Force?

Digital force gauges improve productivity by rapidly performing complex force measuring tasks and displaying results in an easily-understood format - which supports efficient decision-making.

View all force gauges at Instrument Choice

Need more information or assistance finding the right force gauge for your application? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist: Call 1300 737 871 or email customer-service@instrumentchoice.com.au.