Loadcell terminology can be confusing so here is a useful glossary of terms:
Rated Capacity or Working Load Limit (WLL)
The maximum load for which the load cell is designed.
Span
Full scale output of the loadcell, usually in mV/V (milliVolts output per Volt excitation or input)
Full Scale Output (FSO)
Load cell output at rated capacity or WLL (full scale), usually expressed in mV/V
Zero Output
Load cell output with no load applied. Expressed as % FSO
Best Straight Line
The straight line between Zero Output and Full Scale Output, used to determine load cell output errors and non-linearity
Non-Linearity
The deviation of load cell output from the Best Straight Line, recorded with increasing loads.Expressed as % FSO
Hysteresis
The difference in load cell outputs from equivalent increasing and decreasing loads. Expressed as % FSO
Maximum Error / Combined Error
The maximum error of load cell output from the Best Straight Line, considering both Non-Linearity and Hysteresis. Expressed as % FSO
Output Symmetry
The difference in FSO from tension operation to compression operation. Expressed as % Average FSO
Temperature Effect on Zero
The change in zero offset due to a specified change in temperature. Expressed as % FSO / °C
Temperature Effect on Span
The change in output due to a specified change in temperature. Expressed as % Output / °C
Creep
The change in FSO occurring over time with all conditions remaining constant.
All materials exhibit creep effects to varying degrees. Load cell creep can be minimised by
matching the creep compensation of the strain gauge to the load cell element material used.
Expressed as % FSO / specified time period (usually 20 minutes).
Creep Return
Zero offset after unloading the load cell from a specified time period. Recorded after equivalent
1 of 2 10/12/2025, 08:32Firefox https://www.straightpoint.com/administrator/index.php?option=com_co…
time period to which the load was applied. Expressed as % FSO / specified time period (usually 20 minutes).
Non-Repeatability
The difference in recorded output from successive loadings under constant conditions. Expressed as % FSO
Excitation Voltage
The safe Voltage used to obtain output values within the quoted specification. Expressed in Vdc or Vac.
Input Resistance
The electrical resistance of the load cell’s strain gauge circuit, measured across excitation connections with signal connections open circuit. Expressed in Ohms
Output Resistance
The electrical resistance of the load cell’s strain gauge circuit, measured across signal connections
with excitation connections open circuit. Expressed in Ohms
Insulation Resistance
The electrical resistance measured between the load cell’s strain gauge circuit and the load cell element. Expressed in Ohms
Primary Axis
The axis of load for which the load cell is intended.