Digital scales
by On Balance
The On Balance SL-100 Slate pocket scale is a precision digital weighing device that measures up to 100g with a resolution of 0.01g — small enough to disappear into your jacket pocket, accurate enough to measure down to the hundredth of a gram. If you're looking to buy a compact 0.01g scale that's ready to use straight out of the box, the SL-100 Slate is one of the best options On Balance has ever released. About the size of a small book of Post-it Notes, the Slate is one of the thinnest scales On Balance has ever made, and honestly one of the best-looking too.
The On Balance SL-100 Slate pocket scale is a 100g digital pocket scale with 0.01g readability, a tare function, piece counting mode, and auto shut-off — all in a body thinner than most smartphones. A 0.01g pocket scale is one of those things you don't think about until you need one — and then you really need one. Whether you're weighing herbs, supplements, or anything else where a tenth of a gram matters, guessing is not a strategy. We've seen people try to eyeball doses of powdered botanicals and get it wildly wrong. A proper scale removes the guesswork entirely.
The SL-100 Slate does this job well, and it does it without looking like a piece of lab equipment from 1997. The charcoal-grey finish and soft-touch surface feel genuinely nice in the hand — it's got a bit of weight to it despite being thin, which makes it feel solid rather than flimsy. The square shape sits flat on any surface without wobbling, which is more than you can say for some of the cheaper pocket scales out there.
One honest limitation: 100g capacity means this is strictly for small quantities. If you're weighing anything over about 3.5 ounces, you'll need something bigger — have a look at the On Balance MTT-500 or a kitchen-style scale. But for precision work with small amounts, 100g is plenty, and the trade-off is that the scale fits literally anywhere.
The On Balance SL-100 Slate pocket scale ships with everything you need to start weighing immediately — no extra purchases required.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scale unit | SL-100 Slate |
| Battery | 1 x CR2032 (pre-installed) |
| Weighing modes | g, oz, ozt, dwt, ct, gn |
| Capacity | 100g |
| Resolution | 0.01g |
The On Balance SL-100 Slate pocket scale runs on a single CR2032 coin cell battery, which comes included — ready to weigh straight out of the box. Here are the full specs:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | On Balance |
| Model | SL-100 Slate |
| SKU | HS0122 |
| Maximum capacity | 100g |
| Resolution (readability) | 0.01g |
| Weighing units | g, oz, ozt, dwt, ct, gn |
| Tare function | Yes |
| Piece counting mode | Yes |
| Auto shut-off | Yes (battery saving) |
| Battery | 1 x CR2032 (included) |
| Colour | Charcoal grey, soft-touch finish |
| Size comparison | Approximately the size of a small Post-it Note pad |
Complete your setup: pair the SL-100 Slate with a set of calibration weights to keep your readings spot-on over time. If you need a higher capacity for bigger loads, the On Balance MTT-500 gives you 500g at 0.1g resolution — a solid step up when 100g isn't enough. You can order both from the Azarius scales and weighing accessories category.
The SL-100 Slate is ready to use in about 30 seconds — the CR2032 battery comes pre-installed, so there's no fiddling with tiny screws before your first weigh.
A 0.01g scale distinguishes differences as small as one-hundredth of a gram — roughly the weight of a single grain of rice (about 0.03g). A scale that reads to 0.1g is fine for cooking. But when you're working with concentrated botanicals, supplements, or anything where small differences in weight translate to big differences in effect, 0.01g resolution is the minimum you want. The On Balance SL-100 Slate pocket scale gives you exactly that — one-hundredth of a gram precision at a pocket-friendly size.
For context: the SL-100 can distinguish one grain of rice from two. That's the level of accuracy we're talking about. According to EMCDDA harm reduction guidance on weighing and dosing, knowing exactly how much you're taking is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk — and it starts with owning a scale you can actually trust.
We'd pick the SL-100 Slate over most budget pocket scales in the same price range. The build quality is noticeably better — that soft-touch finish isn't just cosmetic; it stops the scale sliding around on smooth surfaces. The tare function works cleanly, and the display is easy to read even in dim light. Compared to the On Balance DX-100, the Slate is thinner and more pocketable, though the DX-100 has a flip-open lid that doubles as a weighing tray. If you want maximum portability and clean design, get the Slate. If you want a built-in tray, the DX-100 is worth a look.
The number one cause of inconsistent readings on any 0.01g pocket scale is the surface underneath it. We've sold thousands of pocket scales over the years, and the number one issue people run into isn't accuracy — it's surface. Put a 0.01g scale on a wobbly pub table or a stack of books and you'll get inconsistent readings every time. The SL-100 is accurate, but it needs a hard, level surface to do its job. That's not a flaw; that's physics. Keep it on a solid desk or countertop and you'll get repeatable results weigh after weigh.
The CR2032 battery lasts a surprisingly long time thanks to the auto shut-off, but it's worth keeping a spare in your drawer. They cost next to nothing and there's nothing more annoying than a dead scale when you need it. We keep a small stash behind the counter for exactly this reason. If you're thinking about which On Balance SL-100 Slate pocket scale to buy, this is the one we'd recommend to anyone who values portability and precision in equal measure.
The SL-100 reads to 0.01g, which is one-hundredth of a gram. On a flat, stable surface and within its 100g capacity, it's reliable and consistent. For best accuracy, let the scale settle for a moment after placing your item.
It runs on a single CR2032 coin cell battery, which comes included. CR2032s are widely available at any supermarket or electronics shop. The auto shut-off function helps extend battery life.
Yes. Like most precision pocket scales, the SL-100 has a built-in calibration function that works with a 100g calibration weight (sold separately). According to the manufacturer's instructions, calibrating every few months keeps your readings accurate over time.
For herbs, supplements, spices, and small quantities of anything that needs 0.01g precision — yes, 100g is plenty. If you regularly weigh items over 100g, you'll want a larger scale like the On Balance MTT-500.
Almost always a surface problem. Place the scale on a hard, flat, stable surface — not on carpet, a bed, or a wobbly table. Air currents and vibrations also affect 0.01g scales, so avoid weighing near open windows or fans.
It lets you count identical small items by weight. You place a known number of pieces on the scale, set that as the reference, and the scale calculates how many pieces are in a larger batch based on average individual weight.
About the size of a small pad of Post-it Notes. It's one of the thinnest pocket scales On Balance makes — thin enough to slip into a shirt pocket or the coin pocket of your jeans without any bulk.
Last updated: April 2026
