Scale On Balance SL-100 Slate
Digital scales
by On Balance
On Balance SL-100 Slate Digital Pocket Scale
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.
Why the SL-100 Slate Is Worth Picking Up
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.
What's in the Box
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 |
SL-100 Slate Specifications
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.
How to Use the On Balance SL-100 Slate
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.
- Place the scale on a flat, stable surface. Uneven tables or soft surfaces like carpet will throw off your readings — a kitchen counter or desk works best.
- Press the power button to turn the scale on. Wait for the display to read 0.00g before placing anything on the platform.
- If you're using a container or weighing tray, place it on the scale first and press the tare button. The display resets to 0.00g, so you'll only measure the contents, not the container.
- Gently place your material on the centre of the weighing platform. Avoid dropping items onto the scale — precision sensors don't love sudden impacts.
- Read the measurement once the display stabilises. The SL-100 reads to 0.01g, so give it a second to settle.
- To switch weighing units (grams, ounces, carats, grains, troy ounces, pennyweights), press the mode button to cycle through the options.
- To use piece counting mode: place a known quantity of identical items on the scale, set the reference count, and the scale calculates the total based on average piece weight.
- The auto shut-off kicks in after a period of inactivity to save battery. Press the power button to wake it up again.
Accurate Weighing: Why 0.01g Resolution Matters
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.
