Load Cell mV/V Calculator
Strain gauge load cells give a tiny voltage proportional to load and to the excitation voltage. Convert the measured millivolts into weight and see the full scale output and resolution of your weighing system.
- Full scale output = 2 mV/V × 10 V = 20 mV
- System capacity = 1,000 × 4 = 4,000 kg
- Load = 8 ÷ 20 × 4,000 = 1,600 kg
How Load Cell Output Is Calculated
A load cell is a Wheatstone bridge of strain gauges. Its rated output in mV/V tells you how many millivolts it produces at full capacity for each volt of excitation.
Load = Measured mV ÷ Full scale mV × System capacity
When several identical cells are wired in parallel through a junction box, the output is the average of the cells while the capacity adds up.
Worked example
Four 1000 kg cells with 2 mV/V at 10 V excitation give 20 mV at 4000 kg. A reading of 8 mV means 8 ÷ 20 × 4000 = 1600 kg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 2 mV/V mean on a load cell?
At full rated load the cell outputs 2 mV for every volt of excitation, so 20 mV at 10 V excitation or 10 mV at 5 V.
Why use 6 wire load cells?
The two extra sense wires let the indicator measure the actual excitation at the cell, cancelling voltage drop in long cables that would otherwise cause a span error.
How do I check a load cell with a multimeter?
With no load the output should be close to zero (usually within ±1 % of full scale). Input and output resistances should match the datasheet, and insulation to the body should be very high.