The spring scale apparatus is simply a spring fixed at one end with a hook to attach an object at the other. It works by Hooke's Law, which states that the force needed to extend a spring is proportional to the distance that spring is extended from its rest position. Therefore the scale markings on the spring scale are equally spaced.

Spring scales can be calibrated for the accurate measurement of mass in the location in which they are used, but many spring scales are marked right on their face "Not Legal for Trade" or words of similar import, due to the approximate nature of the theory used to mark the scale. Also, the spring in the scale can permanently stretch with repeated use.

If two spring scales are hung one below the other in series, each of the scales will read the weight of the body hung on the lower scale. The scale on top would read slightly heavier due to being stretched by the weight of the lower scale.

Spring scales come in different sizes. Generally, small scales that measure newtons will have a less firm spring (one with a smaller spring constant) than larger ones that measure tens, hundreds or thousands of newtons.