Scales are devices used to measure the weight or mass of an object. They come in various types and sizes, from small handheld scales for personal use to large industrial scales for heavy-duty applications. Common types of scales include digital scales, mechanical scales, and spring scales. Digital scales use electronics to provide quick and accurate measurements, while mechanical scales rely on a system of levers and counterweights. Spring scales use a spring to provide a measure of weight. Scales are used in a variety of settings, including in kitchens for cooking and baking, in laboratories for scientific research, in factories for quality control, and in retail stores for commercial transactions.