A spring scale, also known as a fish scale or hanging scale, is a device used to measure weight or force by means of a spring or series of springs. Other synonyms for spring scale include balance scale, mechanical scale, and weight scale. The term balance scale refers to a type of spring scale that uses a beam and lever system to determine weight. Mechanical scale is a broader term that encompasses any scale that uses mechanical components, including spring scales. Weight scale is a more general term that can refer to any device used to measure weight, including digital and electronic scales as well as spring scales.