Short answer: choose a gauge that covers the required tracking force and measures at the height of the record surface. Riverstone’s extension arm addresses measuring height, but this desk comparison does not establish which gauge is most accurate. Display resolution and calibrated accuracy are different specifications. A balance gauge like the Ortofon Stylus Pressure Gauge works without batteries but only shows whether you are at a marked weight.
If measuring close to record height is the priority, the Riverstone Audio Record-Level VTF Gauge measures at about the height of a stylus resting on a record, with 0.005 g resolution. The Pro-Ject Measure it E is the compact digital choice for forces up to 5 g. The Ortofon Stylus Pressure Gauge is a simple balance gauge with no display. For higher tracking-force settings, the Rega Atlas Tracking Force Gauge MK2 reads up to 10 g, and the Pro-Ject Measure it DS has a non-magnetic surface that Pro-Ject says is especially suitable for moving coil cartridges.
Tracking force matters because, as Ortofon puts it, setting it properly maximizes playback performance and reduces the risk of mistracking or excessive record wear.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Type | Range (maker) | Resolution or accuracy (maker) | Power (maker) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverstone Record-Level VTF Gauge | Digital, record-level arm | Not published; 5 g and 20 g masses included | 0.005 g resolution; error within ±0.005 g | 1 AAA (not included) |
| Pro-Ject Measure it E (Amazon search) | Digital | 0 to 5 g | ±0.01 g | 2 LR43 button cells, plus 2 spares |
| Ortofon Stylus Pressure Gauge | Balance (pivot scale) | 1.25 to 4 g | Marked in grams | None listed (pivot scale) |
| Rega Atlas MK2 (Amazon search) | Digital | 0.5 to 10 g | ±0.01 g | 9V PP3 cell |
| Pro-Ject Measure it DS (Amazon search) | Digital, non-magnetic surface | 0.01 to 200 g | 0.01 g | 2 AAA (included) |
Digital scale or balance gauge?
A digital scale shows the force as a number. You lower the stylus onto the platform and adjust the counterweight until the display shows the force your cartridge maker recommends. The four digital picks here read to at least 0.01 g, by their makers’ specifications.
A balance gauge works the other way around. With the Ortofon, you rest the stylus in the guide track at the marking for the force you want, then adjust the counterweight or tonearm pressure dial until the pivot scale balances. It’s a plastic pivot scale with no display, and you set the force to one of the markings on its scale.
Riverstone Audio Record-Level VTF Gauge: best for record-level accuracy
Riverstone says that for an accurate tracking force (VTF) reading, the stylus tip should sit at the same height as the record surface. Its detachable cantilevered extension arm puts the measuring point 2 to 3 mm above the mat, the height of a stylus on an LP, which Riverstone says is 1.9 to 2.9 mm thick. It says less expensive gauges typically measure 6 to 8 mm up. You don’t need to remove your platter mat.
A strain gauge sensor gives 0.005 g resolution, and Riverstone says every gauge it ships measures within ±0.005 g after a multi-point calibration. It includes 5 g and 20 g calibration masses so you can check readings at any time. Riverstone uses non-magnetic materials (a plastic housing and a 316 stainless steel arm) to reduce interaction with the magnets in some newer cartridges. A polymer pad on the platform protects the stylus tip.
Who it fits: owners who want the force measured at record height rather than on a raised platform.
Trade-offs: it needs one AAA alkaline battery, which isn’t included. Riverstone says fitting the extension arm calls for “a good pair of glasses, a bit of technical savvy, and a good dose of patience,” and the gauge must sit on a level, stable, draft-free surface.
Pro-Ject Measure it E: best compact digital gauge
The Measure it E is Pro-Ject’s electronic stylus balance for forces up to 5.0 g, read in 0.01 g increments on a four-digit backlit LCD. You calibrate it with the supplied 5 g weight and a button press. It shows grams (1 g equals 10 mN), ounces, pennyweights or carats, and turns itself off after 30 seconds.
It runs on two LR43 (AG12) button cells, and Pro-Ject includes two spares. It measures 96 × 21 × 43 mm, weighs 49 g and comes with a protective pouch.
Who it fits: owners whose cartridge calls for less than 5 g, such as the Ortofon 2M Red (Search Amazon for Ortofon 2M Red ) and Audio-Technica ATN3600LC (Audio-Technica ATN3600LC ) examples below.
Trade-offs: 5 g is the ceiling, so very higher tracking-force settings need a wider-range gauge. Pro-Ject doesn’t publish the platform height. No Amazon listing from Pro-Ject or Amazon.com was found, so the link is a search.
Ortofon Stylus Pressure Gauge: best balance gauge
Ortofon calls this a simple budget tool for measuring tracking force. It’s a small plastic pivot-type scale that Ortofon says accurately measures between 1.25 g and 4 g, and the scale is marked in grams. Ortofon’s instructions are to check your cartridge maker’s recommended force, gently rest the stylus in the grooved guide track at that marking, and adjust the counterweight or pressure dial until the scale balances.
Who it fits: owners who reset tracking force occasionally and want a tool with no electronics.
Trade-offs: you set the force to a marking rather than reading a number, and the scale stops at 4 g. The Amazon link goes to a new, in-stock listing sold by a third-party audio dealer.
Rega Atlas Tracking Force Gauge MK2: best for higher tracking-force settings
Rega designed the Atlas after outsourced gauges in its tonearm production areas kept failing. The MK2 widens the range to 0.5 to 10 g to handle more extreme cartridges, with ±0.01 g accuracy and a 20 g safe overload. Rega says the load cell is a full-bridge shear beam design, temperature compensated and resistant to shocks. The gauge measures the force in the same place every time, so you can make fine adjustments to two decimal places.
It runs on a 9V PP3 cell.
Who it fits: owners of cartridges whose specified tracking force exceeds a smaller gauge’s range, and anyone who wants a gauge from a tonearm maker.
Trade-offs: Rega doesn’t publish the platform height or dimensions on its product page. No Amazon listing from Rega or Amazon.com was found, so the link is a search.
Pro-Ject Measure it DS: best for moving coil and large cartridges
Pro-Ject designed the Measure it DS to work with every cartridge and tonearm combination, regardless of weight, shape or design. It says cheaper scales can be awkward with heavier, larger high-end cartridges. The scale surface is non-magnetic, which Pro-Ject says makes it especially suitable for moving coil cartridges.
Capacity runs from 0.01 g to 200 g with 0.01 g precision, and it comes factory calibrated. It reads grams, ounces, pennyweights, carats and grains, has a backlit LCD, turns off after 60 seconds and includes two AAA batteries.
Who it fits: moving coil owners and anyone with a large high-end cartridge.
Trade-offs: Pro-Ject doesn’t list a calibration weight for it, unlike the Measure it E. No Amazon listing from Pro-Ject or Amazon.com was found, so the link is a search.
How to choose a stylus force gauge
- Start with your cartridge’s range. Ortofon says to check the maker’s recommended tracking force first. Ranges differ a lot: Ortofon lists 1.6 to 2.0 g (1.8 g recommended) for the 2M Red, while Audio-Technica lists 3.0 to 4.0 g (3.5 g standard) for the ATN3600LC stylus. Our MM cartridge upgrade guide and replacement stylus chart list more maker ranges.
- Check the gauge covers it. The Ortofon balance gauge’s 1.25 to 4 g scale covers both of those ranges, and every digital pick with a published range reaches at least 5 g. For higher tracking-force settings, the Rega reads to 10 g and the Measure it DS to 200 g.
- Decide how fine a reading you need. Riverstone lists 0.005 g resolution, the Rega and Measure it E ±0.01 g, and the Measure it DS 0.01 g. The Ortofon is marked in grams.
- Think about measuring height. Riverstone’s record-level arm measures 2 to 3 mm above the mat. The other makers don’t publish a platform height.
- Mind the magnets. Pro-Ject says the Measure it DS’s non-magnetic surface is especially suitable for moving coil cartridges, and Riverstone builds its gauge from non-magnetic materials to reduce interaction with the magnets in some newer cartridges.
- Check power and calibration. The Riverstone needs an AAA battery you supply and the Rega a 9V cell. The Measure it E and Riverstone include calibration weights.
Force is only half of cartridge setup. See our cartridge alignment guide for setting overhang and the null points.
Sources
- Riverstone Audio Record-Level Stylus Gauge (Graphite)
- Pro-Ject Measure it E
- Ortofon Stylus Pressure Gauge
- Rega Atlas Tracking Force Gauge MK2
- Pro-Ject Measure it DS
- Ortofon Stylus 2M Red
- Audio-Technica ATN3600LC product page (Japan)
Product details and Amazon sellers were checked on October 9, 2026. Nobody tested these products for this page.
See Also
If you want to pressure-test this shortlist, read Record Weights vs Clamps: Do They Help and Which Fit Your Spindle?, Best Phono Preamps for Living Room Turntables: Match Your System and Budget, and Best Stylus Cleaners for New Turntable Owners: Brush, Gel, Fluid and Ultrasonic next.
For more context beyond the main ranking, Spin-Clean MKII vs Big Fudge Record Friend: Which Washer First? and Best Vinyl Cleaning Kit for First-Time Owners: Simple Starter Picks add useful comparison detail.