⚖️ HX711 — 24-Bit Precision Weighing / Load Cell ADC Module
The HX711 is a 24-bit analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) breakout module designed specifically for weighing scales and load cell applications. It reads the tiny voltage changes from strain gauge load cells and converts them into digital data your microcontroller can process. Connect it to an Arduino, ESP8266, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi to build smart scales, weight sensors, force measurement rigs, and IoT inventory trackers. The HX711 handles amplification and ADC conversion in one chip — no external op-amps needed.
⚡ Key Features
- 24-Bit ADC Resolution — over 16 million discrete levels; detects tiny weight changes with high precision
- Built-In Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) — Channel A supports gain of 128 or 64; Channel B supports gain of 32; no external amplifier circuitry required
- Two Differential Input Channels — Channel A (128/64 gain, for strain gauge load cells) and Channel B (32 gain, for lower sensitivity applications)
- Designed for Load Cells — interfaces directly with Wheatstone bridge strain gauge load cells (the standard type found in kitchen scales, industrial scales, and force sensors)
- Simple 2-Wire Digital Interface — connects to your microcontroller via just 2 GPIO pins (SCK + DT/DOUT); well-supported Arduino/ESP libraries available
- Selectable Sample Rate — 10 SPS (samples per second) or 80 SPS
- Operating Voltage — 2.6V to 5.5V; compatible with both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers
- On-Board Voltage Regulator — provides stable analogue power to the load cell from the module
🏠 Project Ideas
Smart Scale / Inventory Tracker
Build a WiFi-connected scale with a D1 Mini + HX711 + load cell. ESPHome reports weight to Home Assistant in real-time. Monitor gas bottle level, pet food bowl, water tank, or brewing fermentation weight — all from your phone.
Beehive Monitor
Place a load cell under a beehive. The HX711 + ESP32 tracks weight changes — detect nectar flow, swarming events, and honey harvest readiness. Send data to Home Assistant or a cloud dashboard over WiFi.
Force / Pressure Measurement
Measure compression or tension force in a jig, press, or test rig. The 24-bit resolution captures fine force variations. Useful for quality control, material testing, or robotics grip force sensing.
Lab / Precision Weighing
Build a precision lab scale for chemistry, 3D printer filament tracking, or reloading ammunition. Tare, calibrate, and log data via serial or WiFi. Sub-gram accuracy achievable with the right load cell.
📋 Technical Specifications
| IC | HX711 (Avia Semiconductor) |
| ADC Resolution | 24-bit |
| Input Channels | 2 differential (A + B) |
| Channel A Gain | 128 or 64 (selectable) |
| Channel B Gain | 32 (fixed) |
| Sample Rate | 10 SPS or 80 SPS (selectable) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.6V – 5.5V DC |
| Operating Current | < 1.5 mA (normal), < 1 µA (power down) |
| Interface | 2-wire serial (SCK + DT/DOUT) — no SPI/I²C needed |
| On-Board Regulator | Yes (provides stable analogue supply to load cell) |
| Compatible MCUs | Arduino, ESP8266, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32, PIC |
| Load Cell Type | Wheatstone bridge strain gauge (4-wire or 6-wire) |
This listing is for the HX711 ADC breakout module only. You need to source a strain gauge load cell separately (available in various weight ratings: 1kg, 5kg, 10kg, 20kg, 50kg, etc.). The load cell is the physical sensor that deforms under weight — the HX711 reads and digitises its output.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does it include a load cell?
Can I use it with ESPHome / Home Assistant?
hx711 sensor component. Configure it in your YAML file with the SCK and DOUT GPIO pins, set a calibration factor, and weight readings appear in Home Assistant automatically. Pair it with a D1 Mini for a compact WiFi scale.What accuracy can I expect?
How do I wire it?
🤝 Need Help? We're Here for You!
Visit Us
8 Wildebraam Street
Weltevreden Park, Roodepoort
Gauteng, 1709
Precision Weighing. Any Project.
HX711 24-Bit ADC Module for Load Cells