- A new app transforms Apple’s pointing field into a road scale
- The results with the trackweight app are surprisingly accurate
- However, there are definitely restrictions here, including the need to keep a fingertip on the index field while weighing an object
If you ever need a set of weighing scales in a pinch, it is possible to use your MacBook, believe it or not.
Toms Hardware noticed a new app for MacOS that transforms the humble MacBook Trackpad into a compact road scale, one that is surprisingly accurate, as illustrated in a demolition of X (see below).
You can transform your Mac -Pegfelt into a road scale pic.twitter.com/kxbhrvfag3July 21, 2025
Krish Shah developed the app called Trackweight, which uses Apple’s Force Touch sensors to give you an approximate weight for any object placed on the index field.
Now there is a warning that you can see in the video, it is necessary to rest your finger on the index field while weighing – for as Shah explains, the trackpad pressure recordings are only generated when the capacitance is detected by MacBook (meaning your finger or any other leading object).
The obvious disadvantage here is that the weight of your fingertip will also register in the reading provided – so rest on the for example as easily as possible. In any case, the given weight is still pretty accurate – although I would not recommend taking it as an accurate reading considering the above catch.
The app uses the Open Library with Multi-Touch Support to utilize Packpad events in MacOS, which includes the crucial pressure readings from the pillow. Interestingly, Shah (on GitHub) explains that “the data we get from Multi-Touch Support is already in Gram”, which is practical.
Analysis: Other warnings and compatibility
This is a neat little trick for MacBooks, but there are some limitations, including that observed, the accuracy that will not be spot-on, but looks close enough to be a good estimate.
Weighing metal objects is also problematic (because of their conductivity, they are likely to be detected as a finger press), so they require a small piece of fabric (or paper) to break the contact with the pointing field (again that potentially intervenes the reading a little).
Obviously, you can’t weigh large objects on a pointing field, even if the developer of the app claims to have successfully weighed a 3.5kg object without damaging the MacBook. Which is good to go-I wouldn’t try it myself, remember or actually weigh luggage when DEV warns us against tongue-and-kind fashion.
If you are wondering about compatibility, you need a Force Touch -Trackpad on your Apple -Bearing computer, which means a 2016 MacBook (or a MacBook Pro from 2015). You also need to run at least MacOS 13 (to have the necessary multi-touch support library) and have app sandbox disabled (to provide low-level access to trackpad data). As always, install any third -party software at your own risk if you consider this project something more than a curiosity.
Interestingly, old iPhones with 3D Touch could also be used to weigh objects (capacitive) – and apparently very accurately in this case.
