A crane scale typically consists of a load cell housed within a steel enclosure with either wired or wireless display capabilities, control modules, and power sources. When lifting gear is used to raise objects onto the crane scale platform, its load cell calculates the tension force caused by their weight.

These calculations then inform its control module of the necessary adjustments or changes needed in its settings to maintain safe operations. This force is then converted into readable weight data and transmitted to a display terminal through the control system.

Some advanced models are equipped with wireless remote controls, data recording capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity, and integration options for backend management systems, enabling more efficient data tracking and operational control.