- A new application transforms Apple trackpad into a weighing scale
- Results with the track weight application are surprisingly precise
- There are certainly limits here, including the need to keep a finger on the trackpad while weighing an object
If you ever need a set of weighing ladders in a pinch, it is possible to use your MacBook, believe it or not.
Tom’s material has noticed a new application for MacOS which transforms the humble trackpad MacBook into a compact weighing scale, which is surprisingly precise, as illustrated in a video demonstration video published on X (see below).
You can transform your trackpad Mac into a weighing scale Pic.twitter.com/kxbhrvfag3July 21, 2025
Krish Shah has developed the application called Trackweight, which uses Apple force strength sensors to give you an approximate weight for any object placed on the trackpad.
Now, there is a warning in that you can see it in the video, it is necessary to rest your finger on the trackpad while weighing-because Shah explains, the trackpad pressure records are only generated when the capacity is detected by the MacBook (that is to say your finger or any other driver object).
The obvious disadvantage here is that the weight of your finger will be part of the reading also provided – so rest on the trackpad as slightly as possible. According to all the accounts, the given weight is still quite precise – although I would not recommend taking it as an exact reading, given the take above.
The application uses the open multi-touch support library to press TrackPad events in MacOS, which includes the PAD’s crucial pressure readings. Interestingly, Shah explains (on GitHub) that “the data we get multi-touch support is already in grams”, which is practical.
Analysis: Other warnings and compatibility
It is a careful little tip for macbooks, but there are certain limits, including, as observed, precision, which will not be perfect, but seems close enough to be a good estimate.
In addition, weighing metallic objects is problematic (due to their conductivity, they will probably be detected like a finger press), so they will need a small piece of fabric (or paper) to break the contact with the trackpad (again, potentially interfere with the reading slightly).
Obviously, you cannot weigh on a trackpad either, although the application developer claims to have succeeded in an object of 3.5 kg without damaging the MacBook. Which is fine – I wouldn’t try this myself, or even weigh luggage like Dev warns us in fashion and cheeks.
If you are wondering about compatibility, you will need a trackpad Force Touch on your Apple laptop, which means a 2016 or more recent MacBook (or a MacBook Pro from 2015). You will also need to run at least MacOS 13 (to have the necessary multi-touch support library) and have a deactivated sandbox application (to grant low level access to trackpad data). As always, install third -party software at your own risk, if you consider this project as something other than curiosity.
Interestingly, old iPhones with 3D touch could also be used to weigh objects (capacitive) – and apparently very precisely in this case.
