The disclosure relates to a scale for fast determination of weights including a platform (18) and a load cell transducer (705). Output of the transducer is converted (74) to a digital signal, processed by a low pass digital filter (76), and weights computed as a function of the sequence of digital signals by means of an algorithm which compares a first estimate of the weight to the break points of a postal rate chart and uses the first estimate if it is not within a predetermined distance of a break point, and otherwise determines a second, more accurate estimate. The platform (18) and transducers (705) are combined to form a structure which does not have any significant resonances below the cut-off frequency of the filter.