An improved balance of the electromagnetic load-compensation type is disclosed wherein, in order to improve the temperature-dependent performance of the balance and to reduce the size and amount of operating space required, the load compensation coil (54) is transversely mounted on the balance beam (36) with the plane of the coil extending normal to the longitudinal axis of the balance beam. The load-compensation system also includes a permanent magnet (74) mounted on the balance housing adjacent, spaced from and parallel with the compensation coil, the permanent magnet being magnetized in a direction causing the magnetic field lines to extend parallel with the longitudinal axis of the balance beam, whereby current flowing through the load compensation coil reacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet to produce a force on the balance beam that compensates for the load applied to the balance. Such an arrangement is economical to produce and is applicable, in particular, for balances having a medium degree of resolution in respect to the weighing result.