Knowing the names and uses of common laboratory equipment is essential for anyone working in science, medicine, or education. Whether you’re setting up a school lab, managing research equipment, or just trying to understand the basics, having a clear list of lab tools and their functions makes a real difference.

In this article, we’ve prepared a complete list of 100 lab equipment items, along with simple, useful explanations for each one. It includes everything from everyday tools like beakers, test tubes, and pipettes to more advanced instruments such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and thermal cyclers. Some of these you may already know. Others might be new. But all of them are important in real lab work.

Many people recognize a microscope or a Bunsen burner but may not know what a desiccator, water bath, or laminar flow hood is used for. This guide helps close that gap. It’s designed to be useful for students, teachers, lab technicians, and anyone else looking to understand how science labs work.

All items are explained in a clear, straightforward way, so even if you’re new to lab work, you’ll find this resource helpful. If you’re building a lab, teaching science, preparing for exams, or just curious, this guide will give you a solid understanding of what each tool is and what it does.

100 Laboratory Equipment List

1. Beaker

A beaker is a fundamental piece of lab glassware with a flat bottom and a spout for easy pouring. It’s commonly used for mixing, heating, and holding liquids during experiments. Though not ideal for precise measurements, it’s versatile and essential for general lab work.

2. Test Tube

Test tubes are slender glass tubes used to handle small quantities of substances. They’re perfect for heating, mixing, or observing reactions on a manageable scale, especially in biology and chemistry labs.

3. Bunsen Burner

This iconic lab tool produces a controllable flame, typically powered by gas, for heating substances. It’s widely used for sterilization, combustion, or simple heating tasks that require an open flame.

4. Microscope

Microscopes allow scientists to observe microscopic organisms, cells, and fine structures invisible to the naked eye. They’re indispensable in biology, medicine, and materials science.

5. Pipette

A pipette is a precision instrument designed to draw and dispense accurate volumes of liquid. It plays a critical role in experiments where even slight variations in volume can affect results.

6. Graduated Cylinder

Used for measuring the volume of liquids more accurately than beakers, graduated cylinders are tall and narrow with volume markings, making them ideal for quantitative experiments.

7. Erlenmeyer Flask

This conical flask with a narrow neck minimizes spillage and is excellent for swirling liquids without losing content. It’s commonly used in titrations, mixing, and heating.

8. Volumetric Flask

Designed for preparing exact concentrations of solutions, this flask has a long neck with a calibration mark. It ensures highly accurate dilutions and solution standardizations.

9. Petri Dish

A shallow, flat-lidded dish used to culture bacteria, fungi, or cells. Petri dishes are staples in microbiology and medical research for growing and observing microorganisms.

10. Thermometer

Thermometers measure temperature variations during chemical reactions or incubation. Laboratory versions may use alcohol, mercury, or digital sensors for precise readings.

11. Tongs

Laboratory tongs are used to hold and move hot containers such as crucibles, beakers, or flasks, ensuring safety when direct contact is risky.

12. Crucible

Made from materials like porcelain or metal, crucibles are small containers used for heating substances to extremely high temperatures—often in combustion or material analysis.

13. Dropper

Droppers allow controlled release of liquids, one drop at a time. They’re used for adding reagents slowly or transferring very small quantities in delicate experiments.

14. Watch Glass

This small, round glass surface serves multiple purposes: holding small samples, evaporating liquids, or covering beakers to prevent contamination while still allowing gas exchange.

15. Funnel

Funnels guide liquids or powders into containers with narrow openings, preventing spills and waste. They are also essential in filtration when paired with filter paper.

16. Mortar and Pestle

These tools are used together to grind solid chemicals into fine powders. The mortar is the bowl, and the pestle is the heavy stick used for crushing.

17. Balance Scale

Balance scales measure mass with high accuracy, which is crucial for precise chemical formulation. Digital versions are now common, but traditional mechanical balances are still used.

18. Hot Plate

Hot plates provide a flat, heated surface for warming substances without an open flame. They’re safer than Bunsen burners when working with flammable materials.

19. Ring Stand

A vertical support rod fixed to a stable base, the ring stand holds clamps, rings, and other apparatus in place during experiments, especially in heating or filtration setups.

20. Clamp

Clamps attach to ring stands to hold lab equipment—such as flasks, test tubes, or burettes—in a stable and adjustable position during an experiment.

21. Burette

A burette is a long, graduated tube with a valve at the bottom, used to deliver measured amounts of liquid with precision, especially in titration procedures.

22. Pipette Bulb

This squeezable rubber bulb is used to draw liquids into a pipette safely, avoiding the need to mouth pipette—an important lab safety improvement.

23. Safety Goggles

Protective goggles shield the eyes from harmful substances, glass shards, or fumes. They are mandatory when working with chemicals, heat, or sharp instruments.

24. Lab Coat

Lab coats protect personal clothing and skin from spills, splashes, and contamination. They’re also designed for quick removal in case of a chemical accident.

25. Lab Timer

A lab timer tracks experimental durations accurately, which is crucial in processes like incubation, titration, or timed reactions that rely on consistency.

26. pH Meter

This digital instrument measures the hydrogen ion concentration in solutions, providing an exact pH reading. It’s more precise than pH paper and commonly used in chemistry and biology labs.

27. Desiccator

A desiccator is an airtight container that stores moisture-sensitive substances with a drying agent (desiccant), ensuring samples remain dry and stable.

28. Test Tube Rack

Racks hold test tubes upright to prevent spillage, facilitate easy observation, and allow samples to cool, react, or settle in an organized manner.

29. Forceps

Forceps resemble tweezers and are used for handling small or delicate items, like placing filter paper or transferring samples without contamination.

30. Spatula

Laboratory spatulas are small, flat tools used for scooping, transferring, or scraping solid chemicals. They help measure out substances cleanly and precisely.

31. Gas Syringe

This tool collects and measures gas produced during chemical reactions. It allows for accurate volume readings and helps analyze reaction kinetics.

32. Magnetic Stirrer

Used in combination with a magnetic stir bar, this device creates a rotating magnetic field that stirs liquids evenly—ideal for keeping mixtures homogeneous.

33. Stirring Rod

Made from glass or plastic, stirring rods are manually used to blend solutions or aid in pouring liquids by preventing spills down the side of containers.

34. Incubator

An incubator maintains a constant temperature, making it essential for growing and sustaining microbial cultures. It’s widely used in microbiology, cell culture, and molecular biology to simulate optimal conditions for biological development.

35. Fume Hood

This ventilated enclosure protects users from harmful fumes, vapors, and dust by pulling contaminated air away from the workspace. Fume hoods are crucial when working with toxic or volatile chemicals.

36. Test Tube Brush

A test tube brush is a cleaning tool with bristles on a long handle, designed to thoroughly scrub the insides of narrow glassware like test tubes, burettes, or graduated cylinders.

37. Lab Notebook

A lab notebook is a scientific journal where researchers document experimental procedures, data, and observations. It ensures reproducibility and is often considered a legal record of scientific work.

38. Weighing Boat

These small, disposable containers are used for weighing powders and granules on laboratory balances. Their smooth surface prevents material loss and allows easy transfer to other vessels.

39. Digital Scale

A digital scale measures mass with high accuracy and displays the result electronically. It is more precise and user-friendly than traditional mechanical balances, especially for small samples.

40. Centrifuge

By spinning samples at high speeds, centrifuges separate components based on density. This process is vital in biochemistry and medical labs for tasks like blood separation and DNA extraction.

41. Thermocouple

Thermocouples are sensitive temperature sensors made from two different metals joined together. They respond quickly to temperature changes and are often used in high-heat or industrial lab environments.

42. Autoclave

An autoclave uses high-pressure saturated steam to sterilize lab equipment, media, and waste. It’s the gold standard for eliminating bacteria, viruses, and spores in research and clinical labs.

43. Microplate

Also known as a multi-well plate, a microplate contains rows of small wells used for simultaneous chemical reactions, assays, or culturing cells in high-throughput laboratory work.

44. Lab Marker

Lab markers are permanent, chemical-resistant pens used to label glassware, slides, and containers. Proper labeling ensures sample traceability and prevents costly mix-ups.

45. Cuvette

Cuvettes are small, transparent containers—usually made of quartz or plastic—used in spectrophotometers. Their clear walls allow light to pass through the sample for accurate absorbance readings.

46. Spectrophotometer

A spectrophotometer measures how much light a substance absorbs at specific wavelengths. It’s a powerful analytical tool for quantifying concentration in solutions, particularly in chemistry and biology.

47. Titration Flask

Also called a conical or Erlenmeyer flask with a specific design for titration, this flask allows easy swirling without spilling, making it perfect for volumetric chemical analysis.

48. Lab Refrigerator

Lab refrigerators store perishable reagents, samples, and biological materials at controlled temperatures. Unlike regular fridges, they offer stable cooling and precise temperature control.

49. Wire Gauze

Wire gauze is placed on a ring stand to evenly support glassware over a flame. Its mesh surface distributes heat uniformly, reducing the risk of glass breakage during heating.

50. Lab Scissors

These precision-cutting tools are used for trimming paper, plastic tubing, or lightweight materials. In sterile labs, dedicated lab scissors may be autoclaved between uses.

51. Vacuum Pump

Vacuum pumps remove gas or air from sealed systems, creating a vacuum. They’re used in filtration, distillation, and vacuum drying processes across various scientific disciplines.

52. Burette Clamp

Specifically designed to hold a burette steady on a ring stand, these clamps provide stability during titration, ensuring consistent delivery and accurate readings.

53. Gloves

Laboratory gloves—usually made of nitrile, latex, or neoprene—protect hands from exposure to chemicals, biological agents, and physical hazards like heat or abrasion.

54. Cork

Corks and rubber stoppers are used to seal flasks and test tubes, preventing evaporation or contamination. They come in different sizes and may have holes for inserting glass tubing.

55. Distillation Apparatus

This setup includes a boiling flask, condenser, and receiving flask. It’s used to separate components of a liquid mixture based on differences in boiling points through vaporization and condensation.

56. Reagent Bottle

Reagent bottles are thick-walled glass or plastic containers used for storing chemicals safely. They are often color-coded and come with tight-fitting caps to minimize contamination or evaporation.

57. Separatory Funnel

A separatory funnel is a pear-shaped glass container with a stopcock used to separate immiscible liquids—such as oil and water—by density in organic chemistry procedures.

58. Wash Bottle

A squeezable plastic bottle with a nozzle, typically filled with distilled water, used to rinse glassware, add controlled amounts of solvent, or clean reaction vessels.

59. Filter Paper

This semi-permeable paper is placed inside a funnel to trap solid particles while allowing liquids to pass through. It’s essential in both gravity and vacuum filtration techniques.

60. Glass Tubing

Glass tubing connects pieces of lab apparatus for the transfer of gases or liquids. It’s heat-resistant and can be bent or cut to custom lengths for experiment setups.

61. Tripod Stand

A simple yet sturdy three-legged stand used with wire gauze to hold beakers or crucibles above a Bunsen burner for safe, stable heating.

62. Manometer

A manometer measures pressure differences in gases or liquids. It’s often used in physical chemistry labs or during gas law experiments to monitor reaction pressure changes.

63. Lab Jack

Also called a scissor jack, this adjustable platform raises or lowers equipment like flasks or hot plates, making it easier to position items accurately during experiments.

64. Heating Mantle

Heating mantles provide uniform heat to round-bottom flasks without an open flame. Common in organic chemistry labs, they reduce the risk of thermal shock and overheating.

65. Retort

A retort is an old-style glass vessel used for distillation or dry heating. While less common today, it remains a useful item in specialized or historical lab setups.

66. U-Tube

This U-shaped glass tube is used to study pressure differences, fluid dynamics, or gas behavior. It’s a visual and functional tool in various physics and chemistry applications.

67. Condenser

A condenser is used to cool and convert vapor back into liquid during distillation. It typically has an inner tube for the vapor and an outer jacket for circulating cooling water, ensuring efficient condensation.

68. Evaporating Dish

This shallow ceramic dish is used for the controlled evaporation of liquids. By gently heating solutions, it allows the solvent to evaporate, leaving behind the dissolved solid residue.

69. Hydrometer

A hydrometer is a floating device that measures the specific gravity (relative density) of liquids. It’s commonly used in chemistry, brewing, and environmental testing to assess concentration.

70. Boiling Flask

Also known as a Florence flask, this round-bottom glassware is ideal for uniform heating and boiling of liquids. Its shape allows for even distribution of heat and minimized splashing.

71. Rubber Tubing

Rubber tubing serves as a flexible connector between lab equipment. It’s often used to transport gases or liquids between apparatus such as condensers, gas jars, or water sources.

72. Capillary Tube

These extremely narrow tubes are designed to move liquids through capillary action. They’re used in applications like blood sampling, chromatography, and measuring surface tension.

73. Crucible Tongs

Specifically designed to handle hot crucibles, these tongs provide a firm grip and keep hands safely away from high temperatures during or after heating processes.

74. Deionizer

A deionizer purifies water by removing mineral ions such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium. The result is ultra-pure water ideal for sensitive experiments and equipment cleaning.

75. Distillation Flask

This specialized round-bottom flask is used to boil liquids in distillation processes. It connects to a condenser and receiving flask, forming part of a standard distillation setup.

76. Conductivity Meter

This digital tool measures how well a solution can conduct electricity, which helps determine its ion concentration. It’s frequently used in environmental testing and chemistry labs.

77. BOD Bottle

Short for Biochemical Oxygen Demand bottle, this glass container is used to measure the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms in a water sample over time—a key indicator of water quality.

78. Scoopula

A scoopula is a metal spatula with a curved design used to transfer solid chemicals in larger quantities than a typical spatula, often from containers to balances or beakers.

79. Analytical Balance

An analytical balance is a highly sensitive instrument that measures mass with extreme precision, often to 0.0001 grams. It’s vital for quantitative chemical analysis.

80. Voltmeter

A voltmeter measures the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It’s an essential diagnostic tool in electrochemistry and electronics experiments.

81. Electrodes

Electrodes are conductive probes inserted into solutions to pass or measure electric current. They’re used in electrolysis, pH measurement, and other analytical procedures.

82. Respirometer

This device measures respiration rates by tracking oxygen consumption. It’s often used in biology to study metabolic rates in small organisms or tissue samples.

83. Water Bath

A water bath provides uniform and gentle heating by immersing samples in a warm water environment. It’s especially useful for sensitive procedures like enzyme reactions and DNA work.

84. Magnet

In labs, magnets are typically used with magnetic stirrers. They sit inside a container and rotate under the influence of an external magnetic field to mix solutions evenly.

85. Filter Funnel

A filter funnel has a wide top and narrow stem and is used with filter paper to separate solids from liquids. It’s essential in purification, chemical synthesis, and environmental testing.

86. Drying Oven

A drying oven uses controlled heat to remove moisture from samples or sterilize lab equipment. It’s commonly used in microbiology, material testing, and glassware preparation.

87. Peristaltic Pump

This pump moves fluids through flexible tubing by compressing the tube in a wave-like motion. It provides clean, controlled fluid transfer without contaminating the liquid.

88. Colorimeter

A colorimeter determines the concentration of colored compounds in solution by measuring the absorbance of specific wavelengths. It’s widely used in biology and chemistry labs.

89. Stopwatch

A stopwatch tracks time intervals precisely, which is crucial for timing reactions, incubation periods, or other time-sensitive laboratory tasks.

90. Conductive Mat

This anti-static mat is used when working with sensitive electronics or electrochemical setups. It prevents electrostatic discharge that could damage delicate instruments.

91. Laminar Flow Hood

A laminar flow hood provides a sterile working environment by directing filtered air in a constant, unidirectional flow. It’s commonly used in microbiology and tissue culture labs.

92. Refractometer

This optical instrument measures the refractive index of a liquid to determine concentration or purity. It’s frequently used in food science, pharmaceuticals, and clinical labs.

93. Thermal Cycler

A thermal cycler, also known as a PCR machine, repeatedly heats and cools DNA samples to facilitate the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enabling DNA amplification for genetic analysis.

94. Autopipette

An autopipette allows for quick, precise dispensing of liquids with adjustable volumes. It’s ergonomically designed for repetitive use and is indispensable in modern labs.

95. Cryogenic Container

Cryogenic containers store and transport samples at ultra-low temperatures, often using liquid nitrogen. They are essential for preserving biological specimens and sensitive reagents.

96. pH Indicator Strips

These paper strips change color to indicate the pH level of a liquid. They offer a quick, simple, and cost-effective method for testing acidity or alkalinity.

97. Bacteriological Loop

This small wire loop is used to transfer microorganisms from one medium to another. It is sterilized by flame and plays a key role in bacterial culturing and inoculation.

98. Lab Blender

A lab blender is used to homogenize samples such as tissues or food products. It ensures a consistent texture and particle distribution before analysis or testing.

99. Inoculating Needle

An inoculating needle is a thin, pointed instrument used to transfer microbial cultures, especially in stab cultures or when precise placement in a medium is needed.

100. Gas Jar

A gas jar is a cylindrical container used to collect, store, and observe gases produced during chemical reactions. Its clear sides make it easy to view and measure gas volumes.

Smart Business Ideas Related to Laboratory Equipment

Laboratory equipment isn’t just for schools, hospitals, or research centers. It also opens up opportunities for practical business ventures. If you’re thinking long-term and want to build something solid, this space offers real potential.

Lab Equipment Rental Business

Many small labs, startups, and schools can’t afford to buy every piece of equipment. Offering high-cost items like centrifuges, spectrophotometers, or incubators for short-term rental can fill this gap. You don’t need to stock everything. Start with a few essentials and build based on demand. Even one properly maintained thermal cycler can bring in regular revenue.

Used Lab Equipment Resale

Universities and hospitals often upgrade their gear and discard older models. Many of these are still in good working condition. With minor repairs and proper calibration, they can be resold at a fair profit. Buyers may include schools, home-based labs, or budget-conscious researchers. It’s a business that doesn’t require a large upfront investment but does need attention to quality.

Educational Kits and Bundles

Create pre-packaged lab equipment sets for schools and training centers. These can include items like test tubes, beakers, droppers, and basic safety gear. Focus on science teachers and homeschool parents. Clear instructions and bundled lesson plans add value. Keep the pricing transparent and competitive.

Mobile Science Labs

This is a growing idea in some regions. A van or trailer can be turned into a traveling lab that visits schools, camps, or community centers. It brings science experiments to places that lack proper lab setups. It’s a hands-on, practical business, and you can charge per session or offer subscription-based school visits.

Lab Equipment Maintenance and Calibration Services

Many labs need regular servicing for sensitive instruments. If you have technical know-how or can hire someone who does, you can offer annual or bi-annual servicing packages. Spectrophotometers, pH meters, and analytical balances all need periodic checks. This kind of business relies more on skill than inventory.

Online Lab Supply Store

You don’t have to stock an entire warehouse. Start small by offering commonly used items like gloves, pipettes, funnels, or filter paper. Focus on fast shipping, clear product descriptions, and fair pricing. SEO content like buying guides and “how to use” pages can help drive traffic and build trust.

Lab Design and Setup Consulting

Some new businesses or educational institutions need help designing their lab layout. If you understand lab workflows, safety codes, and equipment compatibility, you can offer design and planning services. You could also partner with contractors or equipment suppliers for extra income.

Lab Training Workshops

Not everyone using lab tools is formally trained. Workshops for high school teachers, new lab technicians, or hobbyists can bring steady revenue. Sessions can be held in person or online. Offering certification, even informal, increases perceived value.

Custom Lab Furniture or 3D-Printed Accessories

Lab benches, test tube racks, storage units, and stands—there’s a steady market for well-built, durable lab furniture. If you’re good with tools or 3D printing, consider creating custom solutions. Labs often need items that aren’t standard sizes.

Scientific Content Creation for E-commerce and Education

If you’re familiar with lab equipment and can write or create videos, there’s opportunity in content. Schools, suppliers, and online stores need clear photos, demos, and reviews. The more practical and honest your content is, the more valuable it becomes.

Each of these business ideas ties directly back to the equipment list in this article. They reflect real-world needs. Some require more capital, others more skill. But all are rooted in actual demand. If you understand what these tools do, you’re already ahead of most people trying to sell or use them.

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