The tablet hardness tester measures the crushing strength in axial or radial direction of a single pellet and tablet directly in Newtons (N), Strong Cobbs (Sc), Kiloponds (Kp), or Pounds Apothecary (Lb).

A motorized test jaw continuously drives forward thereby increasing the pressure applied to the pellet, tablet, capsule, etc. The pressure is monitored and at the moment of breakage, the reduction in resistance is recognized with the highest value just before breakage occurs leading to the desired crushing strength.