Microanalysis and macroanalysis are different mainly in the amount of sample they use.
- Microanalysis: Uses very small amounts of a sample (a few milligrams or less). It is very precise and often uses sensitive instruments. Example: Checking carbon and hydrogen in 2 mg of a compound.
- Macroanalysis: Uses large amounts of a sample (grams or more). It uses normal lab equipment and is less precise for tiny amounts. Example: Measuring the purity of 10 g of salt.
In short: Microanalysis = tiny samples, very precise; Macroanalysis = large samples, less precise.