A scale will read a force value that is equal to the normal force exerted by the scale upon the object that is in contact with its top surface. By analyzing all the other forces that act upon that object, it is possible to predict a value for the scale reading.
 

The 5.0-kg box is at rest on top of the scale. You want to know the scale reading - that is, the normal force acting between the box and the scale. To do so, consider the forces acting upon the box. There is one contact force - the normal force (upwards). And then there is force of gravity (the Earth pulling the box downard). These two forces must balance each other since the box is at rest. This type of analysis is what leads you to the answer to the question of how does the normal force compare to the weight of the box.