A high sensitivity force gauge using a magnetic PDL trap system is provided. In one aspect, a force gauge includes: a PDL trap having a pair of dipole line magnets and a diamagnetic rod levitating above the dipole line magnets; an actuator with an extension bar adjacent to the PDL trap; a first object of interest attached to the diamagnetic rod; and a second object of interest attached to the extension bar, wherein the actuator is configured to move the second object of interest toward or away from the PDL trap via the extension bar. A method for force measurement using the present force gauge is also provided.