A precision scan sphere designed for use in conjunction with scanner technology, and includes a full or partial sphere, having a laser detecting surface, and which can be mounted by a shank into a holder, or held by a steel insert that may be applied to a sphere mount, during its application and usage. Because of the reduction and size of the insert, as applied to the bottom of the scan sphere, as an example, a 2.375 inch diameter sphere can mount directly to a 1.5 inch sphere mount, during its application and usage.