Instantly you can tell if a force is balanced or unbalanced by just
looking at it. Often, if two forces are working AGAINST each other and are unbalanced, it will have motion. If they are balanced, there will be no motion.

What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces.

Acceleration happens when an unbalanced net force acts on an object.

Tug-o-war is a a great example of both an unbalanced and balanced force. If both sides are pulling the same, it is a balanced force. If one side has more force there will be motion and it will be an unbalanced force.