How to Calibrate a Scale
Weighing scales are used for various tasks, but for it to be kept in top working condition, calibrating it on a regular basis is very important. Most scales usually come with a default calibration weight when bought, but if yours don’t have any, don’t worry. You can still calibrate your scales. Here’s how to do it for an analog and a digital type.
What You’ll Need:
Analog or digital scale
Even surface
Objects with precise measurements you know
Analog Scale Calibration
Put your weighing scale on a surface that’s firm and flat. Don’t put a rug or mat underneath it, or it might give inaccurate and altered readings.
Put an object on the scale which you know the exact weight. One good example is a gallon of water in a plastic container, weighing 8 lbs and 4 oz. Dumbbells and barbells are also great, because you know their weight even before you use them.
Wait for the reading to stabilize.
Find the scale’s adjustment dial. This is either at the side or back of the scale and can be moved up or down or from one side to another, depending on its orientation.
Turn the dial, moving the indicator to the point that specifies the weight of the object.
Take off the object. The scale should now be pointed to zero, meaning it’s properly calibrated.
Digital Scale Calibration
Just like when calibrating an analog scale, put the digital scale in a dry and even surface, without any material underneath it. You should also prepare an object with a measurement that you’re aware of.
Turn on the digital scale, its weighing tray empty. Let the measurements stabilize. This take 30 seconds or a minute.
Put your scale in calibration mode.
Put the object in the weighing tray’s center, letting it stabilize for a few seconds.
Press the calibration button on. The scale now registers that its the weight of its maximum capacity and will adjust itself automatically to the measurement. When the process is completed, the screen now displays zeros or “End”.
Turn off the scale for 30 seconds to a minute. When you turn it on again, it will be calibrated properly.
Make sure your weighing scale stays useful and accurate all the time. As long as you stick to these steps, calibrating them will be very easy.