Scales come in a variety of sizes and types, from inexpensive food scales to high-accuracy manual scales in doctors' clinics. An accurate reading is the key to success, whether you want to weigh flour for baking or weigh yourself to decide whether to eat another piece of cake. It's easy to learn how to use the scales effectively and accurately.
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Method 1 of 3: Using a Kitchen Scale
Step 1. Buy the right type of kitchen scale
Most kitchen scales for home use are digital scales because they are more accurate and easier to use than analog scales.
- Look for a scale whose units can be changed. To provide the best flexibility when preparing food, a good scale should be able to weigh in grams, kilograms, ounces, and pounds.
- Also look for a scale with a "tare" function that adjusts the weight of the weighing container to zero.
- Most scales for home use have a capacity of between 4.5-5 kilograms. You probably don't need a scale that exceeds that weight, unless you're baking a large batch of cakes.
Step 2. Place the bowl or plate on the scale and adjust the weight to zero
You should always use the tare/zero function to adjust the container weight to zero before adding food to be weighed.
- Use the right type of plate or bowl for weighing. You may need to use a bowl when using ingredients that need to be mixed, such as when baking cakes or using a plate when weighing ingredients like meat.
- You can also weigh food directly on the scale. Always be sure to wipe the scales with a tissue dampened in soapy water before and after weighing.
- Adjust the scale to zero after using a lot of ingredients. For example, if you are baking a cake, add baking soda and then press the “zero” or “tare” button to reset the scale to zero before adding flour or other ingredients.
Step 3. Use kitchen scales properly
Scales are great for a variety of purposes. Make sure you use it for the right purpose and use it properly.
- Liquid ingredients can be weighed accurately using the volumetric method (such as a measuring cup), but dry ingredients should always be weighed if you want the best control over the results.
- Control portion sizes with a scale. You can weigh all kinds of food. Be sure to weigh "misleading" foods (foods that won't fit into a measuring cup) such as dry pasta and cereals. Also, stick to serving sizes for the following food groups: 84-112 grams of protein, 28 grams of whole grains, 112 grams of fruit, or 224 grams of vegetables.
- Use a scale to divide the portions equally. For example, if you're baking a layer of cake, a scale can help to divide the dough evenly between three pans: adjust the weight of the pan to zero before adding the batter.
- If your recipe provides a volumetric measure of dry food ingredients, find a reliable conversion reference to help determine the weight. You can buy it or get it online.
Method 2 of 3: Using a Home Scale for Weighing
Step 1. Purchase a quality scale within your budget
There are many different types of bathroom and home scales that you can buy. Some are relatively cheap, some are more expensive.
- Choose a quality scale that is still affordable. You need a scale that will last for several years and can maintain its calibration (size adjustment). In addition, digital scales are considered better than mechanical scales because they are weak and less accurate.
- Many quality digital scales in 453 grams are between 97-100 percent accurate. Spring and dial scales may be as accurate as 13 percent.
- You may even want to consider newer digital scales that can measure body fat and even track weight loss.
Step 2. Place the scale on a hard, flat surface
If you are weighing yourself, you need to make sure the results are as accurate as possible. Place the scale on the correct surface to aid accuracy.
- Most scales come with instructions on the best place to place them. Make sure to follow these instructions.
- Placing the scale on the carpet can cause the scale to read you 10 percent heavier. The bathroom or kitchen are usually good places to place your scales in your home.
- Make sure the scale is level with the surface. Scales that are tilted or not flush with the surface will not be able to accurately read weight.
Step 3. Adjust the size of the scale
Gradually, the scale may lose its accuracy. This is normal after many times of use or being moved around. Check the scales regularly to ensure that the results are accurate.
- Check the accuracy of the scale by placing an object that has a known consistent weight (such as a barbell or a bag of flour or sugar) on it. Check the readings and make size adjustments if necessary.
- Many digital scales have a “calibration element” that can help you adjust the size of the scale accurately.
Step 4. Get on the scale
There may be a slight difference in how you scale the scale to get the reading, depending on what scale you bought or have at home.
- With analog scales, you can usually just hop on it and wait for the panel to stop moving and read your weight.
- However, if you have a digital scale, you will need to "prepare" the scale before climbing on it. Some scales require you to tap on them to “wake up the scales”, then climb them before the reading appears. Always refer to the manual for instructions for proper weighing procedures.
Step 5. Weigh each week
Research shows that weighing yourself weekly can help with weight loss and even weight maintenance in the long term.
- Weigh yourself at the same time each day (preferably in the morning) for best results. Also, try to wear the same thing whenever you weigh to get an accurate progression.
- Weigh yourself in the morning for best results. Weigh after emptying the stomach and before breakfast to eliminate as many factors as possible that affect the weighing result.
- Avoid weighing yourself every day. Fluctuations in body weight from day to day are normal and do not provide an accurate indicator of weight gain. It can be frustrating if you notice unwanted weight fluctuations.
Step 6. Use the chart to track the weight gain
If you're interested in gaining or losing weight, tracking your weight over time can help you achieve your goals.
- If you have ink and paper, you can make a poster to track the weight figures. Or you can use one of the various smartphone apps and websites to help track weight loss.
- Even if you want to keep your weight off, it's a great way to measure your weight and keep track of it. You will be able to spot unwanted weight gain or loss and be able to make lifestyle changes if needed.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Mechanical Scale for Weighing
Step 1. Test the accuracy of the scales
Many of the manual scales you may find at the doctor's clinic (where you weigh yourself) or the gym.
- If you use a scale at the gym, it's very important to make sure it's accurate and properly sized. Chances are there are a lot of people who regularly weigh in there.
- You can use a barbell at the gym to help adjust the size of the scale. Use a barbell weighing 11 kilograms and place it slowly on the scale. Move the top and bottom weights of the scale to equal 11 kilograms. The needles on the left and right should move in the middle of the small gaps open at the ends.
- You can also make sure the scale is resized to zero. Again, the needle of the scale should move exactly in the middle of the open slit at the top.
- If the scales are not properly sized, notify the staff at the fitness center and have them adjust them so they can be used.
Step 2. Remove excess clothing
Don't take your clothes off until your underwear remains for an accurate weighing, (especially if you're in a public place), unless you're at home or a doctor's office. However, removing heavy shoes, jackets, or layers of clothing is the right thing to do.
- Removing objects that add weight can also help get an accurate weight reading.
- Remember what you usually wear when weighing yourself. Try weighing yourself in the same or close clothing types so that you get an accurate weight progression over time.
Step 3. Get on the scale
Like digital or analog scales, you need to step on the scale to weigh yourself.
- At times, the mechanical scales feel a little wobbly when you climb on them. Stand as straight and balanced as possible so that the bottom panel moves as you weigh yourself.
- Slide the large weights along the bottom beam. Large weights have a larger gain than small weights (often 4.5-11 kg).
- Then slide the small weights along the top beam. If the large weights are in your general weight range, use small weights to focus on proper weighing.
- Add the top and bottom weighing numbers to get the weight results.
