Testing the accuracy of a scale: a simple method (at home)

Testing the accuracy of a scale: a simple method (at home)

If you've started noticing strange results (cake always changes, inconsistent coffee), do a quick test.

1) First: eliminate the most common causes.

  • Irregular surface

  • Low batteries

  • Scale with grease/dust on the non-slip feet.

  • Recent shocks/falls

2) How to test at home (without expensive equipment)

A popular method is to test with known coins/weights or calibration weights (if you have them). Food52 describes the idea of ​​using "pocket exchange" as a practical way to see if the scale repeats the same value.

Repetition test (the most important)

  1. It puts a "standard weight"

  2. Remove and replace it 5 times.

  3. If it varies significantly (e.g., 2–3 g for no reason), there is a problem (battery, surface, or need for calibration).

3) When does it make sense to recalibrate?

  • After changing the batteries, if the model became "out of calibration"

  • After fall/impact

  • When the scale starts fluctuating for no reason.

If your model has a calibration mode, follow the manual (many require specific weight and correct sequence).

4) Important for sales by weight: CE + metrological mark “M”

If the scale is used in a commercial context (legal transactions by weight), in the EU non-automatic scales (NAWI) placed on the market must have CE conformity marking + supplementary metrological mark “M” .

FAQ

How do I know if the scale is weighing incorrectly?
If you don't get the same value when you place the same weight multiple times, something is wrong (surface/stack/calibration).

What does the CE+M marking mean?
This is the metrological marking used by NAWI in the EU market for certain regulated uses.