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Many people can agree: losing weight without an accurate scale is difficult. Here's what you can do to make sure your scale is working correctly.

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EditSteps

  1. Know if Your Scale Is Working Correctly Step 1.jpg
    1
    Take your scale to an open area in your home. It should not be on the carpet, as carpet moves and can affect the weight.
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  2. Know if Your Scale Is Working Correctly Step 2.jpg
    2
    Get a 5 gallon (18.9 L) bucket and put the empty bucket on the scale. Get the weight of the bucket and remember or write down this number.
  3. Know if Your Scale Is Working Correctly Step 3.jpg
    3
    Fill the bucket with 3 gallons (11.4 L) of water. You can use a quart measure cup. You will need 12 quarts to fill the bucket to 3 gallons (11.4 L). One gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds so 3 gallons (11.4 L) will weigh 25.02 pounds.
  4. Know if Your Scale Is Working Correctly Step 4.jpg
    4
    Add back the weight of the empty bucket to 25.02 and see how close you are on the scale.
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EditTips

  • Have towels around for spills.
  • Also, if you are afraid of spilling water on your scale, try using a 10 (or 15, or.. you get the idea) pound weight to place on the scale to see what that shows up as.
  • Since most scales will not measure out to decimals you can safely assume 3 gallons (11.4 L) of water weighs 25 pounds.
  • Example: If the empty bucket weighs 2 pounds and the 3 gallons (11.4 L) weigh 25.02 pounds your total weight will show on the scale as 27.02 pounds.
  • If your scale can sit flat in the bottom of your tub this might be a good place to try this.

EditThings You'll Need

  • The scale you want to check
  • A 5 gallon (18.9 L) empty plastic bucket
  • Water
  • A Quart measure cup
  • Towels (for spills)

EditRelated wikiHows

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Article Info

Categories: Losing Weight | Medication and Medical Equipment

In other languages:

Español: Cómo saber si tu balanza funciona correctamente

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