If you have a digital scale, follow the same procedure as with an analog except the balancing will be done with a digital button instead of a turn wheel. [1] X Research source
The weight of the paper or plastic bag these things come in shouldn’t mess with the weight. If the flour or sugar comes in a heavy sack or metal container, you won’t get an accurate reading and you should try another object. You can also try hand weights. The weight of these objects will be written on the side. Test to see if they are the weight they say they are. [2] X Research source
You can weigh the object more if you get inconsistent results. Just make sure you do it an odd number of times so you can’t have split results. [3] X Research source
Place one object on the scale. Note the weight. Take it off and let the scale even back out. Place another object on the scale and note its weight. Take it off and let the scale even back out. Now, place the two objects on the scale together. Note the combined weight. Add together the weight of the objects and see if it matches the weight the scale told you of them together. If it matches, the scale is accurate. If it doesn’t, try it again and see if it is off by the same number. If it is, it might be that your scale is always off by that amount. [4] X Research source
For example, if you step on the scale and it says 145, then it should go up to 150 when you step on again while holding a 5 pound dumbbell.
Try to keep the scale in the same place every day. This way, even if the scale is slightly off, you should be getting the same error each day. This means that any weight you gain or lose, despite the number not being exactly correct, will still be how much you have gained or lost since your starting point was always the same. [5] X Research source
Kitchen scales are also extremely helpful for recipes and cooking. [6] X Research source
To test that the taring process works, take an object such as an apple and place it on the scale. Once the scale finds its weight, take note of the weight and then hit the tare button to make it zero. Once it balances, lift the object off the scale. The number that remains, which will be negative, should match the number you measured before. [7] X Research source
Try to find newer change if possible. Older coins may have degraded over time and not be an accurate size. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source
If your scale is accurate, the weight should have gone up by 5g each time. If it is not, try with another nickel than the one that gave you the off reading. That nickel may be older and degraded. If it is still off, the scale is likely inaccurate. [10] X Research source
If your reading is off, try a different penny than the one that gave you the wrong weight. If the weight it still off, your scale is likely inaccurate. [11] X Research source
The weights should measure 5. 67g and 11. 34g. If they don’t, your scale is likely inaccurate. [12] X Research source
