There are many different brands of diet scales, but they primarily fall into two groups: digital and manual. Digital scales usually are more expensive and require batteries, while manual scales work on a weight-balancing system. The measuring process for both types of scales is the same, although reading a digital scale is much easier and more accurate.
Step 1
Determine which type of scale you have. A digital or electronic diet scale will have an LED readout that will show the weight in increments of grams or ounces, while manual/mechanical scales usually have readouts only in ounces. If you have a digital scale, make sure batteries are installed and the scale is turned on.
Step 2
Place the scale on a flat surface, making sure it's not resting on towels or napkins or papers, which can interfere with measurements.
Step 3
Place an empty container (if you are using one) on the scale and reset the scale to zero. On a digital scale, this is accomplished by pressing the "Zero" or "Tare" button. On a manual scale, there should be a dial located on the back of the scale that you can turn.
Step 4
Place the food you are weighing into the container. A digital scale will give you an immediate weight in the LED readout. A manual scale usually will have a dial you'll have to read. Read the dial by looking directly over it or, if it is a lever, by looking at the measurements at eye level with the lever to see where it is pointing. If you look at the dial from the sides, you'll get an inaccurate reading.
Tips and Warnings
- To be sure you have an accurate reading, practice weighing some items that have the weight already marked on them and determining the best way to look at the scale for accuracy. Be sure to check if the food you need to weigh should be cooked or uncooked, as food weights can change in the cooking process.
- Thoroughly wash your scale if you've weighed raw meat on it without an additional container.
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