Calibrating A Scale
What Is Calibration?
Scale calibration is a process that ensures the instrument is providing accurate measurements. The calibration process for a digital scale involves placing a calibration weight on the platform while the scale is in a calibration mode. This allows the scale to diagnose how accurately the load cell is interpreting readings, and to provide data to the microcontroller which adjusts the readouts based on the data provided.
When To Calibrate?
Not all scales can be calibrated – please check your scale’s user manual to find out if your scale has a calibration mode feature.
Scales should calibrated frequently depending on the accuracy level of the scale and the frequency of use. If you are using a scale to measure items at a .01 gram or 0.001 gram accuracy level , we recommend calibrating your scale daily. We also recommend calibrating your scale after each time it has been moved to ensure that the load cell is providing accurate measurements.
Calibration Weights
Most scales that can be calibrated require a specific calibration weight amount for the calibration mode to be effective. It is essential that you use a precisely weighted calibration weight as specified in your scale’s user manual when calibrating your scale. Failure to use the correct calibration weight will result in a faulty calibration, and will cause inaccurate readings following that calibration (until the scale has been calibrated again successful).
If your scale did not include a calibration weight, you will need to purchase the calibration weight separately. We also recommend keeping your calibration weight clean of grease, dust or other debris that may affect the accuracy of the calibration weight.
Some digital scales have a variable calibration weight option, allowing the user to input the value of the calibration weight. If your scale does have this option, please follow instructions in your scale’s manual for this procedure.
Calibrating Your Scale
Please refer to your scale’s user manual for exact instructions on how to calibrate your scale. In general the instructions will be as follows:
- Place your scale on a flat and stable surface
- Power on the scale and allow it to warm up (usually 30 seconds)
- Begin the calibration mode sequence
- Follow the instructions on the scale’s display
- Once the calibration process has been completed, remove the calibration weight and return to normal weighing modes
The calibration results will be saved in the scale’s microprocessor until the next calibration mode sequence has been completed. Allowing you to power your scale off & on, and still maintain accurate readings based on that calibration data.
Need More Help?
We also offer calibration help videos for certain scales on our YouTube channel.