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Scales on hard surfaces vs. a carpet

fueledbychange
fueledbychange Posts: 132 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I know that when you don't weigh yourself on a hard surface, like tile, wood, etc. that the number on the scale is different. I am just wondering why this is?

Replies

  • azalais7
    azalais7 Posts: 187 Member
    I think it's because your weight distributes differently/variably across the surface of the scale, so it can't get an accurate read.
  • nxd10
    nxd10 Posts: 4,572 Member
    Yes. And because different spots in the rug are different in different places, every place you move it gives a different read.
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    ditto
  • nevermore99
    nevermore99 Posts: 12
    It all depends on the construction of the scales - there are universal scales which should work on the carpets as well as on a hard floor.

    In reality I've found that even on a hard floor some scales can give results varying by up to 0.9kg depending on the angle of the floor (it seems that English builders can't put in a level floor if their lives depended on it).

    There is an article on New Scientist website with a picture explaining the physics:

    http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn2462-people-weigh-less-on-a-hard-surface.html
This discussion has been closed.

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