How to know if a scale is accurate?
kiela64
Posts: 1,447 Member
Hi, so the only scale I have access to at the moment is my gym's scale. It's a non-digital upright scale, and looks very old. I'm doubting it's accuracy from looking at it, and I've never seen anyone actually use it. It's also in a very public place, right next to the water fountain among the weight machines.
I'm contemplating buying my own digital scale, but I haven't seen anything much under $50 (or $50 including shipping), so I need to wait to save up for that. I didn't think not knowing my weight would be so annoying, but it's annoying!! I want to know whether or not I'm actually losing weight to adjust my approach (as people keep recommending).
So in the meantime, is there a good way to (subtly) test a scale's accuracy? Or its consistency?
I'm contemplating buying my own digital scale, but I haven't seen anything much under $50 (or $50 including shipping), so I need to wait to save up for that. I didn't think not knowing my weight would be so annoying, but it's annoying!! I want to know whether or not I'm actually losing weight to adjust my approach (as people keep recommending).
So in the meantime, is there a good way to (subtly) test a scale's accuracy? Or its consistency?
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Replies
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Set a heavy-ish dumbbell on it and see how the scale's measure compares to its' actual weight! That should at least give you a rough estimate of how much it would be off for now while you don't have your own scale.0
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I think the key is to pick a scale, and stick to it. The starting and ending points don't matter so much, it's more the difference between the two that you really need to know. I'd guess that most scales, while they may be calibrated differently from each other, they will still weigh you with accuracy from that point on and reflect any actual losses, which is what really matters.
Actually what really matters in fat loss and not weight loss, but I understand the obsession with or interest in the number.0 -
Set a heavy-ish dumbbell on it and see how the scale's measure compares to its' actual weight! That should at least give you a rough estimate of how much it would be off for now while you don't have your own scale.
The highest available wold be 10lbs, do you think that would do the trick? or two of them? There's a designated "weight room" elsewhere in the gym, but you're not allowed to move things out of there.0 -
totally unimportant if hte scale is off by a few pounds - what matters is consistency. If you have that, you can see if your weight is trending up or down over time. You shouldn't pay attention to daily fluctuations anyway - too many variables involved. The key is the overall trend, not any single number.0
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anything under $50? where do you live>... I bought mine in a 99 cent store for 13 dollars and it's pretty accurate
amazon.com and write bathroom scale , there are tons of affordable options and any order over 35 is free shipping0 -
You test it by getting a weight (object, a weight, lol) that is accurate and then putting it on the scale to see if the scal gets it right.
I don't think the precision of the scale is a very big deal, though. As long as you use the same scale, you should be able to track progress.0 -
Set a heavy-ish dumbbell on it and see how the scale's measure compares to its' actual weight! That should at least give you a rough estimate of how much it would be off for now while you don't have your own scale.
The highest available wold be 10lbs, do you think that would do the trick? or two of them? There's a designated "weight room" elsewhere in the gym, but you're not allowed to move things out of there.
One would be fine, that would just give you a rough estimate of the percentage it would be off when you weigh yourself. That way, when you transition to the digital scale you buy, which will likely be more accurate than your gym scale, you'll have a better idea of where you started in the first place.
And, I agree with others in this thread that consistency is really what matters. As long as you have a consistent way of measuring your weight, you will be able to see the trend. Of course, that won't be a problem for you once you buy a scale.0 -
anything under $50? where do you live>... I bought mine in a 99 cent store for 13 dollars and it's pretty accurate
amazon.com and write bathroom scale , there are tons of affordable options and any order over 35 is free shipping
Canada, lol. Amazon's shipping here is never free, and I have a general mistrust of Amazon anyway. Thanks though! I've been looking on Best Buy's website, but things seem to be ~$40 + shipping :PSet a heavy-ish dumbbell on it and see how the scale's measure compares to its' actual weight! That should at least give you a rough estimate of how much it would be off for now while you don't have your own scale.
The highest available wold be 10lbs, do you think that would do the trick? or two of them? There's a designated "weight room" elsewhere in the gym, but you're not allowed to move things out of there.
One would be fine, that would just give you a rough estimate of the percentage it would be off when you weigh yourself. That way, when you transition to the digital scale you buy, which will likely be more accurate than your gym scale, you'll have a better idea of where you started in the first place.
And, I agree with others in this thread that consistency is really what matters. As long as you have a consistent way of measuring your weight, you will be able to see the trend. Of course, that won't be a problem for you once you buy a scale.
Okay great, thanks! Do you think using the same scale will guarantee consistency? I heard that old/not-good scales can vary day to day, but maybe that's a myth?0 -
I have an inexpensive digital scale, purchased at Target (Discount Store) 10 years ago. To test if it was accurate I weighed myself in what I was going to be wearing at the Doctor's office before leaving for an appointment. My scale and their scale showed an identical measurement. I have done this two times so far this year.
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walmart.ca/en/ip/red-digital-precision-scale/6000100779643
$15 and it qualifies for free pick up from your local Canada Post.0 -
You could go someplace and get your body fat %. Think it runs $40 and up
I'd just get a cheap but good one0 -
walmart.ca/en/ip/red-digital-precision-scale/6000100779643
$15 and it qualifies for free pick up from your local Canada Post.
you are awesome, thanks!
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so, uh...maybe not that one...but I'll keep my eye out on walmart now I know that they ship to Canada Post offices, because that's cool. Thanks so much!
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Hi, so the only scale I have access to at the moment is my gym's scale. It's a non-digital upright scale, and looks very old. I'm doubting it's accuracy from looking at it, and I've never seen anyone actually use it. It's also in a very public place, right next to the water fountain among the weight machines.
I'm contemplating buying my own digital scale, but I haven't seen anything much under $50 (or $50 including shipping), so I need to wait to save up for that. I didn't think not knowing my weight would be so annoying, but it's annoying!! I want to know whether or not I'm actually losing weight to adjust my approach (as people keep recommending).
So in the meantime, is there a good way to (subtly) test a scale's accuracy? Or its consistency?
Do you know any ex-carnival workers that can go with you to the gym? The weight guessing type carnie.
If so here is what you do. Get said carnie. Take him with you to the gym. Before you get on the scale have him tell you your weight. Get on the scale. Calibrate from there.0 -
ncboiler89 wrote: »Hi, so the only scale I have access to at the moment is my gym's scale. It's a non-digital upright scale, and looks very old. I'm doubting it's accuracy from looking at it, and I've never seen anyone actually use it. It's also in a very public place, right next to the water fountain among the weight machines.
I'm contemplating buying my own digital scale, but I haven't seen anything much under $50 (or $50 including shipping), so I need to wait to save up for that. I didn't think not knowing my weight would be so annoying, but it's annoying!! I want to know whether or not I'm actually losing weight to adjust my approach (as people keep recommending).
So in the meantime, is there a good way to (subtly) test a scale's accuracy? Or its consistency?
Do you know any ex-carnival workers that can go with you to the gym? The weight guessing type carnie.
If so here is what you do. Get said carnie. Take him with you to the gym. Before you get on the scale have him tell you your weight. Get on the scale. Calibrate from there.
aw, darn, my best friend with that superpower JUST left on a 5 year trip to iceland...
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ncboiler89 wrote: »Hi, so the only scale I have access to at the moment is my gym's scale. It's a non-digital upright scale, and looks very old. I'm doubting it's accuracy from looking at it, and I've never seen anyone actually use it. It's also in a very public place, right next to the water fountain among the weight machines.
I'm contemplating buying my own digital scale, but I haven't seen anything much under $50 (or $50 including shipping), so I need to wait to save up for that. I didn't think not knowing my weight would be so annoying, but it's annoying!! I want to know whether or not I'm actually losing weight to adjust my approach (as people keep recommending).
So in the meantime, is there a good way to (subtly) test a scale's accuracy? Or its consistency?
Do you know any ex-carnival workers that can go with you to the gym? The weight guessing type carnie.
If so here is what you do. Get said carnie. Take him with you to the gym. Before you get on the scale have him tell you your weight. Get on the scale. Calibrate from there.
aw, darn, my best friend with that superpower JUST left on a 5 year trip to iceland...
I don't know if it is as much as a superpower or just a talent that comes from doing loads of heroin.0 -
ncboiler89 wrote: »ncboiler89 wrote: »Hi, so the only scale I have access to at the moment is my gym's scale. It's a non-digital upright scale, and looks very old. I'm doubting it's accuracy from looking at it, and I've never seen anyone actually use it. It's also in a very public place, right next to the water fountain among the weight machines.
I'm contemplating buying my own digital scale, but I haven't seen anything much under $50 (or $50 including shipping), so I need to wait to save up for that. I didn't think not knowing my weight would be so annoying, but it's annoying!! I want to know whether or not I'm actually losing weight to adjust my approach (as people keep recommending).
So in the meantime, is there a good way to (subtly) test a scale's accuracy? Or its consistency?
Do you know any ex-carnival workers that can go with you to the gym? The weight guessing type carnie.
If so here is what you do. Get said carnie. Take him with you to the gym. Before you get on the scale have him tell you your weight. Get on the scale. Calibrate from there.
aw, darn, my best friend with that superpower JUST left on a 5 year trip to iceland...
I don't know if it is as much as a superpower or just a talent that comes from doing loads of heroin.
*gasp* I knew they had a secret.
ok, thanks guys!0 -
daniwilford wrote: »I have an inexpensive digital scale, purchased at Target (Discount Store) 10 years ago. To test if it was accurate I weighed myself in what I was going to be wearing at the Doctor's office before leaving for an appointment. My scale and their scale showed an identical measurement. I have done this two times so far this year.
I bought a scale (new in box) at Goodwill for $7.00. It had a little dent in the side, so guess it was salvage.
Test #1 - Did the same as above poster before and after doctor appointment. It was accurate.
Test #2 - Weighed myself. Weighed myself with 5 lb dumbbell. Weighed myself with 10 lb dumbbell. Also weighed accurate.
I have had great experience with Amazon and do a huge amount of shopping through them. I bought my mother a very nice scale for around $20 and she's very happy with it. (and no, I don't work for Amazon.
LOL Just saying there are inexpensive options.)
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RaeBeeBaby wrote: »daniwilford wrote: »I have an inexpensive digital scale, purchased at Target (Discount Store) 10 years ago. To test if it was accurate I weighed myself in what I was going to be wearing at the Doctor's office before leaving for an appointment. My scale and their scale showed an identical measurement. I have done this two times so far this year.
I bought a scale (new in box) at Goodwill for $7.00. It had a little dent in the side, so guess it was salvage.
Test #1 - Did the same as above poster before and after doctor appointment. It was accurate.
Test #2 - Weighed myself. Weighed myself with 5 lb dumbbell. Weighed myself with 10 lb dumbbell. Also weighed accurate.
I have had great experience with Amazon and do a huge amount of shopping through them. I bought my mother a very nice scale for around $20 and she's very happy with it. (and no, I don't work for Amazon. LOL Just saying there are inexpensive options.)
Cool! Unfortunately, I just had my yearly physical ~2 weeks ago, so (hopefully) that number wouldn't still apply exactly, and I don't have access to dumbbells at home (yet!). But I could do that with the gym scale, because they have dumbbells there
thanks for the suggestion!! 0 -
My doctor's scale weighs in about 3 pounds light which is why everybody loves him.
We have a scale at our gym that spot on...or so everybody says.
I adjusted my home scale to match that reading, and that is how I have tracked progress for 6 years.0 -
socalprincess1 wrote: »I think the key is to pick a scale, and stick to it. The starting and ending points don't matter so much, it's more the difference between the two that you really need to know. I'd guess that most scales, while they may be calibrated differently from each other, they will still weigh you with accuracy from that point on and reflect any actual losses, which is what really matters.
Actually what really matters in fat loss and not weight loss, but I understand the obsession with or interest in the number.
I agree0 -
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/17421387909064199126?q=escali+scale&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS590US590&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=971&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.&bvm=bv.99261572,d.dmo&ion=1&tch=1&ech=1&psi=ZEa8VY_AHIrMeuWrqpAC.1438402150457.5&ved=0CAQQpitqFQoTCPb2jc2Bh8cCFUIzPgodMkEHFQ&ei=bUa8VbaMG8Lm-AGygp2oAQ
i have this scale. i love it. i bought it from bed bath and beyond and if you dont have one around sign up for their emailing list and wait until you get a 20% off coupon and buy it. i had a crappy one before but this one measures body fat and i love that
as for the fat loss vs weight loss argument. I agree that its about fat loss and not weight loss but i dont want to be 212lbs of muscle..... I dont think that would look so good on me :P0 -
Set a heavy-ish dumbbell on it and see how the scale's measure compares to its' actual weight! That should at least give you a rough estimate of how much it would be off for now while you don't have your own scale.
The highest available wold be 10lbs, do you think that would do the trick? or two of them? There's a designated "weight room" elsewhere in the gym, but you're not allowed to move things out of there.
Weigh yourself with and without the 10 lb weight and see if there's a 10 lb difference.
This won't identify a zero error but will test the accuracy in the range you are at. Weighing the weight on its own will check the zero end of things.0 -
It doesn't matter. Keep using the same one and it will keep track of your relative loss. Ignore every other one, including your doctor's scale.0
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My gym has the old "doctor" scales with the big clunky slidey things & it's pretty accurate. I weighed a 25 lb plate & it looked to be right on the nose.0
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Set a heavy-ish dumbbell on it and see how the scale's measure compares to its' actual weight! That should at least give you a rough estimate of how much it would be off for now while you don't have your own scale.
The highest available wold be 10lbs, do you think that would do the trick? or two of them? There's a designated "weight room" elsewhere in the gym, but you're not allowed to move things out of there.
Weigh yourself with and without the 10 lb weight and see if there's a 10 lb difference.
This won't identify a zero error but will test the accuracy in the range you are at. Weighing the weight on its own will check the zero end of things.
Ah ok, thank you!!!SaffronSunrise wrote: »My gym has the old "doctor" scales with the big clunky slidey things & it's pretty accurate. I weighed a 25 lb plate & it looked to be right on the nose.
Ok! That's good to hear
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I can't wait until I don't have to slide that big weight to the 200 notch!0
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