Calibrating a scale, no matter how expensive or inexpensive they are, is necessary to ensure they are working properly and producing accurate measurements. The best way to calibrate a scale is with specialized calibration weights. But can you calibrate a scale without them?

Yes. You can, in fact, calibrate a scale without calibration weights. Although it won't be perfect, it can be done when being "close enough" is good enough to get by. Here is how.

How to Calibrate A Scale Without Calibration Weights

Although we highly recommend using purpose-built calibration weights, especially in commercial applicatons, you can definitely calibrate a scale without them in a pinch. The capacity of the scale you have, and your target calibration weight, are going to dictate how you go about doing it. Some are simpler to do than others, so you may need to get crafty. We've got a few simple solutions to get you started.

Use Items of Known Weight

To do so, you'll need to use an item or items of a known weight. The best objects to use are ones you've weighed recently on an accurate scale. Otherwise, you can turn to every-day items of known weight.

For example, you could use a 10lb dumbbell weight if you need 10 pounds to calibrate your scale. If you need 20 pounds, use two of them. It may not be exact science, but generally speaking, those dumbbell weights will be close to 10lbs each.

What if you're calibrating a larger capacity scale? Let's say a 500lb drum scale. You could use something like feed bags, sand bags or other bulk supplies that are sold by weight. These products are typically packaged in bags at various capacities. For example, 40 pounds of top soil, 50 pounds of feed, or 50 pounds of sand. You get the idea. Grab enough bags to get to your target weight, and you are good to go. 

But how about precision balances or pocket scales? What if you need to calibrate a 100 gram scale? That is a bit more tricky but you can use every-day items to get adequate weight. 

Take for example a United States 5 cent nickel. These weigh exactly 5 grams. If your target calibration weight is 50 grams, you could use 10 nickels to calibrate your scale. Using coins is a popular method of calibration for hobbyists that need to make sure their pocket scales are accurate.

Manage Your Expectations

Although every-day items will get you close, you must keep in mind that this isn't an exact science. Unlike calibration weights, the things we use in our daily lives are rarely perfect and have variation from one to another. Don't expect your scale to be truly accurate. But you can expect that you'll be reasonably close until you're able to calibrate your scale the right way.

With verified calibration weights from Scales Plus.