Q&A for How to Calibrate a Digital Pocket Scale

Calibration - that is, adjusting the scale so it weighs accurately over its range - depends on the model, so you have to read the instructions. It probably requires using a "standard weight" which you can easily buy online but need to keep clean. As a simple check each time I use it, I wrote its weight on each pot I use for samples. So I switch on the scale and it reads 0.00. Put the empty pot on and it reads the number on that pot. Then press "tare" to get zero before weighing a sample. If the empty pot doesn't weigh correctly, I need to calibrate the scale.

Hit on/off or the "zero" button. Make sure it is free of residue or dirt, and if you have a dish on it make sure to zero it with the dish on the scale.

It means you have exceeded the weight measurable on your scales (over load).

Your scale is defective. You should buy a new scale, or send this one back for replacement. Recalibration probably won't help.

The spring underneath the tray that you place whatever you are weighing on it may be broken or stuck, or it could be something wrong electronically. You could take an air compressor and gently spray beneath the tray to dislodge anything that might be jamming it. If that doesn't work and you've consulted the scale's manual to ensure that you're using it properly, you'll probably want to scrap it and get a new one (or exchange/return it if it's still under its warranty period).

If it's actual indents on the weight tray, it could mean there was a bowl or plate that originally used to be part of the set (or is sold separately as an accessory). It could also simply indicate where the center of the tray is for accurate placement of the item you're weighing so as to achieve best results.

Any U.S. $1 bill is exactly one gram, so you could use this to calibrate.

You need to recalibrate the scale using a specified weight.

The dollar coin is exactly 9 grams, 50-cent coins are 15.55 grams, 10-cent coins are 5.65 grams, and 5-cent coins are 2.83 grams.

I'm assuming that the dents and/or scratches changed the calibration weights overall mass, only slightly and probably insignificant if your scale is weighing oz's and up but if you're using your scale for grams and under (ex. 0.152 g's) then it is absolutely necessary that you get a brand new cal. weight. The slightest nick on a 500 gram weight can throw off the overall mass of it (ex. 499.98 g's) causing any scale you calibrate with it to be off.