How to Use a Double Beam Balance

There are two general types of double beam balance scales. The first is the tabletop kind that is most often seen in laboratories. The second type is more familiar to the general population because it is commonly used in a doctor's office to determine your weight. Both types have a pan on which the object being measured is placed and two beams with sliding weights to record the measurement. The method for using both types is the same.

Instructions

1. Check the beam to make sure it is balanced with nothing on the scale.

2. Place the object to be weighed on the pan. If you are using a doctor's scale, stand on the pan. The indicator will move upward.

3. Slide the larger weight along its beam until the indicator points downward. Many scales will have notches for the larger weight. Once the indicator falls, slide the weight back one notch. The indicator should rise again slightly above the center mark.

4. Slide the smaller weight along its beam until the indicator is balanced and points to the center mark. This smaller weight allows greater precision than a single weight on a single beam.

5. Read the values indicated on each beam's scale and combine them to get the object's or person's weight.