How to Zero Out a Bathroom Scale

Mechanical bathroom scales commonly experience calibration drifts that set the needle to one side of the zero while there is nothing on the scale. The zero must be centered in order for the display to read accurately when someone steps on it. Digital bathroom scales must be prompted for use before a zero will display. A digital scale typically requires an initial indication, or a wake-up call, before anyone can step on it and get a reading. Either type of scale will function as a weight scale once they're set to zero.

Instructions

1. Locate the calibration dial on a mechanical scale. The edge of a multi-tooth wheel will be found under the weighing platform at the front of the scale, or at the rear near the read-out window.

2. Rotate the calibration dial with a fingertip in either direction. Watch the movement of the numbers to find which direction to turn the dial to move the zero up under the scale line. Center the scale line on the thick dash mark above the zero.

3. Zero out a bathroom digital scale. Check the underside of the scale for pound and gram settings. Digital scales are set for pounds if no setting switch is present. Tap the platform with one foot. Wait for the display to show zero point zero. Tap the platform a second time if the display does not appear within 10 seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the calibration of mechanical scales often. Weight shifts occur when a person steps on and off the platform that cause the setting to shift.

• Clean the platform of any bathroom scale regularly with a disinfectant. Bare feet and stocking feet leave bacteria on the platform in addition to common bathroom germs.

References

• Conair.com: Thinner digital scale instructions
• Sclaes-Galore.com: Health O Meter mechanical scale manual