Depending on the scale you have, it may just need to be calibrated. Calibration is something you should do every year, or even every few months. However, if you calibrate the scale and the reading is still off, it may be that some of the cells have been shock loaded.
IMPROPER CALIBRATION
One of the most common culprits for inconsistent readings is an improperly calibrated scale. That's because, over time, the wear and tear of regular use can cause a scale to lose its accuracy.
#1 Every time a digital scale is moved it needs to be calibrated. Initializing the scale resets the internal parts allowing the scale to find the correct “zero” weight and ensure accurate readings. If the scale is moved and you do NOT calibrate it, you are likely to see fluctuations in your weight.
Rather, you will be required to repair and adjust the scale. Only a licensed and professional scale calibration and repair company like Precision Solutions can do this.
Inconsistent Scale Readings: If your scale gives inconsistent readings between items of the same weight, this is one of the more obvious signs that it may need to be replaced. If you are unsure, take one item (such as a 10-pound free weight) and place it on the scale platform multiple times.
1. You have gained muscle mass. If you've been training hard and get on the scales and see you've gained a few kilos (but still feel the same weight, or slimmer), chances are you've gained muscle mass, which is much more dense than fat.
Over time, scales can lose accuracy due to plain old wear and tear due to regular use and age. Scales must maintain their original balance for accuracy. Over time, however, they tend to lose this balance and they will require recalibration.
Bathroom scales are fickle devices. They can give you a different weight from day to day, or even moment to moment. Sure, the human body fluctuates over the course of the day and there are some crappy scales out there, but even relatively good scales can seem to be wildly inaccurate.
Low batteries and poor battery connections are the leading cause of scale malfunction and inaccurate readings when recording measurements on digital scales. For accurate measurements, it is essential that the scale's components receive the required amount of power.
So, how often should you weigh yourself? Expert opinions vary. A study presented by the American Heart Association News found that daily weigh-ins help with accountability. At the same time, Healthline recommends weekly weigh-ins as long as it doesn't trigger anxiety or disordered eating.
If you step onto the scale while wearing thick clothes and heavy shoes, your weight may show as higher than it truly is. Clothing and shoes can add 2-3 pounds.
Many people notice that their weight is a bit high whenever they weigh in on an analog doctor's scale. Compared to a digital scale, an analog scale shows them 3 to 4 pounds heavier. However, if you check your weight on a digital scale, you will notice a lower body weight by 3 to 4 pounds.
Muscle is denser than fat, and as it is more compact within your body, as you gain muscle mass, you end up looking thinner, no matter your physical weight. So, if you've been doing a lot of strength training lately, it's likely this is the reason that you're looking fantastic but not dropping those numbers.
It's possible to gain muscle and reduce body fat without actually seeing a change in your weight. This happens when you lose body fat while gaining muscle. Your weight may stay the same, even as you lose inches, a sign that you're moving in the right direction.
It's possible to gain weight but wear around the same clothing size. Gaining muscle is a common body change people notice after switching up their fitness routine or lifestyle habits, and it can cause you to gain weight because muscle is denser than fat.
That's because each brand of scale may have different calibrations, and some scales may be synchronized for your own body type or BMI. If they're good scales, they'll probably get an accurate reading that's very close to your correct body weight.
How often should bathroom scales be replaced? There is no set time frame for replacing bathroom scales. One way to test whether scales need replacing is to weigh an item of known weight, such as free weights or dumbbells. If the measurement is off, it may be time to replace the scales.
All medical weighing scales are Class III Approved, making them legal for medical use. This also means they are more accurate than cheaper home scales due to the calibre of testing they have undergone and the high standard of performance expected from professional medical equipment.
When digital scales give inconsistent readings, it is often because the sensors are dirty. To clean the sensors, unplug the scale or remove the battery. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris from the sensors. Once the sensors are clean, reconnect them to the power source and turn on the scale.
The accuracy and reliability of your scale will degrade slowly over time and a regular calibration can prevent you from getting inaccurate results. That means that foregoing your calibration can be a risky decision, which could result in unscheduled down time, bad product quality and even product recalls.
Perform Span Check: Place the verification weights in the center of the scale. Record the weight to readability of the scale. Confirm repeatability by placing one of the weights on the scale a second time to obtain the same weight. Confirm that the reading returns to zero when the weights are removed.