How to Use a Kitchen Scale

1. Determine the type of kitchen scale you want to use. Some people prefer to buy a digital scale because it provides precise measurements without the guesswork. When choosing, focus on one with easy-to-read numbers, within your budget, a bowl or cup for storing food, and ease of use.
2. Read the manual that comes with your scale. The manual may not include a simple tutorial, but some digital scales have advanced features like calorie measurement and nutritional values. Reading the manual will help you understand the scale's specific functions.
3. Zero your kitchen scale. Depending on the type of kitchen scale you purchased, this may be as simple as turning the scale on and waiting until the display reads 0. For spring-loaded kitchen scales, you may need to turn the knob on the scale to zero.
4. Weigh the bowl or container you will use to hold the food you are weighing. You will need to know the weight of the container so that you can subtract it from the number registered on the scale when you add food to it. The answer will provide the actual weight of the food. Some scales that come with containers have a special button that automatically records the container; use this feature according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Place the food portion in the container on the scale. Allow the scale to rest for a moment before reading the weight. If you're using a digital scale, you'll see the weight displayed automatically, or you may need to set it to indicate the type of food you're weighing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for a correct reading.
6. If necessary, subtract the weight of the container from the reading (tare it) to better calculate the final weight when you weigh the food later.