Calibrating a new digital scale

If you have an accurate way of measuring 16 fluid ounces of water, you could zero a container on the scale, add 16 fluid ounces of water and it should weigh approx 16.64 ounces.

I got approx 16.64 by using:
70*F water weighs 8.329 lbs per gallon. A quick google conversion gives approx 1.04 oz per fluid oz. So 16 fluid oz of water weighs approx 16.64 ounces (depending on how much you round the earlier conversions).

I don't know if this really helps since now the problem is finding an accurate measurement for 16 fluid ounces and I'm not sure the accuracy of a standard 1 cup measuring cup.

-Steve

edit:
I wonder if zeroing the scale (not knowing the exact bowl weight) for this experiment is problematic. It seems that it should still give you a good idea and wouldn't really make a difference unless the scale had an extremely non-linear relationship. i.e the heavier the item the larger % error.

Try a 1 lb fishing weight.

Buy something at the grocery that requires them to measure the weight. Their scales have to be calibrated. Compare at home.

I think the one-pound fishing weight sounds best, because it won't change much over time. Food would change over time.

I have a friend who runs a lab with a calibrated scale, and I can get the one-pound fishing weight checked there.

I'll head off to the fishing tackle store to look for a lead weight.

–B.G.–

Water and a graduated cylinder should let you know if it is close. 1 liter= 1 kilo, etc. A Nalgene will give you a good guestimate. You can buy calibrated weights too. Personally, I would just give it a rough check with a Nalgene and go from there. As cheap as they are, they do a good job.

That's what I used, Bob. No guess work, no modifying, no issues with durability or weight fluctuation, and it's cheap (and multi use).

Well, I was going to recommend a platinum-iridium cylinder, but it sounds like a silicon sphere may be more accurate.

Overkill?