To test a digital scale without a calibration weight

[Wheres_the_Beef?]

To test a digital scale if you don't have a special calibration weight you can use coins: (Make sure to use new, shiny coins. Worn coins will weigh less).

A U.S. nickel (5-cent coin for non-Americans) weighs exactly 5.00 grams and a U.S. cent (since 1983) weighs exactly 2.50 grams.

U.S. Cents 1981 and before weigh 3.11 grams. (In 1982 solid bronze U.S. cents were replaced with copper plated zinc U.S. cents. In 1982 both metal types of U.S. cents were made.)

Canadian coins are lighter. A Canadian 5-cent coin weighs 3.95 grams since 2000. A Canadian 1-cent coin weights 2.35 grams since 2000. Before 2000 coin weights changed several times due to changes in metal content.

If you live in another country, check out your government mint web site or coin collectors web sites for gram weights of your local coins.

[**Tinkerbell**]

Okay, that's handy information to have around.... but it's also fascinating just to read! What a fun tidbit. I'm definitely saving this thread in my favorites.

Thanks!

[Isabella's Can Opener]

Great tip and timely too. My new scale arrived today and I don't have a calibration weight. I dug through my change jar to test out the accuracy and repeatability. It worked great but I will have to dig up 1000 nickels if I want to use them to run the calibration or find something around the house that weighs 5000 grams. (Maybe if I put Isabella on a diet )

[**Tinkerbell**]

My dad took in a stray cat at his business once. The cat (cleverly named Cat) ran all over the RV lot, but if you wanted him all you had to do was push down on the electric can opener, and he would instantly materialize.