Buzz
We've all stood on an old analog scale and questioned the reading—it had to be the scale's fault! But does purchasing a costly digital scale with extra features truly ensure more accuracy?
Generally, digital scales are a better choice; they usually need less calibration and offer more precision. However, it's important to weigh some factors before making a decision, such as whether those extra features are worthwhile, and why consistency matters when using any scale—digital or not.
Analog scales may be prone to wear and degradation over time
For context, analog scales use springs to measure weight, whereas digital scales typically rely on sensors. Digital models use strain gauges connected to load cells, which bend as weight is applied. This bending stretches the gauges, sending a signal to a converter that digitizes the data, displaying a readable number on your scale.
Julie Devinsky, a clinical dietician at Mount Sinai Hospital, states that digital scales are generally more accurate for several reasons. One key factor is that the springs in analog scales can experience gradual wear, leading to less reliable readings over time.
Additionally, analog scales don’t provide a precise decimal reading, so you’re left with a measurement like 164 or 165 pounds, without a clear way to pinpoint the exact value in between (unless you're particularly focused on precision).
Additionally, digital scales make it easy to read your weight. If you’ve ever used an analog scale, you know the struggle of squinting to see exactly where the needle is pointing. With digital scales, there’s no room for error when reporting your weight.
Digital scales come with extra features, but you may not really need them
Digital scales often offer additional features, like tracking your weight history. However, some features are questionable. For example, a scale claiming to measure body fat, “hydration,” or bone density, as one product on Amazon does, is dubious. You can choose to ignore these extras if you decide to go digital. Additionally, digital scales tend to be pricier and require regular battery replacements, unlike analog models.
There aren’t many studies to definitively compare the accuracy of digital and analog scales. One study from 2013, testing 61 home scales, found that analog dial scales were typically less accurate, but without a clear explanation for why.
The researchers suggest that digital scales may be more accurate due to having fewer moving parts that could go out of alignment or become damaged. The analog scales in the study were also almost twice as old as the digital ones, which could explain some of the discrepancies due to wear and tear.
Consistency is crucial when using a scale
Regardless of the type of scale, there are a few important steps to ensure accurate results.
To start, always use the scale on a hard, level surface. As noted by Wirecutter, placing a scale on a carpet or uneven ground can lead to inaccurate readings. Calibration is also essential. For analog scales, this is usually done easily by adjusting a knob on the side. Digital scales also require calibration, which is straightforward—just refer to the instructions provided.
If weight loss is your goal, Devinsky shares another valuable tip: Avoid obsessing over the scale. “Weighing yourself constantly can become a compulsive habit for many of my clients,” she mentioned via email. “Also, your weight naturally fluctuates by 3-5 pounds, so daily weighing might not effectively track your progress.”
Instead, try weighing yourself once a week (or even less frequently) and maintain consistency by using the same scale at the same time each day—ideally in the morning.
As Wirecutter points out, even a scale with inaccurate readings can still provide value. If you notice a trend of increasing or decreasing numbers over weeks or months, it can still offer valuable insight into your overall progress, even if the exact number is off.
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