Balance or scale calibration is essential to achieve accurate weighing results. Ignoring this important service activity turns measuring into guesswork. In other words, it is negligent to weigh with a non-calibrated balance or scale. The accuracy of balances and scales becomes less reliable over time. This is the result of normal wear and tear caused by regular use and external factors such as mechanical shocks or hazardous environments. This may lead to a rather quick degradation or deterioration over a longer time. Periodically scheduled balance calibration in combination with frequent routine testing greatly enhances the life time of your balance or scale and its weighing accuracy.

This white paper establishes a clear message about calibration: what it is, and, what it is not. It shows that calibration and adjustment are not the same thing and explains where they differ. While the concept of calibration applies to all measurement devices, this paper focuses on weighing devices. Tolerances and measurement uncertainty are also discussed.