How to weigh without a scale

5. Use an online kitchen scale

There are several applications and websites that offer the possibility of weighing food online. Simply enter the type of food and the desired quantity to obtain the correct weight.

• With these methods, it is possible to weigh ingredients even without a scale.
• However, it should always be kept in mind that the results will not be as precise as those obtained with a professional scale.
• In any case, using these methods can achieve a good level of precision in preparing dishes.

Use reference objects

Another way to weigh without a scale is to use reference objects. This method works well if you know the weight of the reference objects and have access to a previously calibrated scale.

For example, if you want to weigh a package of flour but do not have a scale, you can use a reference object such as an empty can or an empty water bottle. Simply weigh the reference object on the calibrated scale and record its weight.

Then, place the reference object on the scale together with the object you want to weigh. Subtract the weight of the reference object from the total weight and you will get the weight of the desired object.

It is important to choose a reference object that has a similar weight to that of the object being weighed. For example, if you want to weigh a 1 kg package of sugar, it is not advisable to use a reference object that weighs only 100 grams.

• Choose a known reference object
• Weigh the reference object on a calibrated scale and record its weight
• Place the reference object on the scale together with the object you want to weigh
• Subtract the weight of the reference object from the total weight to get the weight of the desired object

Using this method, it is possible to weigh a wide range of objects without having to purchase an expensive scale. However, keep in mind that the accuracy of the result will depend on the accuracy of the scale used and the choice of reference object.

Calculate weight based on dimensions

If you do not have a scale available, you can still estimate the weight of an object using its dimensions.

Formula for calculating volumetric weight

Volumetric weight is an estimation of an object's weight based on its volume. The formula for calculating it depends on the measurement system used.

• Metric system: Volumetric weight (kg/m³) = length x width x height (cm) / 1000
• Imperial system: Volumetric weight (lb/in³) = length x width x height (inches) / 1728

Once you have calculated the volumetric weight of the object, you can multiply it by the density of the material it is made of to obtain its actual weight.

Practical Example

Let's suppose we want to estimate the weight of a cardboard box with the following dimensions: 30 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm.

Using the formula for the metric system, we get:

• Volumetric weight = 30 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm / 1000 = 6 kg/m³

To know the actual weight of the box, we need to know the density of the cardboard. Usually it is around 0.4 kg/m³. So:

• Actual weight = volumetric weight x density = 6 kg/m³ x 0.4 kg/m³ = 2.4 kg

This way we have estimated the weight of the box without using a scale.

Using gravity force

If you don't have a scale at hand, you can use gravity force to weigh objects. This method is particularly useful if you need to weigh very light objects such as spices or herbs.

How does it work?

To use this method, you will need a known object that has the same weight as the object you want to weigh. For example, if you want to weigh 50 grams of sugar, you will need a known object that also weighs 50 grams (like a coin).

Start by placing your known object on the flat and inclined surface of the table. Then, put the object you want to weigh on the opposite end of the inclined surface. Make sure both objects are placed on the same horizontal line.

Now, gently move the known object up or down along the inclined surface until balance between the two objects is reached and the surface settles into a horizontal position.

At this point, measure the height of the known object from the table surface. The higher the height, the greater will be the weight of the object you want to weigh. You can use a graduated scale to measure height in centimeters and convert it into weight using a conversion table.

Practical Example

Let's suppose you want to weigh 50 grams of sugar but you don't have a scale at hand. Take a 50-cent coin and place it on the inclined surface of the table. Then, put sugar on the opposite end of the inclined surface.

Gently move the coin up or down along the inclined surface until you reach balance between the two objects and the surface settles into a horizontal position. Measure the height of the coin from the table surface using a graduated scale and consult a conversion table to determine the weight of sugar.

• If the coin is 2 cm from the beginning of the inclined surface, then sugar weighs about 50 grams.
• If the coin is 3 cm from the beginning of the inclined surface, then sugar weighs about 75 grams.
• If the coin is 4 cm from the beginning of the inclined surface, then sugar weighs about 100 grams.

Remember that this method is not as precise as using a scale, but it can be useful in case of emergency or if you need to weigh very light objects.

Final Considerations

Weighing food without a scale may seem like a difficult task, but there are actually several techniques that can be used to obtain precise results.

It is important to remember that precision is fundamental when it comes to weighing food for the preparation of specific dishes or for portion control. Even small variations in weight can have a significant impact on the calories and nutrition of the meal.

However, if you do not have a kitchen scale, the techniques described in this article can help you get fairly accurate estimates of the weight of your food.

In addition, you can find other creative solutions for weighing food without a scale. For example, some people use common objects such as coffee cups or spoons to measure specific quantities of dry or liquid foods.

• For dry foods like rice or pasta, you can use a coffee cup as a unit of measurement. A standard cup has a volume of about 240 ml and can hold about 125 g of uncooked rice or pasta.
• For liquid foods like milk or water, you can use a measuring cup or a bottle with volume markings to get approximate estimates of the quantity.

Finally, if you plan to cook regularly and need to weigh food accurately, it is advisable to invest in a good quality kitchen scale. This tool can be a great help in keeping portions under control and ensuring that meals are balanced and nutritious.

Conclusion

Weighing food without a scale may seem complicated, but it's not impossible. With the techniques described in this article, you can get fairly accurate estimates of the weight of your food using common objects like coffee cups or measuring cups. However, if you want maximum precision in meal preparation, it is advisable to invest in a good quality kitchen scale. Remember that precision in weighing food is fundamental to ensure that meals are balanced and nutritious.