How to Measure and Track Weight If You Don’t Have a Scale

Using a scale is the easiest and most accurate way to determine the weight of any object. But you might need to weigh something urgently when you can’t access a scale, or maybe you simply don’t have one. Luckily, there are ways to find out the weight of things using objects most of us have at home.

We at Bright Side were curious to find out how you can weigh things using something as simple as a hanger or a cup filled with water. And we also prepared a bonus feature for you to check out at the end of the article.

1. Using a handmade balance

You can easily make a balance at home using a simple clothes hanger and a couple of cups.

• Take 2 small paper cups and punch holes in each cup.
• Cut 2 pieces of twine and tie the ends through the holes in the cups.
• Using the twine handles, hang the cups on opposite sides of the hanger.
• Put the object you want to weigh in one cup and fill the other cup with water until it’s in balance with the object.
• Measure the volume of the matching water, and convert it to milliliters. The number you’ll get is the same as the weight in grams.
• Instead of using water, you can fill the other cup with objects you know the weight of. Just remember to use something with little friction, such as a ruler balanced on an object or a sewing thread, when making the balance.

2. By measuring the volume of the displaced fluid

Measuring the volume of the displaced fluid helps to find out the volume of the submerged object.

• Take 2 identical cups and fill them with water.
• Put the object into one of the cups.
• Measure the weight of the displaced fluid.

3. Using measuring cups and spoons to weigh cooking ingredients

Perhaps the easiest way to find the weight of the cooking ingredients is by using measuring spoons.

• Get a cup or a spoon that measures in grams.
• Dip the spoon into the ingredient you need to measure.
• Level off the ingredient using another spoon or a knife.

Bonus: How to find out if you’re losing weight without a scale

If you’re trying to lose weight but don’t have a scale, you can find out whether you’ve already lost a few pounds without having to purchase one.

• Use a measuring tape. Measure your waist and hips to track your progress. You can use your belly button as a reference point to remember the tape placement. If you don’t have a measuring tape, you can measure your waist with your hands or use dollar bills to measure it. Tape a few bills together, wrap them around your waist and multiply the number of bills you used by 6.14 inches (the length of a bill).
• Check how your clothes fit. If you’ve lost your first 5 to 15 pounds, chances are you will notice your clothes fitting differently.
• Take before-and-after photos. Visually documenting your fitness journey will clearly show you your body’s changes.

Have you ever tried to find out the weight of an object without a scale? Do you know any other ways to do it?

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