I wasn't really sure which forum to put this in, but we'll try here.

I'm a big calorie counter and up until this point I feel like I do a really good job (note I said "feel" ) of estimating things like 4 ounces of meat or 2 ounces of noodles.

However I bought a digital scale off of Ebay and I just got it. It was "like-new" but it was cheap (only a $1!!!) But I am wanting just to double check myself to see how good I have been at estimating measurements and improve if need be. However, everything I have measured with it in the last few minutes since it has been out of the box has seemed to show about HALF of what it should.

For example, I put 26 almonds (equivalent to one ounce as labeled on the canister) on the scale and it showed between 1/2 and 5/8 of an ounce. I also measured 4 ounces of water from a measuring cup and poured it into a (tared) cup I had on the scale and it only showed around 2 ounces.

I don't care if it is not exactly on the nose but it should be in the vicinity!

There is some very confusing directions on how to calibrate it but I think it requires having measured weights. Anyone know if you can just get those anywhere?

Or anyone have any tips on checking the accuracy of your digital scale?

Granted, I guess I could just multiply everything by 2 that I weigh, since it appears to be halving everything!!

26 almonds may or may not be one ounce - the size of individual almonds varies. 4 ounces of water is a liquid measurement, not a weight. You need to take a package that has its weight on it and weigh it on the scale. If it has been shipped, it probably needs calibrated.