How Do I Calibrate My Weighing Scale? Ultimate Calibration Guide for Uganda – 2025

Whether you’re using a weighing scale in a clinic, retail shop, farm, factory, warehouse, or at home, accuracy is everything.

One of the most common questions Ugandans ask is:

“How do I calibrate my weighing scale?”

In this in-depth 1500-word guide, you’ll learn:

• What calibration is and why it matters
• Step-by-step calibration procedures (manual and automatic)
• Tools you need for calibration in Uganda
• Legal compliance requirements (URA, UNBS)
• When to call professionals like Eagle Weighing Systems for expert help

We’ll cover scale types used in:

• Medical & health facilities
• Retail shops & supermarkets
• Agriculture & produce businesses
• Industrial factories
• Home & personal use

Let’s dive in.

What is Calibration in Weighing Scales?

Calibration is the process of adjusting your weighing scale to ensure that the readings are accurate and consistent with a standard weight.

In Uganda, calibration is required to:

• Comply with UNBS & URA regulations
• Avoid over/undercharging customers
• Ensure correct dosing in medical settings
• Maintain international trade standards

Why Calibration Matters

That’s why all reputable suppliers like Eagle Weighing Systems offer initial calibration and periodic re-calibration services.

What Do You Need to Calibrate a Scale?

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Calibration Weights

• These are certified standard weights (1g – 1000kg).
• Must meet OIML standards for trade use in Uganda.
• Available at Eagle Weighing Systems in sets or individual units.

2. User Manual or Service Mode Access

• Many digital scales have a service or calibration mode.
• You may need a password or technician’s manual.

3. Flat, Stable Surface

• Calibration must be done on a level surface free from vibration and wind.

Pro Tip: Don’t try to calibrate high-capacity or trade-certified scales without supervision.
Call Eagle Weighing Systems for professional help or message them on Facebook.

Step-by-Step: How to Calibrate Common Weighing Scales

A. Home or Kitchen Digital Scale (Manual Calibration)

1. Turn on your scale and let it warm up (2–5 mins)
2. Press and hold “CAL” or “MODE” until it enters calibration mode
3. Place the required calibration weight (check manual)
4. Wait for the display to show “PASS” or “END”
5. Remove the weight and turn off the scale
6. Restart and test with a known object

Tip: If you don’t have a certified weight, use a 1kg sugar packet to test accuracy after calibration.

B. Medical Scale Calibration (e.g., Infant, Adult Platform)

Used in:

• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Pharmacies

Method:

1. Check if your scale is digital or mechanical
2. For digital:
   • Use service mode (usually a hidden button)
   • Enter calibration mode
   • Use class E2 or M1 calibration weights (e.g., 10kg, 20kg, etc.)
   • Follow manufacturer instructions
3. For mechanical:
   • Use screw or knob adjustment
   • Add weight and align pointer to zero

Always use certified medical weights and recalibrate every 3–6 months

Or book professional calibration from
Eagle Weighing Systems – Uganda’s leader in medical scale calibration.

C. Retail & Trade Scale Calibration (e.g., Butcheries, Shops)

These include:

• Price computing scales
• Label printing scales
• Hanging scales

Method:

1. Remove produce and clean the scale
2. Enter program or calibration mode (check manual)
3. Place correct test weight (5kg, 10kg, etc.)
4. Enter the weight value using the keypad
5. Save and restart

Remember:

• URA requires periodic calibration and inspection for legal trade.
• Use Class M1 weights and get your scale sealed by a recognized supplier.

Eagle Weighing Systems is certified to perform URA-compliant calibrations with sticker seals.

D. Agricultural & Farm Scale Calibration

Used for:

• Produce bags (beans, maize)
• Livestock
• Hanging baskets
• Solar digital scales

Calibration Guide:

1. Place scale on solid, level ground
2. Remove any dirt or residue
3. Enter calibration mode
4. Use a 50kg or 100kg test weight (certified)
5. Confirm when reading is correct
6. Check at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% capacity for accuracy

Farmers in Uganda can request on-site calibration services from
Eagle Weighing Systems – available in Mbale, Masaka, Lira, Fort Portal, and more.

E. Industrial Scale & Weighbridge Calibration

Used in:

• Warehouses
• Construction sites
• Logistics companies

These require:

• Heavy-duty certified calibration weights (1–5 tons)
• Cranes or forklifts for loading weights
• Software access for digital adjustments

Only professional calibration should be done for:

• Floor platform scales (1–5 tons)
• Pallet truck scales
• Crane scales
• Weighbridges (40–100 tons)

Schedule your annual site visit with
Uganda’s calibration experts – Eagle Weighing Systems. Or call via Twitter or Facebook

How Often Should You Calibrate?

What Uganda’s Law Says (UNBS, URA Compliance)

To operate legally:

• Trade scales must be registered and inspected by Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)
• Calibration must be done by a certified technician
• Scale must have a valid calibration sticker or certificate

Eagle Weighing Systems provides:

• On-site inspection & calibration
• URA/UNBS certification support
• Official calibration documents

Visit their YouTube channel to see calibration in action.

Where to Get Calibration Services & Certified Weights in Uganda

Eagle Weighing Systems – Uganda’s #1 Weighing Scale Experts

Whether you need to calibrate:

• A baby scale in a clinic,
• A price scale in a supermarket,
• Or a 40-ton weighbridge in a warehouse…

Eagle Weighing Systems is your one-stop solution.

Services:

• Sales of certified test weights
• Calibration of all scale types
• UNBS/URA approved certification
• Software & technician training

Reach them on:

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

Final Summary: DIY or Professional Calibration?

Final Tip: If unsure, always consult the experts at
Eagle Weighing Systems – for a calibrated, legal, and fair scale.