How to Read Measuring Scales

Scales for measurement are read in a similar way, no matter what they are measuring. Some scales measure weight, like a bathroom scale, while others measure volume, such as a measuring cup. Measurement scales are all interval scales. The values will be clearly marked on the scale and it should be a simple task to figure out the correct measurement.

• 1

  Figure out the measuring scale. Sometimes there's a number for every mark, but other times, there is not. If the scale marks 100 then marks 150, there will be a few lines in between each number, but you have to figure out what numbers the lines represent. For example, if there are four lines in-between 100 and 150, each represents a value of 10.

• 2

  Place the item you want to measure on or in the scale.

• 3

  Look at the numbers that show up on the scale once the scale is steady. That number is the measurement of whatever you put on or in the scale.