Guide Note

A bathroom scale is a device used to measure a person's body weight. It is referred to as a "bathroom" scale because it is normally kept in a bathroom for use before or after a shower or bath is taken.

Fast Facts

1. Common uses: To measure the weight of a person
2. Price range: $5-$3,000
3. Types:
   1. Weight-balanced analog
   2. Spring-balanced analog
   3. Digital
   4. Digital Talking
   5. Lithium

How They Work

On a traditional bathroom scale, the inside features a large dial with rack and pinion. The dial is moved via four levers, which work to evenly distribute the weight placed on the standing portion. When a person stands on the scale, each of these levers moves depending on weight; as the levers move they pull the dial to show the exact weight of the person.

Buying Guide

1. Weight-balanced analog bathroom scales are more accurate; Choose a weight-balanced bathroom scale over a spring-balanced bathroom scale for higher accuracy.
2. Digital scales are easy-to-read; Choose a digital scale if you would like a more accurate reading.
3. Some digital scales can store weight information; Choose this type of digital scale if you would like to track your weight gain/loss.
4. Bathroom scales have a weight capacity; Ensure the bathroom scale chosen can accommodate everyone that will use it.

Top Brands

1. Conair
2. Digiweigh
3. Health-O-meter
4. Homedics
5. Weight Watchers