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measurement

Using weighing scales

Read digital and analogue scales in grams and kilograms.

Quick answer

You can read digital and analogue weighing scales by looking at the numbers and understanding what units (grams or kilograms) they show.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to read a weighing scale to find the weight of an object in grams or kilograms. Success signs:
  • You can tell the difference between grams and kilograms
  • You can read the numbers on a digital scale
  • You can read the markings on an analogue scale
  • You can compare weights of different objects

Why this matters

Weighing scales help us know how heavy things are. This is useful in many ways:
  • When you're cooking, you need to know how much flour or sugar to use
  • When you go shopping, you can compare how heavy different fruits or vegetables are
  • When you're packing for a trip, you need to know if your suitcase is too heavy
  • When you're playing with toys, you can find out which one is the heaviest or lightest
Whether you're using a digital scale that shows numbers or an analogue scale with a pointer, understanding how to read them helps you make smart choices in your daily life.

How it works

Reading a weighing scale is like reading a number on a clock. You need to look at the numbers and understand what they mean. Step 1: Look at the units on the scale.
  • Some scales show grams (g) – these are for small things
  • Some scales show kilograms (kg) – these are for bigger things
Step 2: Find the number that the pointer or digital display shows.
  • On a digital scale, the number appears on a screen
  • On an analogue scale, look at where the pointer points
Step 3: Add the unit (grams or kilograms) to your number.
  • If the scale shows 500 and the unit is grams, the weight is 500 g
  • If the scale shows 2 and the unit is kilograms, the weight is 2 kg

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some real examples of how to read scales. Example 1: Digital scale Imagine you put a banana on a digital scale. The screen shows “120 g”. This means the banana weighs 120 grams. Example 2: Analogue scale Now imagine a big bag of potatoes on an analogue scale. The pointer is pointing between 2 and 3 on the scale, and the small marks show that it’s at 2.5 kg. So the potatoes weigh 2.5 kilograms. Example 3: Comparing weights You have a pencil that weighs 50 g and a book that weighs 300 g. The book is heavier because 300 g is more than 50 g. Example 4: Reading a scale in halves A scale shows 1.5 kg. This means 1 kg and 500 g, because half of 1 kg is 500 g. Example 5: Reading a scale with decimal points A toy car shows 0.3 kg on the scale. This is the same as 300 g.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Weight Detective You are a detective trying to solve a mystery! Someone has hidden a treasure, but you need to find out which box is the heaviest to know which one to open. You have a set of scales to help you. Step 1: You place the first box on the scale. It shows 1.2 kg. Write down this number. Step 2: You place the second box on the scale. It shows 900 g. Write this number. Step 3: You place the third box on the scale. It shows 2.1 kg. Write this number. Step 4: Now, you need to compare the weights. Which box is the heaviest? Step 5: You find the heaviest box and open it. Inside is a note that says, “Well done! You are a great weight detective!” Mini challenge:
  • Box 1: 1.2 kg
  • Box 2: 900 g
  • Box 3: 2.1 kg
Which box is the heaviest? Answer: Box 3 (2.1 kg)

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Confusing grams and kilograms.
    • Why it happens: Grams are small, and kilograms are big. It’s easy to forget which is which.
    • Fix: Remember that 1000 g = 1 kg. If the scale shows 1500 g, that’s the same as 1.5 kg.
  • Mistake: Reading the pointer wrong on an analogue scale.
    • Why it happens: The pointer might not be exactly on a number.
    • Fix: Look at the nearest numbers and estimate. If it’s between 2 and 3, and halfway, it’s 2.5 kg.
  • Mistake: Not checking the units.
    • Why it happens: You might see the number 500 and forget whether it’s 500 g or 500 kg.
    • Fix: Always look at the unit printed on the scale before you read the number.

Parent and carer guide

Reading weighing scales is a useful life skill that children can learn quickly. Here’s how you can help: 1. Start with simple comparisons: Ask your child to guess which of two objects is heavier before weighing them. 2. Use everyday examples: When cooking, ask your child to help measure ingredients. This helps them see how grams and kilograms work. 3. Play with scales: If you have a kitchen scale at home, let your child weigh different items like toys, books, or fruit. 4. Be patient: Some children might get confused between grams and kilograms at first. That’s okay – it takes time to understand. 5. Practice with real-life items: Use things around the house to practice reading weights. For example, a bag of sugar is usually 1 kg, and a pencil is about 5 g. 6. Avoid pressure: Don’t make it feel like a test. Keep it fun and exploratory. 7. Ask questions: After reading a weight, ask your child, “How much heavier is this than that?” or “What would happen if we doubled this weight?”

Practice questions

  1. What is the weight shown on a digital scale that shows 350 g?
  2. A scale shows 1.8 kg. What is the weight in grams?
  3. On an analogue scale, the pointer points to 2.3 kg. What does this mean?
  4. Which is heavier: 750 g or 1 kg?
  5. What is 2.5 kg in grams?
Answers:
  1. 350 g
  2. 1800 g
  3. The weight is 2.3 kilograms
  4. 1 kg is heavier
  5. 2500 g

FAQ

How do I know if a scale is showing grams or kilograms?

Look at the labels on the scale. You will see either “g” for grams or “kg” for kilograms. If there is no label, check the numbers – if they are small (like 100, 200), it’s likely grams. If they are larger (like 1, 2, 3), it’s likely kilograms.

Can I use a kitchen scale to weigh a big bag of flour?

Yes, if your kitchen scale can handle the weight. Most kitchen scales can weigh up to 5 kg or more. If the bag is too heavy, you might need a larger scale or weigh it in parts.

Why do some scales show decimal points?

Decimal points show more precise measurements. For example, 1.5 kg means 1 kg and 500 g. This helps you know exactly how much something weighs.

What if the pointer on an analogue scale is between two numbers?

If the pointer is halfway between 2 and 3, it’s 2.5. If it’s a quarter of the way, it’s 2.25. You can estimate the number by looking at the smaller marks on the scale.

How can I help my child practice reading scales?

Use a kitchen scale at home and weigh different items. Ask your child to guess the weight first, then check the scale. You can also use online scale games or apps to make it fun.