Living a healthy lifestyle requires discipline. It means keeping track of lots of different things about our habits, activities, and physical changes.
One important aspect of your health you should always monitor is your weight. You can visit Your Weighing Buddy if you already have a particular scale you wish to purchase.
On the other hand, allow us to help you out if you still don’t know what you need. Your health deserves only the best, and you need to ensure that the scale you’re using is accurate.
Which type of scale is that you ask? We’ll show you.
What Are the Different Types of Scales?
There are thousands of different brands and models you will find in the market today. However, all of them fall into three general categories.
If you wish to determine which of these three types of scales will provide you with accurate readings, we first need to learn what they are and how they work.
Analog Scales
The analog or mechanical scale is the oldest type we have on this list, or in every list, you may find for that matter. It has been around since the 1830s, and it does not use any sort of electrical technology.
Analog scales use springs and other mechanical stuff to work. When you place an item on the platform, the hands on the dial will move according to the pressure caused by the item’s weight.
Analog scales are great because they don’t need electricity or batteries. They can simply function independently without a power source.
One drawback of this is that they aren’t very accurate. While the hands may point to a certain number on the dial, you probably won’t be able to get the exact weight of the item.
They are durable when it comes to rugged use. However, the springs and other parts are prone to corrosion, given that they are made of metal. Over time, this degeneration will affect your readings.
Digital Scales
The digital scale is probably the most common one you will see today. Millions of homes are currently using it, and no wonder.
This type of scale is very convenient to use. Instead of using a dial to display the weight measurement, digital scales use an LCD. Thus, they are significantly easier to use and read.
That is also why digital scales are often used in food scales. Determining the exact weight of an item is important in measuring food for a weight-loss diet.
Instead of springs, digital scales use sensors. This makes them considerably lighter than analog scales. Suffice it to say that they are more portable than their mechanical counterpart.
Another advantage of digital scales is that they have a far higher maximum load capacity than analog scales.
However, they need a power source, like batteries, to function. Don’t worry. Most digital scales have an automatic shutoff function to preserve battery life.
Smart Scales
Smart scales use almost the same technology as digital scales. That means they use multiple sensors to measure the weight of a person.
One advantage over digital scales is that they have additional features that allow you to measure more than just your weight. Smart scales can calculate your body fat percentage, bone or muscle mass, and other aspects that pertain to your health.
As the name suggests, they have smart technology. This means that most, if not all of them, can link to your smartphone or other electronic devices. This allows you to gather your essential information in one place for recordkeeping.
What Type of Scale Is Most Accurate?
Now that we know about the three different types of scales, it’s time to find out which one of them is the most accurate. Analog scales are certainly out of the picture because they just aren’t as readable and accurate as of the other two.
On the other hand, digital and smart scales use the same type of technology. This means that as far as weight measurement goes, both of them will provide you with the same accuracy.
It would only differ depending on the brand or model of the equipment. Some brands are known to be more accurate than others, and that’s something you need to take into account.
That said, if we’re talking about accuracy as a whole, meaning you want to cover all bases, then the smart scale is your best bet. If you want to be accurate in measuring not just your weight but your overall body composition, the smart scale will help you.
Choosing the Right Scale
Learning about the different types of scales and which one is the most accurate is only the beginning. At the end of the day, what matters most is what you need. If you only need a regular scale and you don’t want to worry about power sources and whatnot, the analog scale is there for you.
On the other hand, if you want better accuracy and nothing else, the digital scale will get the job done. Lastly, accurately keeping track of your overall health will be a breeze with a smart scale.
