Setting the tare on a kitchen scale lets you zero out the weight of a container or ingredient, so you can measure only what you add. On digital scales, press the Tare or Zero button with the empty container on the scale; on mechanical scales, turn the adjustment knob until the pointer reads zero.

Quick Answer

Taring a kitchen scale removes the weight of a bowl or previous ingredient, allowing precise incremental measurements. Here are the most common questions about using the tare function.

  • What does tare mean?: Tare is the weight of an empty container. Taring zeroes the scale so the display shows net weight only.
  • Can I tare multiple times?: Yes, each press of Tare resets the scale to zero, letting you add multiple ingredients to the same bowl.
  • Does tare work on mechanical scales?: Yes, mechanical scales have a zero-adjust knob or a sliding weight to compensate for container weight.

How to Tare a Digital Kitchen Scale

Digital scales are the most common type in home kitchens. The tare function is usually labeled “Tare,” “Zero,” or shown with a Z/T icon. Follow these steps:

  1. Place your scale on a flat, stable surface and turn it on.
  2. Put the empty bowl or container on the scale. Wait for the reading to stabilize.
  3. Press the Tare or Zero button. The display should show 0.0 (or 0:00 for grams/ounces).
  4. Add your first ingredient. The display now shows only the weight of the ingredient.
  5. To add more ingredients, simply press Tare again between additions to reset to zero.

Most digital scales can tare up to the scale’s maximum capacity. For example, a scale rated for 5 kg can tare a bowl weighing up to 5 kg. If the bowl is too heavy, the scale may show an error.

How to Tare a Mechanical (Analog) Scale

Mechanical scales use a spring or balance mechanism. They often have a knob or a sliding weight to adjust for tare. Here’s how:

  1. Place the scale on a level surface and ensure the pointer is at zero without any container.
  2. Put your empty container on the scale. The pointer will move to show its weight.
  3. Turn the zero-adjust knob (usually located on the front or side) until the pointer returns to zero. On some models, you slide a small weight along a rail instead.
  4. Remove the container, and the pointer will go below zero. That’s normal.
  5. When you add ingredients, the pointer will show the net weight of the ingredients only.

Mechanical scales may have limited tare range. If the container is too heavy, the spring may not have enough adjustment range. Typically, you can tare up to about 10-20% of the scale’s max capacity.

How to Tare a Scale with a Container Already on It

If you forgot to place the container before turning on the scale, you can still tare:

  • If the scale is on and reads the weight of the container, simply press Tare. The display will zero out.
  • If you’ve already added ingredients, you can still press Tare, but it will reset the entire weight to zero. The ingredients’ weight will be lost from the display.
  • For sequential additions, always press Tare after each ingredient to keep separate measurements.

Some advanced scales have a “hold” or “memory” feature that stores the tare weight even after removing the container. Check your manual for specific functions.

When to Use the Tare Function

Taring is essential for accurate baking, portion control, and mixing multiple ingredients in one bowl. Use it when:

  • You need to measure flour, sugar, or other dry ingredients directly into a mixing bowl.
  • You’re adding multiple liquids (oil, water, milk) to the same container.
  • You want to weigh ingredients that are sticky or messy, like honey or peanut butter, without dirtying extra dishes.
  • You’re portioning out food for meal prep and need consistent weights.

For liquids, taring allows you to measure by weight rather than volume, which is more precise. For example, 1 cup of water weighs 236 grams, but using tare you can simply pour until the scale reads 236 g.

Understanding Tare vs. Zero

On many digital scales, Tare and Zero are the same button, but they can have different meanings:

  • Zero: Sets the scale to zero with nothing on it. Use this at the start if the scale doesn’t auto-zero.
  • Tare: Subtracts the weight of whatever is on the scale. If you press Tare with a bowl on it, the scale zeroes out that bowl’s weight.
  • On some scales, pressing Tare multiple times toggles between the original zero and the tared zero. Check your scale’s behavior.

For most home cooking, you can treat them as the same. If your scale has separate buttons, use Tare when a container is present, and Zero to recalibrate the empty scale.

Pro Tips

  • Always place the scale on a hard, level surface. Carpet or uneven countertops can cause inaccurate readings and affect tare.
  • If your scale has a ‘hold’ function, turn it off before taring. The hold feature may lock the display and prevent tare from resetting.
  • For sticky ingredients like honey, spray the container with a light coat of nonstick spray before taring to make cleanup easier.
  • Check your scale’s manual for the maximum tare capacity. Exceeding it can damage the scale’s sensor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to remove the previous ingredient’s weight before pressing tare. Tare only zeros the current total, not the ingredient you just added.
  • Using a container that is too heavy for the scale’s tare range. This can cause the scale to display an error or not zero properly.
  • Taring on an uneven surface. If the scale rocks, the tare will be off, and subsequent measurements will be inaccurate.
  • Assuming all scales tare the same way. Some require a double press or a long press of the button. Test your scale’s behavior before starting a recipe.

FAQ

Can I tare a scale that is already measuring something?

Yes, but pressing tare will reset the display to zero, losing the current measurement. Only do this if you want to start a new measurement without removing the container.

Why does my scale show a negative number after taring?

If you remove the container after taring, the scale will show a negative value equal to the container’s weight. This is normal. Press tare again with nothing on the scale to return to zero.

Does taring affect the scale’s calibration?

No, taring only adjusts the display offset. Calibration is a separate process that ensures the scale reads accurately at all weights. Tare does not change calibration.

The Bottom Line

Mastering the tare function on your kitchen scale simplifies measuring and reduces cleanup. Whether you use a digital or analog model, the process is straightforward. Always keep your scale clean and store it in a dry place to maintain accuracy. For more tips on using kitchen tools efficiently, explore our other guides.

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