How To Find Your Weight Without Weighing Machine

Ever wondered how to find your weight without weighing machine? It’s a common situation, whether you’re traveling, between scales, or just prefer a more analog approach. You can get a surprisingly good estimate using simple methods and common objects.

These techniques rely on physics principles like buoyancy and leverage. They won’t replace a medical-grade scale, but they offer a practical snapshot. Let’s look at some easy ways to gauge your weight at home.

This primary method uses water displacement, a principle dating back to ancient Greece. It requires a bit of math, but it’s very reliable. You’ll need a bathtub, a large, see-through container, and a marker.

Using the Water Displacement Method

Archimedes’ principle states that the water you displace equals your body’s volume. Since we know the density of the human body is close to water’s, we can estimate weight.

Fill your bathtub with enough water to fully submerge yourself when sitting.
Mark the water level on the side of the tub with a piece of tape or a water-safe marker.
Carefully get into the tub and fully submerge yourself. Try to stay still.
Have a helper mark the new water level.
Get out and measure the volume between the two marks. Use a large jug with volume markings to refill the tub to the second mark, counting the liters used.

That volume in liters is roughly your weight in kilograms. For pounds, multiply the kilograms by 2.2. Remember, body composition affects this; muscle is denser than fat, so it’s an estimate.

The See-Saw or Balancing Method

This classic lever method requires a long, sturdy board and a known weight. A bag of flour or sugar, or dumbbells, work well.

Find a long, flat board and a fulcrum (like a sturdy log or a low wall edge).
Place the board on the fulcrum so it balances like a see-saw. Center it carefully.
Have your known weight sit or be placed on one end. You’ll sit on the other.
Adjust your position closer or farther from the fulcrum until the board balances perfectly.

Now, use the lever formula: (Your Distance) x (Your Weight) = (Known Weight’s Distance) x (Known Weight). Solve for your weight. It’s simpler if you use a person whose weight you know as the counterbalance.

Choosing Your Counterweight

Use something with a precise, known weight. Unopened bags of pet food, cement, or water jugs are good. For example, a standard 20-liter water jug weighs about 20 kg (44 lbs).

Estimating with Body Measurements

While not a direct measurement, tracking body dimensions shows changes in size, which often correlates with weight change. You’ll need a soft measuring tape.

Neck: Measure around the middle.
Chest: Measure around the fullest part.
Waist: Measure at the narrowest point, usually near the navel.
Hips: Measure around the widest part of your glutes.

Record these numbers monthly. If your waist shrinks but weight might be stable, you’re likely gaining muscle and losing fat—a positive shift the scale alone misses.

Using a Size Chart for Reference

Compare your measurements to clothing size charts from brands you own. A change in size often indicates a significant weight change, usually around 10-15 pounds per size.

The Dumbbell Comparison Method

If you have dumbbells, you can do a simple comparison test. This builds a sense of your body’s relative heaviness.

Pick up a dumbbell whose weight you know well, like a 20-pound one.
Carry it around, feeling it’s weight in your hands and against your body.
Now, put it down and pick up another object of similar size but unknown weight, like a packed suitcase.
Compare the feel. Does the suitcase feel like two dumbbells? Three? This builds intuitive reference points.

This method hones your ability to judge weight by feel, which gets better with practice. It’s not precise, but it helps you notice large fluctuations.

Calculating with a Simple Formula

For a rough mathematical estimate, you can use the Body Mass Index (BMI) formula backwards. You’ll need your height and an estimated BMI category.

Measure your height accurately in meters.
Based on your body type and visual comparison to BMI charts, estimate your BMI. For example, choose a value like 22 for “average.”
Use the formula: Weight (kg) = BMI x (Height in meters) x (Height in meters).

For a person 1.75m tall with an estimated BMI of 22: 22 x 1.75 x 1.75 = approximately 67.3 kg (148 lbs). This is very approximate, as BMI categories are broad.

Why These Methods Are Useful

Focusing less on the daily scale number can reduce anxiety. These methods encourage a broader view of your body—its volume, its balance, its measurements. They shift the focus from a single metric to overall awareness.

They’re also invaluable when you don’t have access to a scale. On a long camping trip or in a temporary living situation, you can still monitor significant changes. It keeps you connected to your physical self.

Tracking Progress Effectively

Without a scale, progress tracking relies on other consistent markers.

Take monthly photos in consistent lighting and clothing.
Note how your clothes fit each week. Is that pair of jeans feeling looser?
Monitor fitness improvements: can you lift more, walk farther, or do more reps?
Pay attention to energy levels and overall well-being.

These indicators, combined with the methods above, give a comprehensive picture of your health journey. They often tell you more than a number ever could.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Accuracy is the main challenge. Water temperature can affect displacement slightly. An uneven board ruins the see-saw method. To improve results:

Always take multiple measurements and average them.
Use the most precise known weights available for balancing.
Be consistent with your body measurement technique each time.

Remember, these are estimates. A 2-5 pound variance from your true weight is normal with these techniques. Look for trends over time, not single data points.

When to Seek a Professional Measurement

If you need a precise weight for medical reasons, medication dosage, or athletic competition, these methods aren’t suitable. Visit a gym, doctor’s office, or pharmacy for a certified scale. It’s the best way to get an exact figure when it truly matters.

FAQ

Can I really measure my weight without a scale?

Yes, you can get a close estimate. Methods like water displacement or using a balancing lever provide a good approximation based on physics.

What is the most accurate way to check weight without machine?

The water displacement method is often the most accurate homemade technique, as it’s based on a direct physical principle. The see-saw method with precise known weights is also reliable.

How can I tell if I’ve gained or lost weight without a scale?

Focus on how your clothes fit, take regular body measurements (waist, hips, chest), and observe changes in your physical capabilities. Monthly photos are also a excellent visual tracker.

Are there any apps that can guess my weight?

Some apps claim to estimate weight from a photo, but these are highly inaccurate and not recommended. They rely on algorithms that can’t account for individual body composition differences.

Is knowing my exact weight that important?

For general health, trends are more important than daily numbers. Consistent, significant changes can be a health indicator, but daily fluctuations are normal. Other markers, like blood pressure and fitness levels, are equally crucial.