When you’re weighing materials in containers — whether it’s chemicals in a drum, powder in a beaker, or cargo in a shipping crate — accuracy depends on more than just your scale’s resolution. You also need a way to remove the container’s weight from the measurement.
That’s where the tare function comes in.
Taring is one of the most essential features in any industrial or scientific weighing environment. It saves time, reduces manual subtraction errors, and ensures you’re only measuring what matters: the product inside the container.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what the tare feature is, how it works, and why it’s critical for accuracy in industrial applications.
What Is Tare Weight on a Scale?
Tare weight refers to the weight of a container, packaging, or any object that’s not part of the product you want to measure.
In a weighing scenario, you’ll often deal with three key values:
Example: If a filled drum weighs 120 lbs and the empty drum weighs 20 lbs, the net weight of the product is 100 lbs.
Using the tare function, your scale will automatically subtract the container’s weight — giving you a clean net reading, no manual calculation required.
How Does the Tare Function Work?
The tare function is built into most digital scales and is designed to zero out the display once a container is placed on the platform. Here’s how it works in practice:
Step-by-Step: Taring a Container
- Place the empty container on the scale.
- Press the TARE button.
- The display resets to 0.00 — even though the container is still on the platform.
- Add your product to the container.
- The scale now shows only the net weight of the contents.
It’s that simple — and it reduces the risk of manual subtraction errors.
Tare vs. Zero: What’s the Difference?
- TARE subtracts the weight of a known object (like a container) and treats it as zero moving forward.
- ZERO is used to reset the scale to 0.00 when nothing is on the platform, typically after powering on or recalibrating.
Tare subtracts the container weight to display net weight. Zero establishes the zero reference, normally with the platform empty; it does not reset the scale’s settings or replace calibration.
Why the Tare Feature Matters in Industry
In industrial environments, precision isn’t just helpful — it’s non-negotiable. Whether you’re mixing chemicals, shipping materials, or counting parts, the tare function allows operators to:
- Improve speed and efficiency by eliminating manual calculations
- Avoid costly errors in inventory, production, or shipping
- Support net-weight measurement in processes that require suitable equipment and procedures
- Maintain repeatability when using standard containers
By eliminating the weight of containers, pallets, or fixtures, the tare feature lets you read net weight when the correct tare is applied and net mode is selected — the number that matters most for both quality control and profitability.
Common Use Cases
Here’s how the tare function plays a role in real-world industrial and professional settings:
- Chemical Mixing: Remove weight of drums or beakers for precise formulation
- Pharmaceuticals: Accurately dose medications in containers
- Shipping & Logistics: Determine net product weight separately from the container or packaging
- Gas Cylinder Monitoring: Subtract cylinder weight to track true gas usage or flow rate
- Patient Weighing: Automatically subtract wheelchairs or stretchers for medical accuracy
- Vehicle Scales / Trailers: Subtract truck or trailer tare to determine net payload weight
- Food Manufacturing: Tare out ingredient bins, scoops, or measuring trays for consistent batching
- Inventory Counting: Tare reusable containers to get accurate part counts based on weight
Pro tip: Repetitive processes benefit even more when scales support programmable tare for containers used daily.
Mechanical vs. Digital Tare
While both types of scales can support taring, the method of applying tare differs.
Mechanical Scales
- Use tare bars or sliders to counterbalance the container manually
- Require physical adjustment for each container type
- Risk of human error and inconsistent results
- Suitability depends on the scale’s specifications and application requirements
Digital Scales
- Use a single button press to subtract container weight
- May offer stored tare presets for repetitive workflows
- May support remote tare through compatible software or an API
- Convenient for repetitive workflows; suitability depends on the scale’s specifications and equipped options
Arlyn Scales offers stored tare values through UpScale, with automation and API functions available according to the equipped options.
Avoiding Tare-Related Mistakes
While the tare feature is incredibly helpful, improper use can lead to inaccuracies or even damage. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:
Don’t Exceed Capacity
Always ensure that the combined weight of the container and product stays within the scale’s rated capacity. Overloading can lead to:
- Inaccurate readings
- Permanent damage to load cells
- Shortened scale lifespan
Remember: the scale’s max capacity includes the container, not just the contents.
Beware of Shock Loading
Dropping heavy containers or applying weight abruptly — even within rated capacity — can overload the system momentarily, damaging sensitive components.
Always load containers gently and evenly.
Recheck the Tare
If containers change frequently, or scales are left on between uses, double-check that tare was applied correctly. A forgotten tare can throw off batch weights, counts, or billing totals.
Tare Functionality in Arlyn Scales
Arlyn Scales are built for precision environments where tare isn’t optional — it’s critical. Our platform, floor, cylinder, and ultra-precision scales include advanced tare features designed to speed up workflow and reduce error.
Key Features:
- One-touch tare for quick container weighing
- Stored tare presets for repetitive weighing tasks with the UpScale indicator
- Remote tare control with compatible communication options and software
- Stored tare values for different containers (UpScale indicator; one active tare per platform)
- Tare values in configured printouts for recordkeeping
- Setpoint logic configurable to respond to gross or net weight
Available tare, printing, and remote-control features depend on the indicator and equipped options.
Whether you’re working in shipping, lab environments, production lines, or hazardous materials, Arlyn Scales make tare-based weighing faster, safer, and smarter.
Ready to Simplify Tare Weighing?
If your operation relies on weighing products in containers, it’s time to stop doing math by hand and start trusting your scale.
- Arlyn Scales provide instant, accurate tare functionality
- Reduce errors, speed up workflows, and increase repeatability
- Available in ultra-precision, platform, and cylinder formats
- Connectivity options include USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and more
Need help choosing the right model? Talk to our team today.
