To read a mechanical kitchen scale, first place it on a flat, level surface and check that the needle points to zero; if not, use the adjustment dial (usually under the platform) to zero it. Set your container on the scale and, if the model allows, tare to bring the needle back to zero so only the food weight is measured. Add your ingredients and look at where the needle aligns on the dial; read the value directly across from the needle on the measurement scale (grams, ounces, pounds, etc.). If using a mechanical scale, view the dial straight-on at eye level to avoid parallax error and wait for the needle to stop moving before recording the weight.