How Can I Weigh My Suitcase Without a Scale at Home?

How Can I Weigh My Suitcase Without a Scale at Home?

One of the worst things about travelling is showing up at the airport and being told your bag is overweight. Whether you are going on a business trip, a vacation, or a short getaway, this small issue can ruin it all.

That is why it is important to weigh your luggage before getting to the airport. But what if you don’t have a scale at home? Here are a few simple and creative ways to go about it.

Image: A photo of an analogue weighing scale with clear, bold markings captured in a detailed macro shot.

Compare With Things You Already Know the Weight Of

A straightforward way to estimate your suitcase’s weight is to compare it with things around your home that you know the weight of. This method works best if you have something that weighs around 10–20 kilograms, like a bag of rice or a pet food sack.

For example, if you have a 10kg bag of rice, lift it and get a feel for its weight. Now, lift your packed suitcase and compare. Does it feel heavier, lighter, or about the same? You can do this with multiple items. Stack them up until you reach the weight limit you are aiming for, and compare again.

This might not give you an exact weight, but it can give you a good idea if you are over or under the airline's limit.

Use Your Bathroom Scale 

If you have a bathroom scale that is not suitable for weighing large suitcases directly, you can still use it in a clever way. Start by stepping on the bathroom scale without your suitcase and note your weight.

Then, pick up your packed suitcase and step back on the scale. Subtract your original weight from the weight that shows with the suitcase. The difference is the weight of your suitcase.

It might not be as accurate as using a proper luggage scale, but it works well enough to give you a good estimate.

Image: A photo of a person standing on a white digital bathroom scale, with their feet partially visible.

Weigh Your Suitcase Piece by Piece

If your suitcase is too heavy to weigh in one go, try weighing its contents in smaller chunks. This method works if you have a kitchen scale or a small bathroom scale. Just take items out of your suitcase and weigh them individually.

Keep track of the weight of each item and add them all up. Once you have weighed everything, you will know the total weight of your suitcase. This method can take a bit of time, but it is effective, especially if you are packing smaller items.

Conclusion

Weighing your suitcase without a scale may seem tricky at first, but there is always a way around it. Whether you are using household items, a bathroom scale, or weighing your items piece by piece, there is always a trick to avoid overweight luggage fees. 

Also, don’t forget the simplest solution of all. Just ask around. Your neighbour, friend, or family member might have a luggage scale or even a regular scale that you can borrow. Most people are happy to help, and it can save you from guessing or using more complicated methods.