NIST Handbook 133 

Checking the Net Contents 

of Packaged Goods

 as adopted by the 89th National Conference on Weights and Measures 2004

 Editors: 

 Tom Coleman 

 Linda Crown 

 Kathryn M. Dresser 

 

 Henry V. Oppermann, Chief 

NIST Weights and Measures Division 

 Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2600 

NIST Handbook 133

Fourth Edition 

January 2005 

Supersedes NIST Handbook 133,Third Edition, 1998; Supplement1, 1990;

Supplement 2, 1991; Supplement 3, 1992; Supplement 4, 1994; Fourth Edition

January 2002; Revised 2004)

U.S. Department of Commerce 

Donald L. Evans, Secretary

Technology Administration 

Phillip J. Bond, Under Secretary 

of Commerce for Technology

National Institute of 

Standards and Technology 

Hratch G. Semerjian, Acting Director
Certain commercial entities, equipment, or materials may be identified in this document in order 

to describe an experimental procedure or concept adequately. Such identification is not intended 

to imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 

nor is it intended to imply that the entities, materials, or equipment are necessarily the best 

available for the purpose. 

National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 133, 2005 Edition 

Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. Handb. 133, 2005 Ed. 109 Pages (Dec. 2004) 

CODEN : NIHAE2 

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

WASHINGTON: 2004

ternet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800 

Fax: (202) 512-2250 Mail: Stop SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-0001 

ISBN 0-16-051249-2
Foreword 

This handbook has been prepared as a procedural guide for the compliance testing of net content statements 

on packaged goods. Compliance testing of packaged goods is the determination of the conformance of the 

results of the packaging, distribution, and retailing process (the packages) to specific legal requirements for 

net content declarations. This handbook has been developed primarily for the use of government officials.

However, it should also be useful to commercial and industrial establishments in the areas of packaging, 

distribution, and sale of commodities. 

In conducting compliance testing, the conversion of quantity values from one measurement system to

another (e.g., from the metric system to the avoirdupois system) should be handled with careful regard to

the implied correspondence between the accuracy of the data and the number of digits displayed. In all

conversions, the number of significant digits retained should ensure that accuracy is neither sacrificed nor 

exaggerated. For this 4th edition of Handbook 133 all dimensions for test procedures, devices, or

environments have been rounded to two significant digits (e.g., 2.5 cm to 1.0 in) or to a precision level

applicable to the test equipment (e.g., 200 kPa for 25 psi and 35 MPa for 5,000 psi). 

iii 
Table of Contents for the 4th Edition of Handbook 133 (2005) 

Foreword.....................................................................................................................................................iii

2002 Amendments Table ..........................................................................................................................vii 

Chapter 1 – General Information.............................................................................................................. 1 

1.1 Scope .....................................................................................................................................................................1 

1.2 Package Requirements...........................................................................................................................................2 

1.3 Sampling Plans......................................................................................................................................................3 

1.4 Other Regulatory Agencies Responsible for Package Regulations and 

 Applicable Requirements..............................................................................................................................4 

1.5 Assistance in Testing Operations...........................................................................................................................5 

1.6 Health and Safety...................................................................................................................................................5 

1.7 Good Measurement Practices ................................................................................................................................5 

Chapter 2 – Basic Test Procedure – Gravimetric Testing....................................................................... 7 

2.1 Gravimetric Test Procedure for Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods..................................................7 

2.2 Measurement Standards and Test Equipment........................................................................................................7 

2.3 Basic Test Procedure ...........................................................................................................................................10 

2.4 Borax ...................................................................................................................................................................19 

2.5 The Determination of Drained Weight ................................................................................................................20 

2.6 Drained Weight for Glazed or Frozen Foods.......................................................................................................21 

Chapter 3 – Test Procedures – For Packages Labeled by Volume....................................................... 24 

3.1 Scope ...................................................................................................................................................................24 

3.2 Gravimetric Test Procedure for Liquids..............................................................................................................25 

3.3 Volumetric Test Procedures for Liquids..............................................................................................................28 

3.4 Other Volumetric Test Procedures ......................................................................................................................28 

3.5 Mayonnaise and Salad Dressing..........................................................................................................................29 

3.6 Goods Labeled by Capacity – Volumetric Test Procedure..................................................................................30 

3.7 Pressed and Blown Glass Tumblers and Stemware .............................................................................................31 

3.8 Volumetric Test Procedures for Paint, Varnish, and Lacquers – Non Aerosol....................................................32 

3.9 Testing Viscous Materials – Such as Caulking Compounds and Pastes..............................................................37 

3.10 Peat Moss............................................................................................................................................................38 

3.11 Mulch and Soils Labeled by Volume..................................................................................................................40 

3.12 Ice Cream Novelties ...........................................................................................................................................41 

3.13 Fresh Oysters Labeled by Volume......................................................................................................................45 

3.14 Determining the Net Contents of Compressed Gas in Cylinders........................................................................46 

3.15 Volumetric Test Procedures for Packaged Firewood with a 

 Labeled Volume of 113 L (4 ft3) or Less...................................................................................................49 

3.16 Boxed Firewood .................................................................................................................................................50 

3.17 Crosshatched Firewood ......................................................................................................................................51 

3.18 Bundles and Bags of Firewood...........................................................................................................................51 

v 
Chapter 4 – Test Procedures - Packages Labeled by Count, Linear 

 Measure, Area, Thickness, and Combinations of Quantities........................................................ 53 

4.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................... 53 

4.2 Packages Labeled by Count................................................................................................................................. 53 

4.3 Packages Labeled with 50 Items or Less............................................................................................................. 54 

4.4 Packages Labeled by Count of More than 50 Items ............................................................................................ 54 

4.5 Paper Plates and Sanitary Paper Products............................................................................................................ 57 

4.6 Special Test Requirements for Packages Labeled by Linear or 

 Measure (Area)........................................................................................................................................... 58 

4.7 Polyethylene Sheeting ......................................................................................................................................... 59 

4.8 Packages Labeled by Linear or Square (Area) Measure...................................................................................... 62 

4.9 Bailer Twine – Test Procedure for Length .......................................................................................................... 64 

4.10 Procedure for Checking the Area Measurement of Chamois...............................................................................65 

Index.............................................................................................................................................................69 

Appendix A Tables...................................................................................................................................A-1 

Appendix B Random Number Tables...................................................................................................B-1

Appendix C Glossary..............................................................................................................................C-1 

Appendix D Acknowledgments and References...................................................................................D-1 

Appendix E Model Inspection Report Forms.......................................................................................E-1

vi
Handbook 133, Fourth Edition (2005) 

2004 Amendments 

The following table lists the laws and regulations amended by the 89th NCWM. As appropriate, the text on the cited 

pages indicates the changes to the section or paragraph as "Added 2004" or "Amended 2004." Unless otherwise noted,

the effective date of the information “Added” or “Amended” in 2004 is January 1, 2005.

L&R Committee 

Item No. 

Chapter, Section, 

And Title 

Action Page

None 

Handbook 133, Fourth Edition (2005)

2004 Editorial Corrections 

Chapter, Section, 

And Title 

Action Page

Chapter 3, Section 3.2: Test Procedure. Amended step 3, volumetric measure 

selection for milk. 26 

Appendix A., Tables 2-5, 2-6, 2-8, and 2-10. Amended SI values to more closely

correspond to inch-pound values. 

A-6 – A-12

Appendix A, Table 2-11 Table corrected by including inspection lot

sizes from Table 2-1. A-13 

Appendix E., Standard Package Inspection Report

and Standard Inspection Report – Example 

Amended title of Box 9 (Rc) to match 

Random Package Inspection Report. E-4, E-5 

vii
Chapter 1. General Information 

1.1 Scope 

Routine verification of the net contents of packages is an important part of any weights and measures program to

facilitate value comparison and fair competition. Consumers have the right to expect packages to bear accurate net

content information. Those manufacturers whose products are sold in such packages have the right to expect that their 

competitors will be required to adhere to the same standards. 

The procedures in this handbook are recommended for use to verify the net quantity of contents of packages kept, 

offered, or exposed for sale, or sold by weight, measure (including volume, and dimensions), or count at any location

(e.g., at the point-of-pack, in storage warehouses, retail stores, and wholesale outlets). 

When and where to use these procedures? 

An effective program will typically include testing at each of the following levels. 

 Point-of-pack 

Testing packages at the “point-of-pack” has an immediate impact on the packaging process. Usually, a large number

of packages of a single product are available for testing at one place. This allows the inspector to verify that the packer

is following current good packaging practices. Inspection at the point-of-pack also provides the opportunity to educate 

the packer about the legal requirements that products must meet and may permit resolution of any net content issues or 

other problems that arise during the testing. Point-of-pack testing is not always possible because packing locations can 

be in other States or countries. Work with other State, county, and city jurisdictions to encourage point-of-pack

inspection on products manufactured in their geographic jurisdictions. Point-of-pack inspections cannot entirely

replace testing at wholesale or retail outlets, because point-of-pack inspections do not include imported products or the

possible effects of product distribution and moisture loss. Point-of-pack inspections only examine the manufacturing

process. Therefore, an effective testing program will also include testing at wholesale and retail outlets. 

 Wholesale 

Testing packages at a distribution warehouse is an alternative to testing at the point-of-pack with respect to being able to

test large quantities of and a variety of products. Wholesale testing is a very good way to monitor products imported from

other countries and to follow up on products suspected of being underfilled based on consumer complaints or findings

made during other inspections, including those done at retail outlets. 

Retail 

Testing packages at retail outlets evaluates the soundness of the manufacturing, distributing, and retailing processes of 

the widest variety of goods at a single location. It is an easily accessible, practical means for State, county and city 

jurisdictions to monitor packaging procedures and to detect present or potential problems. Generally, retail package 

testing is not conducive to checking large quantities of individual products of any single production lot. Therefore, 

follow-up inspections of a particular brand or lot code number at a number of retail and wholesale outlets, and

ultimately at the point-of-pack are extremely important aspects in any package-checking scheme. After the evaluation 

of an inspection lot is completed, the jurisdiction should consider what, if any, further investigation or follow-up is

warranted. At the point-of-sale, a large number of processes may affect the quality or quantity of the product. 

Therefore, there may be many reasons for any inspection lot being out of compliance. A shortage in weight or measure 

may result from mishandling the product in the store, or the retailer’s failure to rotate stock. Shortages may also be 

caused through mishandling by a distributor, or failure of some part of the packaging process. Shortages may also be

1
caused by moisture loss (desiccation) if the product is packaged in permeable media. Therefore, being able to 

determine the cause of an error in order to correct defects is more difficult when retail testing is used. 

(Amended 2002) 

What products can be tested? 

Any commodity sold by weight, measure, or count may be tested. The product to be tested may be chosen in several 

ways. The decision may be based on different factors, such as (1) marketplace surveys (e.g., jurisdiction-wide surveys of 

all soft drinks or breads), (2) surveys based on sales volume, or (3) audit testing (see Section 1.3) to cover as large a 

product variety as possible at food, farm, drug, hardware stores, or specialty outlets, discount and department stores. 

Follow-up of possible problems detected in audit testing or in review of past performance tends to concentrate inspection 

resources on particular commodity types, brand names, retail or wholesale locations, or even particular neighborhoods. 

The expected benefits for the public must be balanced against the cost of testing. Expensive products should be tested 

because of their cost per unit. However, inexpensive items should also be tested because the overall cost to individual 

purchasers may be considerable over an extended period. Store packaged items, which are usually perishable and not 

subject to other official monitoring, should be routinely tested because they are offered for sale where they are packed. 

Products on sale and special products produced for local consumption should not be overlooked because these items sell

quickly in large amounts. 

Regardless of where the test occurs, remember that it is the inspector's presence in the marketplace through routine 

unannounced testing that ensures equity and fair competition in the manufacturing and distribution process. Finally, 

always follow up on testing to ensure that the problems are corrected; otherwise, the initial testing may be ineffective. 

1.2 Package Requirements 

The net quantity of content statement must be “accurate,” but reasonable variations are permitted. Variations in 

package contents may be a result of deviations in filling. The limits for acceptable variation are based on current good 

manufacturing practices in the weighing, measuring, and packaging process. The first requirement is that accuracy is

applied to the average net contents of the packages in the lot. The second requirement is applied to negative errors in

individual packages. These requirements apply simultaneously to the inspection of all lots of packages except as

specified in “Exceptions to the Average and Individual Package Requirements” in this section.

Inspection Lot

An “inspection lot” (called a “lot” in this handbook) is defined as a collection of identically labeled (except for quantity

or identity in the case of random packages) packages available for inspection at one time. The collection of packages 

will pass or fail as a whole based on the results of tests on a sample drawn from this collection. This handbook

describes procedures to determine if the packages in an “inspection lot” contain the declared net quantity of contents 

and if the individual packages variations are within acceptable limits. 

Average Requirement 

In general, the average net quantity of contents of packages in a lot must at least equal the net quantity of contents

declared on the label. Plus or minus variations from the declared net weight, measure, or count are permitted when they

are caused by unavoidable variations in weighing, measuring, or counting the contents of individual packages that

occur in current good manufacturing practice. Such variations must not be permitted to the extent that the average of

the quantities in the packages of a particular commodity or a lot of the commodity that is kept, offered, exposed for 

sale, or sold, is below the stated quantity. (See Section 3.7, “Pressed and Blown Glass Tumblers and Stemware” and

Section 4.3, “Packages Labeled by Count of 50 Items or Less” for exceptions to this requirement.)

Individual Package Requirement

The variation of individual package contents from the labeled quantity must not be “unreasonably large.” In this 

handbook, packages that are underfilled by more than the Maximum Allowable Variation specified for the package are 

considered unreasonable errors. Unreasonable shortages are not generally permitted, even when overages in other 

2
packages in the same lot, shipment or delivery compensate for such shortage. This handbook does not specify limits of

overfilling, which is usually controlled by the packer. 

Maximum Allowable Variation 

The limit of “reasonable variation” for an individual package is called a “Maximum Allowable Variation” (MAV). An

MAV is a deviation from the labeled weight, measure, or count of an individual package beyond which the deficiency

is considered unreasonable. Each sampling plan limits the number of negative package errors permitted to be greater 

than the MAV. 

Deviations Caused by Moisture Loss or Gain

Deviations from the net quantity of contents caused by the loss or gain of moisture from the package are permitted when

they are caused by ordinary and customary exposure to conditions that normally occur in good distribution practice and

that unavoidably result in change of weight or measure. According to regulations adopted by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, no moisture loss is recognized on pesticides. (See Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR 156.10.)

Why do we allow for moisture loss or gain? 

Some packaged products may lose or gain moisture and, therefore, lose or gain weight or volume after packaging. The 

amount of lost moisture depends upon the nature of the product, the packaging material, the length of time it is in 

distribution, environmental conditions, and other factors. Moisture loss may occur even when manufacturers follow 

good distribution practices. Loss of weight “due to exposure” may include solvent evaporation, not just loss of water. 

For loss or gain of moisture, apply the moisture allowances to both the maximum allowable variations permitted for 

individual packages and the average net quantity of contents before determining the conformance of a lot. 

This handbook provides “moisture allowances” for some meat and poultry products, flour, and dry pet food. (See

“Moisture Allowances” in Chapter 2.) These allowances are based on the premise that when the average net weight of

a sample is found to be less than the labeled weight, but not by an amount that exceeds the allowable limit, either the 

lot is declared to be within the moisture allowance, or more information must be collected before deciding lot 

compliance or noncompliance. 

Test procedures for flour, some meat, and poultry are based on the concept of a “moisture allowance” also known as a 

“gray area” or “no decision” area. (See Section 2.3, Basic Test Procedure, Calculations, “How is the Maximum 

Allowable Variation corrected for the Moisture Allowance/How is the Average Error for Moisture Allowance 

corrected?”) When the average net weight of a sample is found to be less than the labeled weight, but not more than 

the boundary of the “gray area,” the lot is said to be in the “gray” or “no decision area.” The gray area is not a

tolerance. More information must be collected before lot compliance or noncompliance can be decided. Appropriate 

enforcement should be taken on packages found short weight and outside of the “moisture allowance” or “gray area.” 

(Amended 2002) 

Exceptions to the Average and Individual Package Requirements 

There is an exemption from the average requirement for packages labeled by count of 50 or fewer items. The reason

for this exemption is that the package count does not follow a “normal” distribution even if the package is designed to 

hold the maximum count indicated by the label declaration (e.g., egg cartons and packages of chewing gum). Another 

exception permits an “allowable difference” in the capacity of glass tumblers and stemware because mold capacity

doesn’t follow a normal distribution. 

1.3 Sampling Plans 

This handbook contains two sampling plans to use to inspect packages: Category A and Category B. Use the 

Category B Sampling Plans to test meat and poultry products at point-of-pack locations that are subject to U. S. 

Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) requirements. When testing all other packages,

use the Category A Sampling Plan. 

 

3
Why is sampling used to test packages? 

Inspections by weights and measures officials must provide the public with the greatest benefit at the lowest possible 

cost. Sampling reduces the time to inspect a lot of packages, so a greater number of items can be inspected. Net 

content inspection, using sampling plans for marketplace surveillance, protects consumers who cannot verify the net

quantity of contents. This ensures fair trade practices and maintains a competitive marketplace. It also encourages 

manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to follow good manufacturing and distribution practices. 

Why is the test acceptance criteria statistically corrected, and what are the confidence levels of the sampling plans?

Testing a “sample” of packages from a lot instead of every package is efficient, but the test results have a “sampling

variability” that must be corrected before determining if the lot passes or fails. The Category A sampling plans give

acceptable lots a 97 % or better probability of passing. An “acceptable” lot is defined as one in which the “average”

net quantity of contents of the packages equals or exceeds the labeled quantity. The Category B sampling plans give

acceptable lots at least a 50 % probability of passing. The sampling plans used in this handbook are statistically valid. 

That means the test acceptance criteria are statistically adjusted, so they are both valid and legally defensible. This

handbook does not discuss the statistical basis, risk factors, or provide the operating characteristic curves for the

sampling plans. For information on these subjects, see explanations on “acceptance sampling” in statistical reference

books. 

Why random samples? 

A randomly selected sample is necessary to ensure statistical validity and reliable data. This is accomplished by using 

random numbers to determine which packages are chosen for inspection. Improper collection of sample packages can

lead to bias and unreliable results. 

May audit tests and other shortcuts be used to identify potentially violative lots? 

Shortcuts may be used to speed the process of detecting possible net content violations. These audit procedures may

include the following: using smaller sample sizes, spot checks using tare lists provided by manufacturers, selecting

samples without collecting a random sample. These and other shortcuts allow spot checking of more products than is 

possible with the more structured techniques, but do not take the place of Category A or B testing. 

Can audit tests and other shortcuts be used to take enforcement action? 

No. Do not take enforcement action using audit test results. 

If, after an audit test, there is suspicion that a lot of packages is not in compliance, use the appropriate Category A or

Category B sampling plan to determine if the lot complies with the package requirements. 

1.4 Other Regulatory Agencies Responsible for Package Regulations and Applicable Requirements

In the United States, several Federal agencies issue regulations regarding package labeling and net contents. The U.S. 

Department of Agriculture regulates meat and poultry. The Food and Drug Administration regulates food, drugs, cosmetic 

products, and medical devices under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act

(FPLA). The Federal Trade Commission regulates most non-food consumer packaged products as part of the agency's

responsibility under the FPLA. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates pesticides. The Bureau of Alcohol, 

Tobacco, and Firearms in the U.S. Department of the Treasury promulgates regulations for packaged tobacco and 

alcoholic beverages as part of its responsibility under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act.

Packaged goods produced for distribution and sale also come under the jurisdiction of State and local weights and

measures agencies that adopt their own legal requirements for packaged goods. Federal statutes set requirements that preempt State and local regulations that are or may be less stringent or not identical to Federal regulation depending on the 

Federal law that authorizes the Federal regulation. The application of Handbook 133 procedures occurs in the context of 

the concurrent jurisdiction among Federal, State, and local authorities. Therefore, all agencies using this handbook should 

keep abreast of the revisions to Federal agency regulations that may contain sampling or testing information not in the 

4
regulations at the time of publication of this handbook. See Table 1-1. in Appendix A for information on the responsible 

agencies for package regulations and the requirements of this handbook that must be used when testing products

concurrently subject to pre-emptive federal regulations. 

1.5 Assistance in Testing Operations 

If the storage, display, or location of any lot of packages requires special equipment or an abnormal amount of labor for

inspection, the owner or the operator of the business must supply the equipment and/or labor as required by the weights 

and measures official. 

1.6 Health and Safety 

This handbook cannot address all of the health and safety issues associated with its use. The inspector is responsible 

for determining the appropriate safety and health practices and procedures before starting an inspection (e.g., contact 

the establishment's health and safety official). Comply with all handling, health, and safety warnings on package labels

and those contained in any associated material safety data sheets. The inspector must also comply with Federal, State, 

or local health and safety laws or other appropriate requirements in effect at the time and location of the inspection. 

Contact your supervisor to obtain information regarding your agencies safety and health policies and to obtain 

appropriate safety equipment. 

1.7 Good Measurement Practices 

The procedures in this handbook are designed to be technically sound and represent good measurement practices. To

assist in documenting tests, we have included “model” inspection report forms designed to record the information. 

Traceability Requirements for Measurement Standards and Test Equipment 

Each test procedure presented in this handbook includes a list of the equipment needed to perform the inspection. The

scales and other measurement standards used (e.g., balances, mass standards, volumetric, and linear measures) to

conduct any test must be traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Standards must be

used in the manner in which they were designed and calibrated for use. 

Certification Requirements for Standards and Test Equipment 

All measurement standards and test equipment identified in this handbook or associated with the test procedures must 

be calibrated or standardized before initial use. This must be done according to the instructions found in NIST 

Handbook 145, “Handbook for the Quality Assurance of Metrological Measurements,” or other recognized procedures 

(e.g., those adopted for use by a State weights and measures laboratory). After initial certification, the standards must

be routinely recertified according to your agency’s measurement assurance policies. 

5
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6
Chapter 2. Basic Test Procedure – Gravimetric Testing 

2.1 Gravimetric Test Procedure for Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods 

The gravimetric test method uses weight measurement to determine the net quantity of contents of packaged goods.

This handbook includes general test methods to determine the net quantity of contents of packages labeled in terms of

weight and special test methods for packages labeled in terms of fluid measure or count. Gravimetric testing is the

preferred method of testing most products because it reduces destructive testing while maximizing inspection

resources. 

2.2 Measurement Standards and Test Equipment 

What type of scale is required to perform the gravimetric test method?

Use a scale (for this handbook the term scale includes balances) that has at least 100 scale divisions. It must have a 

load-receiving element of sufficient size and capacity to hold the packages during weighing. It also requires a scale 

division no larger than 1/6 of the Maximum Allowable Variation (MAV) for the package size being weighed. The 

MAV/6 requirement is crucial to ensure that the scale has adequate resolution to determine the net contents of the 

packages. Subsequent references to product test criteria agreeing within one scale division are based on scale divisions

that are equal to or only slightly smaller than the MAV/6.

Example: The MAV for packages labeled 113 g (0.25 lb) is 7.2 g (0.016 lb) 

(See Table 2.5.) MAV/6 is 1.2 g (0.002 lb). In this example, a 1 g (0.002 lb) scale division would be

the largest unit of measure appropriate for weighing these packages.

How often should I verify the accuracy of a scale? 

Verify the accuracy of a scale before each initial daily use, each use at a new location, or when there is any indication 

of abnormal equipment performance (e.g., erratic indications). Recheck the scale accuracy if it is found that the lot 

does not pass, so there can be confidence that the test equipment is not at fault. 

Which accuracy requirements apply?

Scales used to check packages must meet the acceptance tolerances specified for their accuracy class in the current 

edition of NIST Handbook 44, “Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and

Measuring Devices” (NIST HB 44). The tolerances for Class II and Class III digital scales are presented in Section

2.20, Scales, NIST HB 44. 

Note: If the package checking scale is not marked with a “class” designation, use NIST HB 44 Table 1-1. to determine 

the applicable tolerance. 

What considerations affect measurement accuracy? 

Always use good weighing and measuring practices. For example, be sure to use weighing and measuring equipment 

according to the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the environment is suitable. Place scales and other 

measuring equipment (e.g., flasks and volumetric measures) on a rigid support and maintain them in a level condition

if being level is a requirement to ensure accuracy. 

In testing, which tolerances apply to the scale?

Do not use a scale if it has an error that exceeds the specified tolerance in any of the performance tests described in the 

following section. 

7
1. Determine the total number of divisions (i.e., the minimum increment or graduation indicated by the scale) of the

scale by dividing the scale’s capacity by the minimum division. 

Example: A scale with a capacity of 5 000 g and a minimum division of 0.1 g has 50 000 divisions. 

2. From Table 1-1. determine the class of the scale using the minimum scale division and the total number of scale 

divisions. 

Example: On a scale with a minimum division of 0.1 g and 50 000 total scale divisions the

appropriate class of scale is “II.” 

Note: If a scale is used where the number of scale divisions is between 5 001 and 10 000 and the division size is 0.1 g 

or greater and is not marked with an accuracy Class II marking, Class III scale tolerances apply.

Table 1-1. Class of Scale 

Value of Scale Division1 Minimum and Total Number of Divisions Class of Scale

1 mg to 0.05 g At least 100, but not more than 100 000 II 

0.1 g or more More than 5 000, but not more than 100 000 II

0.1 g to 2 g 

0.000 2 lb to 0.005 lb

0.005 oz to 0.125 oz 

More than 100, but not more than 10 000 III 

5 g or more 

0.01 lb or more 

0.25 oz or more

More than 500, but not more than 10 000 III 

1

On some scales, manufacturers designated and marked the scale with a verification division (e) for testing purposes (e = 1 g and 

d = 0.1 g). For scales marked Class II, the verification division is larger than the minimum displayed division. The minimum

displayed division must be differentiated from the verification scale division by an auxiliary reading means such as a vernier, rider,

or at least significant digit that is differentiated by size, shape, or color. Where the verification division is less than or equal to the

minimum division, use the verification division instead of the minimum division. Where scales are made for use with mass

standards (e.g., an equal arm balance without graduations on the indicator) the smallest mass standard used for the measurement is 

the minimum division. 

3. Determine the tolerance from Table 1-2. in divisions appropriate for the test load and class of scale. 

Example: Determine the number of divisions for any test load by dividing the value of the mass standard being

applied by the minimum division indicated by the scale. For example, if the scale has a minimum division of 0.1 g and

a 1 500 g mass standard is applied, the test load is equal to 15 000 divisions (1 500/0.1). On a Class II scale with a test

load between 10 000 and 20 000 divisions, Table 1-2. indicates the tolerance is plus or minus one division. 

Table 1-2. Acceptance Tolerances for Class of Scale based on Test Load in Divisions 

Test Load in Divisions 

Class II Scale Class III Scale Tolerance 

0 to 5 000 0 to 500 Plus or Minus 0.5 

Division

5 001 to 20 000 501 to 2 000 Plus or Minus 1 

Division

20 001 or more 

2 001 to 4 000 Plus or Minus 1.5 

Divisions 

Not Applicable 4 001 or more 

Plus or Minus 2.5 

Divisions 

8
Which performance tests should be conducted to ensure the accuracy of a scale? 

Use the following procedures to verify the scale. The following procedures, based on those required in NIST

Handbook 44, have been modified to reduce the amount of time required for testing scales in field situations. 

 Increasing-Load Test 

Use certified mass standards to conduct an “increasing-load test” with all test loads centered on the load-receiving 

element. Start the test with the device on zero and progress with increasing test loads to a “maximum test load” of at

least 10 percent more than the gross weight of the packages to be tested. Use at least three different test loads of 

approximately equal value to test the device up to the “maximum test load.” Verify the accuracy of the device at each 

test load. Include the package tare weight as one of the test points. 

Decreasing-Load Test 

For all types of scales, other than one with a beam indicator or equal-arm balance, conduct a “decreasing-load test”

with all test loads centered on the load-receiving element. Use the same test loads used in the “increasing-load test” of 

this section, and start at the “maximum test load.” Remove the test loads in the reverse order of the increasing-load test 

until all test loads are removed. Verify the accuracy of the scale at each test load. 

Shift Test 

Use a test load equal to one-half of the “maximum test load” used for the “increasing-load test.” For bench scales (see 

Diagram 1) place the test load in the center of four separate quadrants, equidistant between the center and edge of the 

load-receiving element and determine the accuracy in each quadrant for equal-arm balances. For example, where the

load-receiving element is a rectangular or circular shape, place the test load in the center of the area represented by the 

shaded boxes in the following diagrams. 

Diagram 1. Bench Scales Diagram 2. Equal-Arm Balance 

 

Return to Zero 

Conduct the return to zero test whenever all the test weights from the scale are removed, check to ensure that it returns 

to a zero indication. 

Which standards apply to other test equipment?

Specifications, tolerances, and other technical requirements for the other measurement standards and test equipment 

cited in this handbook are specified in the following NIST publications. These publications may be obtained from the 

Office of Weights and Measures or the U.S. Government Printing Office. 

• Mass Standards - Use NIST Handbook 105-1, “Specifications and Tolerances for Reference Standards and 

Field Standard Weights and Measures-Field Standard Weights (NIST Class F)” (1990)

• Volumetric Flasks and Cylinders - Use NIST Handbook 105-2, “Specifications and Tolerances for Reference 

Standards and Field Standard Weights and Measures-Field Standard Measuring Flasks” (1996) 

9
• Stopwatches - Use NIST Handbook 105-5, “Specifications and Tolerances for Reference Standards and Field

Standard Weights and Measures-Field Standard Stopwatches” (1997) 

• Thermometers - Use NIST Handbook 105-6, “Specifications and Tolerances for Reference Standards and

Field Standard Weights and Measures-Specifications and Tolerances for Thermometers” (1997) 

2.3 Basic Test Procedure 

The following steps apply when gravimetrically testing any type of packaged product except Borax and glazed or

frozen foods. If the tested products contain Borax, refer to Section 2.4, Borax. If glazed or frozen food is tested, refer

to Section 2.6, Drained Weight for Glazed or Frozen Foods. 

 The Basic Test Procedure: 

1. Identify and define the inspection lot.

2. Select the sampling plan. 

3. Select the random sample. 

4. Measure the net contents of the packages in the sample. 

5. Evaluate compliance with the Maximum Allowable Variation (MAV)

requirement. 

6. Evaluate compliance with the average requirement. 

Define the Inspection Lot 

The official defines which packages are to be tested and the size of the inspection lot. The lot may be smaller or larger 

than the production lot defined by the packer. Only take action on the packages contained in the lot that has been

defined.

Note: Normally, there will never be access to the entire “production lot” from a manufacturer. The “inspection lot” is

selected from packages that are available for inspection/test at any location in the distribution chain. 

Example: An inspection lot should consist of all of the cans of a single brand of peach halves, 

labeled with a net quantity of 453 g (1 lb). When packages are tested in retail stores, it is not

necessary to sort by lot code. If lot codes are mixed during retail testing, be sure to record the lot 

codes for all of the packages included in the sample so that the inspector and other interested parties

can follow up on the information. For special reasons, such as a large number of packages or the

prior history of problems with the product or store, the inspector may choose to define a lot as only 

one type of packaged product (e.g., ground beef). Another reason to narrowly define the lot is if the

results of an audit test indicate the possibility of a shortage in one particular lot code within a 

particular product.

What is the difference between standard and random weight packages? 

Standard packages are those with identical net content declarations such as containers of soda in 2 L bottles and 

2.26 kg (5 lb) packages of flour. “Random packages” are those with differing or no fixed patterns of weight, such as 

packages of meat, poultry, fish, or cheese. 

Sampling Plans 

Where are sampling plans located for Category A inspections?

Use Table 2-1., Sampling Plans for Category A, in Appendix A to conduct Category A inspections. 

10
Where are sampling plans located for Category B inspections?

Use Table 2-2., Sampling Plans for Category B, in Appendix A to conduct Category B inspections. 

Basic Inspection Procedure and Record Keeping 

How are the specific steps of the Basic Test Procedure documented? 

Use an official inspection report to record the inspection information. Attach additional worksheets, test notes, and 

other information as needed. This handbook provides random and standard packaged products model inspection report

forms in Appendix E. The references to box numbers in these instructions refer to the random and standard package 

reports in Appendix E. Modify the model reports and the box numbers to meet your agency's needs. Other formats 

that contain more or less information may be acceptable. 

Note: Inspection reports should be legible and complete. Good record keeping practices typically include record 

retention for a specified period of time (e.g., 1 to 3 years). 

3⁄4 Record the product identity, packaging description, lot code, location of test, and other pertinent data. 

3⁄4 Record the labeled net quantity of contents in box 1. Record both metric and inch-pound declarations if

they are provided on the package label. 

Example: If the labeled weight is 453 g (1 lb), record this in box 1.

3⁄4 When the declaration of net quantity on the package includes both the International System of Units (SI) 

(metric) and inch-pound units, the larger of the two declarations must be verified. The rounding rules in

the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation in NIST Handbook 130 permit packers to round

declarations up or down based on their knowledge of their package filling targets and the accuracy of 

packaging equipment. 

Determine the larger of the values by converting the SI declaration to inch-pound units, or vice versa,

using conversion factors that are accurate to at least six places. Compare the values, and use the larger

value in computing the nominal gross weight (see later steps). Indicate on the report which of the

declarations are being verified when packages labeled with two units of measure are encountered. 

Example: If the net weight declared on a package is 1 lb, the metric equivalent (accurate to six

significant digits) is 453.592 g. Do not round down or truncate values in the calculations until 

the nominal gross weight is determined and recorded. If the package is also labeled 454 g, then 

the metric declaration is larger than the inch-pound declaration and should be used to verify the

net contents of the package. The Basic Test Procedure does not prohibit the use of units of

weight instead of dimensionless units when recording package errors, nor does it prohibit the use 

of net content computer programs to determine product compliance. Record the unit of measure 

in box 2. The unit of measure is the minimum division of the unit of measurement used to

conduct the test. If a scale is used that reads to thousandths of a pound, the unit of measure is 

0.001 lb even if the scale division is 0.002 lb or 0.005 lb.

Example: If the scale has a scale division of 0.5 g, the unit of measure is 0.1 g. If a weighed 

package that has an error of “- 0.5 g,” record the error as “- 5” using “dimensionless units.” If

the scale indicates in increments of 0.002 lb, the unit of measure is 0.001 lb. If a weighed 

package has an error of “+ 0.016,” record the error as “+ 16” using “dimensionless units.” When

using dimensionless units, multiply package errors by the unit of measure to obtain the package 

error in weight.

3⁄4 Enter the appropriate MAV value in box 3 for the type of package (weight, volume, etc.), the labeled net

contents, and the unit of measure. 

11
Where are Maximum Allowable Variations found?

Find the MAV values for packages labeled by weight, volume, count, and measure in the tables listed below in

Appendix A. 

• packages labeled by weight See Table 2-5. 

 

• packages labeled by volume liquid or dry See Table 2-6.

• packages labeled by count See Table 2-7. 

• packages labeled by length, (width), or area See Table 2-8.

packages bearing a USDA seal of inspection – Meat and Poultry 

• textiles, polyethylene sheeting and film, mulch and soil labeled by volume, See Table 2-10.

packaged firewood, and packages labeled by count with less than 50 items

How is the value of an MAV found?

Refer to the appropriate table of MAVs and locate the declared quantity that is on the package label in the column

marked “Labeled Quantity.” Read across the table to find the value in the column titled “Maximum Allowable

Variation.” Record this number in box 3. Determine the MAV in dimensionless units and record in box 4 on the 

Standard Package Report Form (a dimensionless unit is obtained by dividing the MAV recorded in box 3 by the unit of

measure recorded in box 2). Refer to Appendix C, “The Glossary,” for the definition of dimensionless units. 

How many MAVs are permitted in a sample?

To find out how many minus package errors are permitted to exceed the MAV, see Column 4 in either Table 2-1.

(Category A) or Table 2-2. (Category B). Record this number in box 8. 

Random Sample Selection 

How are the sample packages selected?

Randomly select a sample from the inspection lot. Random number tables (see Appendix B) or a calculator that is able 

to generate random numbers may be used to identify the sample. If the packages for the sample are not randomly

selected, the test results may not be statistically valid. 

Note: If the inspector and the party that is ultimately responsible for the packing and declaration of net weight for the

product agree to an alternative method of sample selection, document how the sample packages were selected as part 

of the inspection record. 

How is the size of the “Lot" determined? 

Count the number of packages comprising the inspection lot or estimate the size to within 5 % and record the 

inspection lot size in box 5.

How is the sample size determined?

Refer to Table 2-1. or Table 2-2. to determine the sample size. In Column 1, find the size of the inspection lot (the

number recorded in box 5 of the report form). Read across from Column 1 to find the appropriate sample size in

Column 2 and record this number in box 6 of the report form. 

12
Tare Procedures 

What types of tare may be used to determine the net weight of package goods? 

This handbook defines three types of tare for the inspection of packaged goods. The tare weight may vary considerably

from package to package as compared with the variability of the package net contents, even for packages in the same 

production lot. Although this is not common for most packaging, the basic test procedure in this handbook considers

the variation for all tare materials. 

Used Dry Tare

Used Dry Tare is defined as follows: Used tare material that has been air dried, or dried in some manner to simulate the

unused tare weight. It includes all packaging materials that can be separated from the packaged product, either readily 

(e.g., by shaking) or by washing, scraping, ambient air drying, or other techniques involving more than “normal” 

household recovery procedures, but not including laboratory procedures like oven drying. Labels, wire closures, 

staples, prizes, decorations, and such are considered tare. Used Dry Tare is available regardless of where the packages 

are tested. The net content procedures described in this handbook reference Used Dry Tare. 

Unused Dry Tare 

If testing packages in retail store locations where they are packaged, and sold in small quantities to the ultimate 

consumers, the basic test procedure may be modified by using samples of the packaging material available in the store.

Unused dry tare is defined as:

All unused packaging materials (including glue, labels, ties, etc.) that contain or enclose a product. It includes

prizes, gifts, coupons, or decorations that are not part of the product. 

 Wet Tare 

If the jurisdiction uses wet tare to determine net weight, follow the procedures described below that reference Used 

Dry Tare, except make no effort to dry the tare material. If Wet Tare is used to verify the net weight of packages of

fresh poultry, hot dogs, and franks that are subject to the USDA regulations, the inspector must allow for moisture loss.

Wet Tare is defined as: Used tare material where no effort is made to dry the tare material. Free-flowing liquids are 

considered part of the tare weight. 

How is a tare weight determined?

Except in the instance of applying unused dry tare, select the packages for the initial tare sample from the sample 

packages. Mark the first two (three or five) packages in the order the random numbers were selected; these packages

provide the initial tare sample. Determine the gross weight of each package and record it in block a, “Gross Wt,” under 

the headings “Pkg. 1,” “Pkg. 2,” “Pkg. 3,” etc. on the report form. Except for aerosol or other pressurized packages,

open the sample packages, empty, clean, and dry them as appropriate for the packaging material. 

Does the inspection of aerosol containers require special procedures? 

Yes, aerosol containers are handled differently for two reasons. First, regulations under the Uniform Packaging and

Labeling Regulation in NIST HB 130 require that packages designed “to deliver” the product under pressure, “must

state the net quantity of the contents that will be expelled when the instructions for use as shown on the container are 

followed.” This means that any product retained in aerosol containers after full dispersion is included in the tare

weight. Second, aerosol containers must not be opened because they are pressurized; for safety reasons they should not 

be punctured or opened. When emptying aerosol containers to determine a tare weight, exhaust them in a wellventilated area (e.g., under an exhaust hood or outdoors) at least 15 m (50 ft) from any source of open flame or spark. 

To ensure that the container properly dispenses the product, read and follow any dispensing instructions on the 

package. If shaking during use is specified in the instructions, periodically shake (at least two or three times during 

13
expulsion of the product). If directions are not given, shake the container five times with a brisk wrist twisting motion. 

If the container has a ball agitator, continue the shaking procedure for one minute after the ball has shaken loose. 

How is the tare of vacuum-packed coffee determined? 

The gross weight of a can of vacuum-packed coffee will be more after the seal is broken and air enters the can. In the 

procedure to determine the tare weight of the packaging material, correct the gross weight determined for unopened 

cans as follows. Use the initial tare sample packages, weigh, and record the gross weight of the product-filled cans 

before and after breaking the vacuum seal. Compute the average gross weight difference (open weight minus sealed

weight) and record this in box 13a of the report form. The nominal gross weight equals the average tare weight minus

the average difference in gross weights plus the labeled weight (box 14): box 13 - box 13a + box 1.

How is it determined how many packages to select for the initial tare sample?

For the initial tare sample size, see Column 5 under initial tare sample size in Table 2-1., or Column 3 under initial tare

sample size in Table 2-2. Record the initial tare sample size in box 7 on the report form. 

Note: The initial tare sample size is considered the total tare sample size when the sample size is less than 12. 

How are the tare sample and tare weight of the packaging material determined?

1. Except for unused dry tare at the point-of-pack, first determine the tare weight for each package in the initial tare 

sample and record the value in row b, “Tare Wt.” under the appropriate package number column. 

2. For sample sizes of 12 or more, subtract the individual tare weights from the gross weights (block a, minus block 

b, on the report form) to obtain the net weight for each package and record these values in block c, “Net Wt,” on 

the report form. 

Determine and record the “range of package errors” (called Rc) for the initial tare sample in box 9 on the report

form. (The range is the difference between the package errors.) 

(Amended 2002) 

3. Determine and record the “range of tare weights” (called Rt) in box 10. 

4. Compute the ratio Rc/Rt by dividing the value in box 9 by the value in box 10. Record the resulting value in box 

11. (Rc and Rt must both be in the same unit of measure or both in dimensionless units.) 

5. Determine and record in box 12 the total number of packages to be opened for the tare determination from either 

Table 2-3., for a Category A test or Table 2-4., for a Category B test. 

3⁄4 In the first column (titled Ratio of Rc/Rt), locate the range in which the computed Rc/Rt falls. Then, read

across to the column headed with the appropriate sample size. 

3⁄4 If the total number of packages to open equals the number already opened go to Step 6.

 

3⁄4 If the total number of packages to open is greater than the number of packages already opened, compute 

the number of additional packages to open for the tare determination and go to Step 6. Enter the total 

number of tare samples in box 12. 

6. Determine the average tare weight using the tare weight values for all the packages opened and record the average 

tare weight in box 13. 

14
When and where is unused dry tare used, and how is it used to determine an average tare weight? 

You may determine the average tare weight using samples of unused dry tare when testing meat, poultry, or any other

products that are not subject to regulation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You may use unused dry tare

samples when conducting inspections at locations where the point-of-pack and sale are identical (e.g., store-packed

products in a supermarket meat case). To determine unused dry tare at the point-of-sale, randomly select two

(2) samples of unused dry tare, and weigh each separately. If there is no measurable variation in weight between the

samples, proceed with the test using the weight of one of the samples. If the weight of the two (2) initial samples vary, 

randomly select three (3) additional tare samples and determine the average weight of all five (5) samples. Use this

value as the average tare weight. 

(Amended 2002) 

Determine Nominal Gross Weight and Package Errors for Tare Sample 

What is a nominal gross weight? 

A nominal gross weight is used to simplify the calculation of package errors. To compute the nominal gross weight, 

add the average tare weight (recorded in box 13) to the labeled weight (recorded in box 1). To obtain the package 

error, subtract a package’s gross weight from the nominal gross weight. The nominal gross weight is represented by

the formula: 

Nominal gross weight = average tare + labeled weight

How are individual package errors determined for the tare sample packages?

Determine the errors of the packages opened for tare by subtracting the nominal gross weight recorded in box 14 from

the individual package gross weights recorded for each package (“Pkg 1,” “Pkg 2,” etc.) in block a, “Gross Wt.” The

nominal gross weight must be used, rather than the actual net weight, for each package to determine the package error.

This ensures that the same average tare weight is used to determine 

the error for every package in the sample, not just the unopened packages. 

3⁄4 For standard packages, record the package error in the appropriate plus or minus column on the report

form for each package opened for tare. 

3⁄4 For random packages, determine the package error for the tare sample using a nominal gross weight for

each package so that all of the package errors are determined with the same tare weight value. Record 

the package error on the Random Package Report Form in the appropriate plus or minus column under

Package Errors. 

Note: Converting the package error to dimensionless units allows the inspector to record the package 

errors as whole numbers disregarding decimal points and zeroes in front and unit of measure after the 

number. 

Example: If weighing in 0.001 lb increments, the unit of measure is also 0.001 lb. If the 

package error for the first package opened for tare is + 0.008 lb, instead of recording 0.008 lb in

the plus column, record the error as “8” in the plus column. If the second package error is +

0.060 lb, record the package error as “60” in the plus column, and so on. (This section does not

prohibit the use of units of weight or computer programs instead of dimensionless units.)

How are individual package errors determined for the other packages in the sample?

Compare the gross weight of each of the unopened sample packages with the nominal gross weight (box 14). Record 

the package errors in the “Package Errors” section of the report form using either units of weight (lb or g) or

dimensionless units. 

15
How is the total package error computed? 

Add all the package errors for the packages in the sample. Be sure to subtract the minus package errors from the plus

package errors and to record the total net error in box 15. 

Evaluating Results

How is it determined if a sample passes or fails? 

The following steps lead the inspector through the process to determine if a sample passes or fails. If the product is 

subject to moisture allowance, follow the procedures under “Moisture Allowances” in this chapter to correct the MAV. 

How is it determined if packages exceed the Maximum Allowable Variation?

Compare each minus package error with the MAV recorded in box 3 or box 4 (if using dimensionless units). Circle the

package errors that exceed the MAV. These are “unreasonable errors.” Record the number of unreasonable minus

errors found in the sample in box 16. 

How is it determined if the negative package errors in the sample exceed the number of MAVs allowed for the

sample? 

Compare the number in box 16 with the number of unreasonable errors allowed (recorded in box 8.) If the number 

found exceeds the allowed number, the lot fails. Record in box 17 whether the number of unreasonable errors found is 

less or more than allowed. 

Note: If the total error recorded in box 15 is a plus value and box 17 is “No”, then the number of unreasonable errors is

equal to or less than the number allowed (recorded in box 8) and the lot passes. 

How is the average error of the sample determined and does the inspected lot pass or fail the average requirement?

Determine the average error by dividing the total error recorded in box 15 by the sample size recorded in box 6.

Record the average error in box 18 if using dimensionless units or in box 19 if using units of weight. Compute the 

average error in terms of weight (if working in dimensionless units up to this time) by multiplying the average error in

dimensionless units by the unit of measure and record the value in box 19.

1. If the average error is positive, the inspection lot passes the average requirement. 

2. If the average error is negative, the inspection lot fails under a Category B test. Record in box 20. 

3. If the average error is a negative value when testing under the Sampling Plans for Category A, compute the 

Sample Error Limit (SEL) as follows: 

3⁄4 Compute the Sample Standard Deviation and record it in box 21. 

3⁄4 Obtain the Sample Correction Factor from Column 3 of Table 2-1. For Category A test. Record this

value in box 22. 

3⁄4 Compute the Sample Error Limit using the formula: 

Sample Error Limit (box 23) = Sample Standard Deviation (box 21) x 

Sample Correction Factor (box 22) 

4. Compliance Evaluation of the Average Error: 

3⁄4 If the value of the Average Error (box 18) is smaller than the SEL (box 23), the inspection lot passes. 

16
3⁄4 If the value of the Average Error (disregarding the sign) (box 18) is larger than the SEL (box 23) the 

inspection lot fails. However, if the product is subject to moisture loss, the lot does not necessarily fail.

Follow the procedures under “Moisture Allowances” in this chapter. 

Moisture Allowances 

How is reasonable moisture loss allowed?

If the product tested is subject to moisture loss, provide for the moisture allowance by following the steps listed below. 

Determine the value of the moisture allowance if the product is listed below.

What is the moisture allowance for flour and dry pet food?

The moisture allowance for flour and dry pet food is 3 % of the labeled net weight. 

Note: Dry pet food means all extruded dog and cat foods and baked treat products packaged in kraft paper bags and/or

cardboard boxes with a moisture content of 13 % or less at the time of pack. 

What moisture allowance is used with Used Dry Tare when testing packages that bear a USDA Seal of Inspection?

There is no moisture allowance when inspecting meat and poultry from a USDA inspected plant when Used Dry Tare

and a Category A sampling plan are used. 

What moisture allowance is used with wet tare when testing packages bearing a USDA seal of inspection?

• Use the following guideline when testing meat and poultry from any USDA inspected plant using Wet Tare 

and a Category A sampling plan. 

• For packages of fresh poultry that bear a USDA seal of inspection, the moisture allowance is 

3 5 of the labeled net weight. For net weight determinations, only, fresh poultry is defined as poultry above –

3 oC (26 oF). This is a product that yields or gives when push with the thumb. 

• For packages of franks or hotdogs that bear an USDA seal of inspection, the moisture allowance is 2.5 % of 

the labeled net weight. 

• For packages of bacon, fresh sausage, and luncheon meats that bear a USDA seal of inspection, there is no

moisture allowance if there is no free-flowing liquid or absorbent materials in contact with the product and the 

package is cleaned of clinging material. Luncheon meats are any cooked sausage product, loaves, jellied

products, cured products, and any sliced sandwich style meat. This does not include whole hams, briskets,

roasts, turkeys, or chickens requiring further preparation to be made into ready-to-eat sliced product. When

there is no free-flowing liquid inside the package and there are no absorbent materials in contact with the

product, Wet Tare and Dried Used Tare are equivalent. 

When there is free flowing liquid or absorbent packaging materials in contact with the product, all free liquid is part of

the wet tare. 

Calculations 

How is moisture allowance computed and applied to the average error?

To compute moisture allowance, multiply the labeled quantity by the decimal percent value of the allowance. 

Example: Labeled net quantity of flour is 907 g (2 lb) 

17
Moisture Allowance is 3 % (0.03) 

Moisture Allowance = 907 g (2 lb) x 0.03 = 27 g (0.06 lb) record this value in box 13a. 

How is the Maximum Allowable Variation corrected for the moisture allowance? 

• Adjust the MAV by adding the moisture allowance to the MAV. 

Example: 907 g (2 lb) package of flour: moisture allowance added to the MAV = 31.7 g (0.07 lb)

(MAV for 907 g [2 lb] package) + 27 g (0.06 lb) moisture allowance = a corrected MAV of 58.7 g 

(0.13 lb) 

• Correct MAV in dimensionless units by converting the moisture allowance to dimensionless 

units = 0.06 lb ÷ 0.001 lb = 60. Go to box 4 and add the moisture allowance in dimensionless units

to the MAV in dimensionless units. 

Example: MAV = 70 (MAV for 2 lb where the unit of measure = 0.001 lb) + 60 (moisture

allowance in dimensionless units) = 130. Minus package errors must exceed the MAV + gray area

before they are declared “unreasonable errors.” 

• If the number of unreasonable errors exceeds the allowed number (recorded in box 8) the inspection 

lot fails. 

How is the average error for the moisture allowance corrected?

If the minus average error (box 18) is larger (disregarding the sign) than the SEL (box 23) and moisture loss applies,

compare the difference between box 18 and box 23 with the moisture allowance recorded in box 13a. (Make sure that

all the values are in units of weight or in dimensionless units before making this comparison.) If box 13a is larger than 

the difference between box 18 and 23, then the lot is considered to be in the gray area. 

Example: Box 13a for 2 lb flour is 60 (dimensionless units); box 18 is 2 (dimensionless units); box

23 is 0.550 (dimensionless units). The difference between box 18 and box 23 is 1.450 (dimensionless 

units). Since box 13a is 60 (dimensionless units), 13a is larger than the difference between box 18

and box 23, the lot is considered to be in the gray area and further investigation is necessary before 

ruling out moisture loss as the reason for shortweight. 

When the average error of a lot of fresh poultry, franks, or hot dogs from a USDA-inspected plant is

minus, but does not exceed the established “moisture allowance” or “gray area,” contact the

appropriate USDA official and/or plant management personnel to determine what information is

available on the lot in question. Questions to the USDA official and/or plant management

representative may include: 

(a) Is a quality control program in place?

(b) What information is available concerning the lot in question?

(c) If net weight checks were completed, what were the results of those checks?

(d) What adjustments, if any, were made to the target weight?

Note: If USDA or plant management has data on the lot, such data may help to substantiate that the

"lot" met net content requirements at the point of manufacture. 

This handbook provides "moisture allowances" for some meat and poultry products, flour, and dry

pet food. These allowances are based on the premise that when the average net weight of a sample is

found to be less than the labeled weight, but not by an amount that exceeds the allowable limit, either 

the lot is declared to be within the moisture allowance or further investigation can be conducted. 

18
Deviations from net quantity of contents caused by the loss or gain of moisture from the package are 

permitted when caused by ordinary and customary exposure to conditions that occur under good 

distribution practices. If evidence is obtained and documented to prove that the lot was shipped from

the packaging plant in a shortweght condition or was distributed under inappropriate or damaging

distribution practices, appropriate enforcement action should be taken. 

(Amended 2002) 

2.4 Borax 

How is it determined if the net weight labeled on packages of borax is accurate?

Use the following procedures to determine if packages of borax are labeled correctly. This procedure applies to

packages of powdered or granular products consisting predominantly (more than 50 %) of borax. Such commodities

are labeled by weight, but borax can lose more than 23 % of its weight due to moisture loss. However, it does not lose

volume upon moisture loss, and this property makes possible a method of volume testing based on a density

determination in the event that the net weight of the product does not meet the average or individual package 

requirements. This method may be used for audit testing to identify possible short-filling by weight at point-of-pack. 

Since the density of these commodities can vary at point-of-pack, further investigation is required to determine 

whether, such short filling has occurred. 

Test Equipment 

• Metal density cup with a capacity of 550.6 mL or (1 dry pt). 

• Metal density funnel with slide-gate and stand.

• Scale or balance having a scale division not larger than 1 g or ( 0.002 lb). 

• Rigid straightedge or ruler 

• Pan suitable for holding overflow of density cup 

Test Procedure 

Follow Chapter 2, Section 2.3, Basic Test Procedures. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in

the inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine product compliance. 

1. If the lot does not comply by weight with the sampling plan requirements (either the average or individual package 

requirements), select the lightest package and record the net weight of this package. 

2. Determine the weight of the density cup. 

3. Place the density cup in the pan and put the funnel on top of the density cup. Close the funnel slide-gate. 

4. Pour sufficient commodity into the funnel so that the density cup can be filled to overflowing.

5. Quickly remove the slide-gate from the funnel, allowing the commodity to flow into the density cup. 

6. Carefully, without agitating the density cup, remove the funnel and level off the commodity with the ruler or 

straight edge. Hold the ruler or straight edge at a right angle to the rim of the cup, and carefully draw it back

across the top of the density cup to leave an even surface. 

7. Weigh the filled density cup. Subtract the weight of the density cup from the gross weight of the commodity plus

the density cup to obtain the net weight of commodity in the cup.

19
How is the volume determined? 

1. Multiply the net weight (in pounds) as found for the package under test by 550.6.

2. Divide the answer just obtained by the weight of the commodity in the density cup, step (7). The result is the net

volume of commodity in the package in milliliters.

3. Compare the net volume of the commodity in the package with the volume declared on the package. The volume

declaration is not located on the principal display panel. The following example is how the declaration of volume

should appear.

Volume 2530 cm3

 per NIST

Handbook 133

Note. (1 mL = 1 cm3

) 

What action can be taken based on the results of the density test? 

If the net volume of commodity in the lightest package equals or exceeds the declared volume on the package, treat the 

lot as being in compliance based on volume and take no further action. If the net volume of borax in the lightest 

package is less than the declared volume on the package, further compliance testing will be necessary. Take further 

steps to determine if the lot was in compliance with net weight requirements at point-of-pack or was short-filled by

weight. To determine this, perform a laboratory moisture loss analysis to ascertain the weight of the original borax

product when it was fully hydrated; obtain additional data at the location of the packager; and/or investigate the 

problem with the packager of the commodity. 

2.5 The Determination of Drained Weight 

Since the weight per unit volume of a drained product is of the same order of magnitude as that of the packaging liquid

that is drained off, an “average nominal gross weight” cannot be used in checking packages of this type. The entire 

sample must be opened. The procedure is based upon a test method accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug 

Administration. 

A tare sample is not needed because all the packages in the sample will be opened and measured. 

The weight of the container plus drained-away liquid is determined. This weight is then subtracted from the gross

weight to determine the package error. 

Equipment 

• Scales and weights recommended in Section 2.2 are suitable for the determination of drained weight.

• Sieves

3⁄4 For drained weight of 1.36 kg or (3 lb) or less, one 20 cm or (8 in) No. 8 mesh U.S. Standard Series

Sieve, receiving pan, and cover

3⁄4 For drained weight greater than 1.36 kg or (3 lb), one 30 cm or (12 in) sieve, with same

specifications as above

• Stopwatch 

20
Test Procedure 

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A or a Category B sampling

plan in the inspection (depending on the location of test); select a random sample; then use the following test procedure 

to determine lot compliance. 

1. Fill out boxes 1 through 8 on the standard pack report form on page E-4. Select the random sample. Determine

and record on a worksheet the weight of the receiving pan. 

2. Determine and record on a worksheet the gross weight of each individual package comprising the sample. 

3. Pour the contents of the first package into the dry sieve with the receiving pan beneath it, incline sieve to an angle

between 17o

 to 20o from horizontal to facilitate drainage, and allow the liquid from the product to drain into

receiving pan for 2 minutes [Do not shake or shift material on the sieve.] Remove sieve and product. 

4. Weigh the receiving pan, liquid, wet container, and any other tare material. [Do not include sieve and product.]

Record this weight as tare and receiving pan. 

5. Subtract the weight of the receiving pan, determined in step 1, from the weight obtained in step 4 to obtain the

package tare weight (which includes the weight of the liquid). 

6. Subtract the tare weight, found in step 5, from the corresponding package gross weight determined in step 2 to

obtain the drained weight of that package. Determine the package error (drained weight - labeled drained weight). 

7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for the remaining packages in the sample, cleaning and drying the sieve and receiving 

pan between measurements of individual packages. 

8. Transfer the individual package errors to the standard pack report form, page E-4.

9. To determine lot conformance, return to Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results”. 

2.6 Drained Weight for Glazed or Frozen Foods 

How is the drained weight of frozen shrimp and crabmeat determined? 

When determining the net weight of frozen shrimp and crabmeat, use the test equipment and procedure provided 

below. Immerse the product directly in water in a mesh basket or open container to thaw (e.g., it is not placed in a

plastic bag). Direct immersion does not result in the product absorbing moisture because the freezing process causes 

the tissue to lose its ability to hold water. Maintain the water temperature between 23 o

C to 29 °C (75 oF to 85 °F).

This is accomplished by maintaining a constant flow of warm water into the container holding the product (e.g., place a

bucket in a sink to catch the overflow, and feed warm water into the bottom of the bucket through a hose). After 

thawing, drain the product on a sieve for 2 minutes and then weigh it.

Equipment 

• Partial immersion thermometer or equivalent with 1 °C (2 °F) graduations and a -35 o

C to +50 °C (-30 oF to 

+120 °F) accurate to ±1 °C (±2 °F) 

• Water source and hose with a 4 L to 15 L (1 gal to 4 gal) per minute flow rate

• Sink or other receptacle [i.e., 15 L (4 gal) bucket] 

21
• A wire mesh basket or other container that is large enough to hold the contents of 1 package [e.g., 2.27 kg or

(5 lb) box of shrimp] and has openings small enough to retain all pieces of the product (e.g., an expanded

metal test tube basket lined with standard 16 mesh screen) 

• Number 8 mesh, 20 cm (8 in) or 30 cm (12 in) sieve 

• Stopwatch 

Test Procedure 

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A or a Category B sampling

plan in the inspection (depending on the location of test); select a random sample; then use the following test procedure 

to determine lot compliance. 

1. Place the unwrapped frozen shrimp or crabmeat in the wire mesh basket and immerse in a 15 L (4 gal) or larger

container of fresh water at a temperature between 23 °C to 29 °C (75 °F to 85 °F). Submerge the basket so that the

top of the basket extends above the water level. 

2. Maintain a continuous flow of water into the bottom of the container to keep the temperature within the specified

range. 

3. As soon as the product thaws, determined by loss of rigidity, transfer all material to a sieve (20 cm [8 in] for

packages less than 453 g [1 lb] or 30 cm [12 in] for packages weighing more than 453 g [1 lb]) and distribute it

evenly over the sieve. 

4. Without shifting the product, incline the sieve 30o

 from the horizontal position to facilitate drainage, and drain for 

2 minutes. 

5. At the end of the drain time, immediately transfer the product to a tared pan for weighing to determine the net

weight. 

How is the net weight of glazed raw seafood and fish determined? 

For glazed seafood and fish, determine the net weight after removing the glaze using the following procedure. Use 

this method for any frozen glazed food product.

Equipment

Use the equipment listed in Section 2.6. 

Test Procedures 

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; and use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance.

1. Fill out a report form and select the random sample. A tare sample is not needed. 

2. Weigh sieve and receiving pan. Record this weight on a worksheet as “sieve weight.”

3. Remove each package from low temperature storage; open it immediately and place the contents under a gentle 

spray of cold water. Carefully agitate the product to avoid breaking the product. Continue the spray until all ice 

glaze that is seen or felt is removed. In general, the product should remain rigid; however, the ice glaze on certain 

products, usually smaller sized commodities, sometimes cannot be removed without defrosting the product.

Nonetheless, remove the glaze, because it is a substantial part of the package weight. 

(Amended 2002) 

22
4. Transfer the product to the weighed sieve. Without shifting the product, incline the sieve to an angle of 17o to 20o

to facilitate drainage and drain (into waste receptacle or sink) for exactly 2 minutes. 

5. Place the product and sieve on the receiving pan and weigh. Record this weight on a worksheet as the “sieve +

product weight.” 

6. The net weight of product is equal to the weight of the pan plus the sieve plus the product (recorded in step 5)

minus the “sieve weight” (recorded in step 2). Record the product net weight on the worksheet. The package

error is equal to the net weight of the product as measured minus the labeled weight. Record the package error on 

the worksheet and transfer it to the report form. 

7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each package in the sample, cleaning and drying the sieve and the receiving pan 

between package measurements. 

Evaluation of Results

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results 

23
Chapter 3. Test Procedures – For Packages Labeled by Volume 

3.1 Scope 

What types of packaged goods can be tested using these procedures? 

Use this procedure to determine the net contents of packaged goods labeled in fluid volume such as milk, water, beer, 

oil, paint, distilled spirits, soft drinks, juices, liquid cleaning supplies, or liquid chemicals. This chapter also includes 

procedures for testing the capacities of containers such as paper cups, bowls, glass tumblers, and stemware. 

What types of packages are not covered by these procedures?

These procedures do not cover berry baskets and rigid-dry measures that are covered by specific code requirements in

NIST Handbook 44. 

When can the gravimetric test procedure be used to verify the net quantity of contents of packages labeled by

volume? 

The gravimetric procedure may be used to verify the net quantity of contents of packages labeled in volume when the 

density (density means the weight of a specific volume of liquid determined at a reference temperature) of the product 

being tested does not vary excessively from one package to another. 

What procedure is followed if the gravimetric test procedure cannot be used? 

Test each package as described in Section 3.3, Volumetric Test Procedure for Liquids. 

What considerations besides density affect measurement accuracy? 

In addition to possible package-to-package variations in product density, the temperature of the liquid will affect the 

volume of product. The product will expand or contract based on a rise or fall in product temperature. 

Example: The volume of a liquid cleaning product might be 5 L (1.32 gal) at 20 °C (68 °F) and 

5.12 L (1.35 gal) at 25 °C (77 °F), which represents a 2.2 % change in volume. 

Note: This extreme example is for illustrative purposes, a 2.2 % volume change will not occur in

normal testing. 

What reference temperature should be used to determine the volume of a liquid?

Use the reference temperature specified in Table 3-1., Reference Temperatures for Liquids to determine volume. When

checking liquid products labeled by volume using the gravimetric procedure, maintain the packages used to determine

product densities at reference temperatures. If testing the packages in a sample volumetrically, each package in the

sample must be maintained at or corrected to the reference temperature when its volume is determined. 

Note. When checking liquid products using a volumetric or gravimetric procedure, the temperature of the samples 

must be maintained at the reference temperature ±2 oC (±5 oF).

24
Table 3-1. Reference Temperatures for Liquids 

If the Liquid Commodity is Then, the reference temperature is 

1 Frozen food labeled by volume (e.g., fruit juice) -18 oC (0 oF) 

2 Beer 3.9 °C (39.1 °F)

3 

Food that must be kept refrigerated (e.g., milk and

other dairy products. Usually labeled “Keep 

Refrigerated”) 4.4 °C (40 °F) 

4 Distilled spirits or petroleum 15 °C (60 °F)

5 

Unrefrigerated products

(e.g., includes liquids sold unchilled, such as softdrinks and wine) 20 °C (68 °F)

3.2 Gravimetric Test Procedure for Liquids

Equipment 

• A scale that meets the requirements in Chapter 2, Section 2.2, Measurement Standards and Test Equipment. 

Note: To verify that the scale has adequate resolution for use, it is first necessary to determine the density of the 

liquid; next verify that the scale division is no larger than MAV/6 for the package size under test. The smallest 

graduation on the scale must not exceed the weight value for MAV/6. 

Example: Assume the inspector is using a scale with 1 g (0.002 lb) increments to test packages 

labeled 1 L (33.8 fl oz) that have an MAV of 29 mL (1 fl oz). Also, assume the inspector finds that

the weight of 1 L of the liquid is 943 g (2.078 lb). This will result in an MAV/6 value in weight of

4.715 g (0.010 lb):

29 mL/6 = 4.8 mL (1 fl oz/6 = 0.166 6 fl oz) 

943 g/1 000 mL= 0.943 g/mL (2.07 8 lb/33.6 fl oz = 0.061 8 lb/fl oz) 

4.8 mL x 0.943 g/mL = 4.5264 g (0.166 6 fl oz x 0.061 8 lb/fl oz = 0.010 lb)

In this example, the 1 g (0.002 lb) scale division is smaller than the MAV/6 value of 4.5264 g 

(0.10 lb) so the scale is suitable for making a density determination.

• A partial immersion thermometer (or equivalent) with a range of –35 o

C to +50 °C (30 oF to 120 °F),

at least 1 °C (1 °F) graduations, and with a tolerance of ±1 °C (±2 °F) 

• Volumetric measures 

Example: When checking packages labeled in SI units, flask sizes of 100 mL, 200 mL, 500 mL, 

1 L, 2 L, 4 L, and 5 L and a 50 mL cylindrical graduate with 1 mL divisions may be used. When

checking packages labeled in inch-pound units the use of measuring flasks and graduates with

capacities of gill, half-pint, pint, quart, half-gallon, gallon, and a 2 fl oz cylindrical graduate, 

graduated to 1⁄2 fluid dram is recommended. 

• Defoaming agents may be necessary for testing liquids such as beer and soft drinks that effervesce or 

are carbonated. Two such products are Hexanol or Octanol (Capryl Alcohol). 

Note: The mention of trade or brand names does not imply that these products are endorsed or

recommended by the U.S. Department of Commerce over similar products commercially available from

other manufacturers. 

25
• Bubble level at least 15.24 cm (6 in) in length

• Stopwatch 

Test Procedure 

1. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection. Select a random sample; then use the following procedure to determine lot compliance. 

2. Bring the sample packages and their contents to the reference temperature as specified in Table 3-1., Reference

Temperatures for Liquids. To determine if the liquid is at its reference temperature, immerse the thermometer in

the liquid before starting the test. Verify the temperature again immediately after the flask and liquid is weighed.

If the product requires mixing for uniformity, mix it before opening in accordance with any instructions specified

on the package label. Shaking liquids, such as flavored milk, often entraps air that will affect volume

measurements, so use caution when testing these products. Often, less air is entrapped if the package is gently 

rolled to mix the contents. 

3. For milk, select a volumetric measure equal to or one size smaller than the label declaration. For all other 

products, select a volumetric measure that is one size smaller than the label declaration. For example, if testing a 

1 L bottle of juice or a soft drink, select a 500 mL volumetric measure. 

(Amended 2004) 

Note: When determining the density of milk, if the product from the first container does not fill the volumetric

measure to the nominal capacity graduation, product may be added from another container as long as product

integrity is maintained (i.e., brand, identity, lot code, and temperature). 

4. Prepare a clean volumetric measure to use according to the following procedures: 

3⁄4 Because flasks are ordinarily calibrated on a “to deliver” basis, they must be “wet down” before using. 

Immediately before use, fill the volumetric flask(s) or graduate with water. The water should be at the

reference temperature of the product being tested. Fill the flask(s) with water to a point slightly below 

the top graduation on the neck. The flask should be emptied in 30 seconds (± 5 seconds). Tilt the flask

gradually so the flask walls are splashed as little as possible as is emptied. When the main flow stops, 

the flask should be nearly inverted. Hold the flask in this position for 10 seconds more and touch off the 

drop of water that adheres to the tip. If necessary, dry the outside of the flask. The flask or graduate is

then ready to fill with liquid from a package. This is called the “wet down” condition.

Note: When using a volumetric measure that is calibrated “to contain,” the measure must be dry before

each measurement. 

3⁄4 If the liquid effervesces or foams when opened or poured (such as carbonated beverages), add two drops 

of a defoaming agent to the bottom of the volumetric measure before filling with the liquid. If working

with a carbonated beverage, make all density determinations immediately upon placing the product into

the standard. This reduces the chance of volume changes occurring from the loss of carbonization. 

3⁄4 Before making additional measurements of a liquid, use water to wash or rinse and prepare the 

volumetric measure. Between each two measurements of liquid from the sample packages, prepare the

volumetric measure as described above, dry the outside of the flask, and drain the volumetric measure as

described in earlier paragraphs of this section, as appropriate. 

5. If the flask capacity is equal to the labeled volume, pour the liquid into the volumetric measure tilting the package 

to a nearly vertical position. If the flask capacity is smaller than the package's labeled volume, fill the flask to its 

nominal capacity graduation. If conducting a volumetric test, drain the container into the volumetric measure for 1

minute after the stream of liquid breaks into drops. 

26
6. Position the volumetric measure on a level surface at eye level. For clear liquids, place a material of some dark 

color outside the flask immediately below the level of the meniscus. Read the volume from the lowest point of the

meniscus. For opaque liquids, read volume from the center top rim of the liquid surface. 

7. Use the gravimetric procedure to determine the volume if the limit specified for the difference in density is not

exceeded. 

• Select a volumetric measure equal to or one size smaller than the labeled volume (depending on the

product) and prepare it as described in paragraph 4 of this section. Then determine and record its

empty weight.

• Determine acceptability of the liquid density variation, using two packages selected for tare

according to Chapter 2 as follows: 

3⁄4 Determine the gross weight of the first package. 

3⁄4 Pour the liquid from the first package into a volumetric measure exactly to the nominal capacity 

marked on the neck of the measure.

3⁄4 Weigh the filled volumetric measure and subtract its empty weight to obtain the weight of the liquid. 

Determine density by dividing the weight of the liquid by the capacity of the volumetric measure. 

3⁄4 Determine the weight of the liquid from a second package using the same procedure. 

3⁄4 If the difference between the densities of the two packages exceeds one division, use the volumetric 

procedure in Section 3.3., Volumetric Test Procedure for Liquids. 

How is “nominal gross weight” determined? 

Determine the “nominal gross weight” as follows: 

1. Determine the Average Used Dry Tare Weight of the sample according to provisions of Section 2.3. 

2. Calculate the Average Product Density by adding the densities of the liquid from the two packages and dividing

the sum by two. 

3. Calculate the “nominal gross weight” using the following formula if the flask capacity is equal to the 

labeled volume:

Nominal Gross Weight = (Average Product Density [in weight units]) + 

(Average Used Dry Tare Weight) 

Note: If the flask size is smaller than the labeled volume, the following formula is used:

 

Nominal Gross Weight = (Average Product Density x [Labeled Volume/ Flask Capacity]) + (Average Used Dry Tare

Weight) 

27
How are the errors in the sample determined? 

1. Weigh the remaining packages in the sample. 

Subtract the nominal gross weight from the gross weight of each package to obtain package errors in terms of 

weight. All sample packages are compared to the nominal gross weight. 

2. To convert the average error or package error from weight to volume, use the following formula:

Package Error in Volume = Package Error in Weight/Average Product Density 

Per Volume Unit of Measure 

Evaluation of Results

Follow the procedures in “Evaluating Results” in Chapter 2, Section 2.3, to determine lot conformance. 

3.3 Volumetric Test Procedure for Liquids 

How is the volume of liquid contained in a package determined volumetrically?

Follow steps 1 through 6 in Section 3.2., Gravimetric Test Procedure for Liquids for each package in the sample. 

 

How are the errors in the sample determined?

Read the package errors directly from the graduations on the measure. The reference temperature must be maintained 

within ± 2 °C (± 5 °F) for the entire sample. 

Evaluation of Results 

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3, Evaluating Results to determine lot conformance. 

3.4 Other Volumetric Test Procedures 

What other methods can be used to determine the net contents of packages labeled by volume? 

Depending on how level the surface of the commodity is, use one of two headspace test procedures. Use the first

headspace test procedure to determine volume where the liquid has a smooth surface (e.g., oils, syrups, and other 

viscous liquids). Use the second procedure to determine volume where the commodity does not have a smooth surface 

(e.g., mayonnaise and salad dressing).

Test Procedure 

Before conducting any of the following volumetric test procedures, follow Section 2.3, Basic Test Procedure in

Chapter 2. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the inspection; select a random sample; then

use the following procedure to determine lot compliance. 

Test Equipment 

• Micrometer depth gage (ends of rods fully rounded) 0 mm to 225 mm (0 in to 9 in) or longer 

• Level (at least 15 cm (6 in) in length)

• Laboratory pipets and/or buret 

3⁄4 Class A 500 mL buret that conforms to ASTM E 287-94, “Standard Specification for Laboratory

Glass Graduated Burets” 

28
3⁄4 Class A Pipets, calibrated “to deliver” that conform to ASTM E 969-95, “Standard Specification for 

Glass Volumetric (Transfer) Pipets” 

• Volumetric measures 

• Water 

• Rubber bulb syringe 

• Plastic disks that are 3 mm (1/8 in) thick with diameters equal to the seat diameter or larger than the brim 

diameter of each container tested. The diameter tolerance for the disks is 50 μm (± 0.05 mm [± 0.002 in]). 

The outer edge should be smooth and beveled at a 30o

 angle with the horizontal to 800 μm (0.8 mm [1/32 in])

thick at the edge. Each disk must have a 20 mm (3/4 in) diameter hole through its center and a series of 

1.5 mm (1/16 in) diameter holes 25 mm (1 in) from the outer edge. 

• Stopwatch 

How is the volume of oils, syrups, and other viscous liquids that have smooth surfaces determined?

1. Make all measurements on a level surface 

2. Bring the temperature of both the liquid and the water to be used to measure the volume of the liquid to the 

reference temperature specified in Table 3-1., Reference Temperatures for Liquids.

3. Measure the headspace of the package at the point of contact with the liquid using a depth gauge with a fully 

rounded, rather than a pointed, rod end. If necessary, support the package to prevent the bottom of the container

from distorting.

4. Empty, clean, and dry the package.

5. Refill the container with water measured from a volumetric standard to the original liquid headspace level

measured in paragraph (3) of this section until the water touches the depth gauge. 

6. Determine the amount of water used in paragraph (5) of this section to obtain the volume of the liquid and

calculate the “package error” based on that volume. 

Evaluation of Results 

Follow the procedures in “Evaluating Results” in Chapter 2, Section 2.3, to determine lot conformance. 

3.5 Mayonnaise and Salad Dressing 

Volumetric Headspace Test Procedure 

Use the volumetric headspace procedure described in this section to determine volume when the commodity does not

have a smooth surface (e.g., mayonnaise, salad dressing, and other water immiscible products without a level liquid 

surface). The procedure guides the inspector to determine the amount of headspace above the product in the package 

and the volume of the container. Determine the product volume by subtracting the headspace volume from the

container volume. Open every package in the sample. 

29
1. Make all measurements on a level surface. 

2. Bring the temperature of both the commodity and the water used to measure the volume to the appropriate

temperature designated in Table 3-1., Reference Temperatures for Liquids. 

3. Open the first package and place a disk larger than the package container opening over the opening. 

4. Measurement Procedure 

3⁄4 Deliver water from a flask (or flasks), graduate, or buret, through the central hole in the disk onto the top

of the product until the container is filled. If it appears that the contents of the flask may overfill the

container, do not empty the flask. Add water until all of the air in the container has been displaced and 

the water begins to rise in the center hole of the disk. Stop the filling procedure when the water fills the 

center disk hole and domes up slightly due to the surface tension. Do not add additional water after the

level of the water dome has dropped. 

3⁄4 If the water dome breaks on the surface of the disk, the container has been overfilled and the test is void;

dry the container and start over. 

5. To obtain the headspace capacity, record the volume of water used to fill the container and subtract 1 mL

(0.03 fl oz), which is the amount of water held in the hole in the disk specified. 

6. Empty, clean, and dry the package container. 

7. Repeat steps 4 and 5 of this section. Refill the package container with water measured from a volumetric measure 

to the maximum capacity of the package, subtract 1 mL (0.03 fl oz), and record the amount of water used as the 

container volume; and 

8. From the container volume determined in paragraph 7 of this section, subtract the headspace capacity in paragraph

(5) of this section to obtain the measured volume of the product and calculate the “package error” for that volume 

where “package error” equals labeled volume minus the measured volume of the product.

Evaluation of Results

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine lot conformance. 

3.6 Goods Labeled by Capacity - Volumetric Test Procedure 

What type of measurement equipment is needed to perform the headspace test procedures? 

Use the test equipment in Section 3.4. (except for the micrometer depth gage) to perform these test procedures. 

How is it determined if goods labeled by capacity meet the average and individual requirements? 

Before conducting any of the following volumetric test procedures, refer to Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Basic Test 

Procedure. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the inspection; select a random sample; then

use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

1. Make all measurements on a level surface. 

2. When testing goods labeled by capacity, use water at a reference temperature of 20 °C ± 2 °C (68°F ± 5 °F). 

3. Select a sample container and place a disk larger than the container opening over the opening. 

30
4. Measurement Procedure 

3⁄4 Add water to the container using flask (or flasks), graduate, or buret corresponding to labeled capacity of 

the container. If it appears that the contents of the flask may overfill the container, do not empty the 

flask. Add water until all of the air in the container has been displaced and the water begins to rise in the 

center hole of the disk. Stop filling the container when the water fills the center disk hole and domes up

slightly due to the surface tension. 

3⁄4 If the water dome breaks on the surface of the disk, the container has been overfilled and the test is void;

dry the container and start over. 

3⁄4 Record the amount of water used to fill the container and subtract 1 mL (0.03 fl oz) (this is the amount of 

water held in the hole in the disk specified) to obtain the total container volume. 

5. Test the other containers in the sample according to the procedures in paragraph (4) of this section. 

6. To determine package errors, subtract the total container volume obtained in paragraphs (4) and (5) from the 

labeled capacity of the container.

Evaluation of Results 

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine lot compliance. 

3.7 Pressed and Blown Glass Tumblers and Stemware 

What requirements apply to pressed and blown glass tumblers and stemware? 

This handbook provides a tolerance to the labeled capacity of glass tumblers and stemware. The average requirement 

does not apply to the capacity of these products. See Table 3-2., Allowable Differences for Pressed and Blown Glass 

Tumblers and Stemware. 

How is it determined if tumblers and stemware meet the individual package requirement?

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot and determine which sampling plan to use in

the inspection, select a random sample, and then use the following volumetric test procedure to determine container

capacity and volume errors. 

What type of measuring equipment is needed to perform the test procedures? 

Use the equipment specified in Section 3.4., (except for the micrometer depth gage) to perform these test procedures. 

What are the steps of the test procedure? 

Follow steps 1 through 6 in 3.6, Goods Labeled by Capacity - Volumetric Test Procedure.

How is it determined if the samples conform to the allowable difference?

Compare the individual container error with the allowable difference that applies in Table 3-2., Allowable Differences

for Pressed and Blown Glass Tumblers and Stemware. If a package contains more than one container, all of the

containers in the package must meet the allowable difference requirements in order for the package to pass. 

31
Table 3-2. Allowable Differences for Pressed and Blown Glass Tumblers and Stemware 

Unit of measure 

If the capacity in metric units is: Then the allowable difference is: 

200 mL or less ± 10 mL

More than 200 mL ± 5 % of the labeled capacity 

If the capacity in inch-pound units is: Then the allowable difference is: 

5 fluid ounces or less ± 1⁄4 fluid ounce 

More than 5 fluid ounces ± 5 % of the labeled capacity

Evaluation of Results 

Count the packages in the sample with volume errors greater than the allowable difference and compare the resulting 

number with the number given in Column 3 of Table 2-11., in Appendix A. 

3⁄4 If the number of containers in the sample with errors exceeding the allowable difference exceeds the 

number allowed in Column 3, the lot fails. 

3⁄4 If the number of packages with errors exceeding the allowable difference is less than or equal to the number in Column 3, the lot passes. 

Note: The average capacity error is not calculated because the lot passes or fails based on the individual volume

errors. Act on the individual units containing errors exceeding the allowable difference individually even though the 

lot passes the requirement. 

3.8 Volumetric Test Procedure for Paint, Varnish, and Lacquers – Non-aerosol 

How is the volume of paint, varnish, and lacquers contained in a package determined? 

Use one of three different test methods depending upon the required degree of accuracy and the location of the

inspection. The procedures include both retail and in-plant audits and a “possible violation” method, which is designed, 

for laboratory or in plant use because of cleanup and product collection requirements. The procedures are suitable to

use with products labeled by volume and packaged in cylindrical containers with separate lids that can be resealed. 

Equipment 

• A scale that meets the requirements in Chapter 2, Section 2.2., Measurement Standards and Test Equipment 

• Volumetric measures 

• Micrometer depth gage (ends of rods fully rounded), 0 mm to 225 mm (0 in to 9 in) 

• Diameter (Pi) tape measure, 5 cm to 30 cm (2 in to 12 in) 

• Spanning bar, 2.5 cm by 2.5 cm by 30 cm or (1 in by 1 in by 12 in) 

• Rule, 30 cm (12 in) 

• Paint solvent or other solvent suitable for the product being tested

• Cloth, 30 cm (12 in) square 

• Wood, 5 cm (2 in) thick, by 15 cm (6 in) wide, by 30 cm (12 in) long 

• Rubber mallet

32
• Metal disk, 6.4 mm (1/4 in) thick and slightly smaller than the diameter of package container bottom.

• Rubber spatula

• Level at least 15 cm (6 in) in length 

• Micrometer (optional)

• Stopwatch 

What test procedure is used to conduct a retail audit test?

Conduct a retail audit using the following test procedure that is suitable for checking cylindrical containers up to 4 L 

(1 gal) in capacity. Use step 2 in the retail audit test procedure with any size container, but step 3 must be used for 

containers with capacities of 4 L (1 gal). The method determines the volume of a single can in the sample selected as 

most likely to contain the smallest volume of product. Do not empty any containers because only their critical 

dimensions are being measured. 

How accurate is the dimensional test procedure? 

The configuration of the bottom of the can, paint clinging to the lid, and slight variations in the wall and label 

thicknesses of the paint container may produce an uncertainty estimated to be at least 0.6 % in this auditing procedure. 

Therefore, this method is recommended solely to eliminate from more rigorous testing those packages that appear to be

full measure. Use the violation procedures when the volume determined in step 10 is less than the labeled volume or in

any case where short measure is suspected. 

What worksheets make data recording easier? 

Use the following format to develop worksheets to perform audits and determine the volume when checking paint.

Follow the procedure and it will indicate the column in which the various measurements made can be recorded. 

Example: Audit Worksheet for Checking Paint – Add additional rows as needed

Can Diameter 6. Avg

Liquid 

Diameter

7. Avg

Liquid 

Level

8. Avg

Container 

Depth 

9. Avg

Liquid 

Depth

10. 

1. Can Volume* 

Height

2. Top 3. Middle 4. Bottom 5. Average

*10. Volume = 0.7854 x 6 x 6 x 9 

Note: When the following instructions require recording a measurement, refer to the numbered columns in the “Audit

Worksheet for Checking Paint” shown above.

How is a retail audit test performed?

1. Select a random sample. A tare sample is not needed. 

2. For containers less than 4 L or (1 gal): measure the outside diameter of each container near its middle to the closest 

0.02 mm (0.001 in). Use a diameter tape measure to record the measurements in Column 3. Place the containers

on a level surface and using the micrometer depth gage, record their heights in Column 1 on the worksheet. If the

range of outside diameters exceeds 0.125 mm (0.005 in) or the range in heights exceeds 1.58 mm (0.062 5 in), do

33
not use this procedure. If the ranges are within the specified limits, weigh all cans in the sample, select the 

container with the lightest gross weight, and remove its lid. Continue with step 4 below. 

3. For 4 L (1 gal) containers: gross weigh each package in the sample. Select the package with the lightest gross 

weight and remove its lid. 

4. Use a direct reading diameter tape measure to measure the outside diameter of the selected container near its top,

middle (already measured if step 2 was followed), and bottom to the closest 0.02 mm (0.001 in). Record these

measurements in Columns 2, 3, and 4. Add the three diameter values and divide by three to obtain the average 

diameter and record this value in Column 5. 

5. If a micrometer is available, measure the wall and the paper label thickness of the container; otherwise, assume the 

wall and label thicknesses given in Table 3-3. Thickness of Paint Can Walls and Labels below: 

Table 3-3. Thickness of Paint Can Walls and Labels 

Can Size Wall Thickness 

4 L (1 gal) 250 μm (0.25 mm) [0.010 in]

2 L (1/2 gal) 250 μm (0.25 mm) [0.010 in]

1 L (1 qt) 230 μm (0.23 mm) [0.009 in]

500 mL (1 pt) 230 μm (0.23 mm) [0.009 in} 

250 mL 200 μm (0.20 mm) [0.008 in]

Label Thickness* for all can sizes: 100 μm (0.10 mm) [0.004 in] 

(*Paper only – ignore labels lithographed directly onto the container) 

Subtract twice the thickness of the wall of the can and paper label from the average can diameter (step 4) to obtain the

average liquid diameter. Record the liquid diameter in Column 6. 

6. On a level surface, place the container on the circular metal disk that is slightly smaller in diameter than the lower 

rim of the can so the bottom of the container nests on the disk to eliminate any “sag” in the bottom of the container. 

7. Place the spanning bar and depth gage across the top of the paint can and mark the location of the spanning bar on

the rim of the paint container. Measure the distance to the liquid level, to the nearest 20 μm (0.02 mm) (0.001 in),

at three points in a straight line. Take measurements at points approximately 1 cm (3/8 in) from the inner rim for 

cans 12.5 cm (5 in) in diameter or less (and at 1.5 cm [1/2 in] from the rim for cans exceeding 12.5 cm [5 in]) in 

diameter and at the center of the can. Add the three readings and divide by three to obtain the average distance to 

the liquid level in the container. Record the average distance to the liquid level in Column 7.

8. Measure the distance to the bottom of the container at three points in a straight line in the same manner as outlined 

in step 7. Add the three readings and divide by three to obtain the average height of the container and record it in

Column 8.

9. Subtract the average distance to the liquid level (Column 7) from the average height of the container (Column 8) to

obtain the average height of the liquid column and record it in Column 9. 

10. Determine the volume of paint in the container by using the following formula:

Volume = 0.7854 D2

H 

Where D = average liquid diameter (Column 6) and H = average liquid height (Column 9)

11. Record this value in Column 10. If the calculated volume is less than labeled volume, go to the Violation

Procedure.

34
How is an in-plant audit conducted?

Use the following procedures to conduct an in-plant audit inspection. This method applies to a container that probably

contains the smallest volume of product. Duplicate the level of fill with water in a can of the same dimensions as the 

one under test. Use this method to check any size of package if the liquid level is within the measuring range of the 

depth gage. If any paint is clinging to the sidewall or lid, carefully scrape the paint into the container using a rubber 

spatula. 

1. Follow steps 1 through 6 of the retail audit test. 

2. Place the spanning bar and depth gage across the top of the paint can. Measure the liquid level at the center of the

surface and record the level in Column 7. 

3. Select an empty can with the same bottom configuration as the container under test and with a diameter and height

equal to that of the container under test within plus or minus the following tolerances: 

a. For 500 mL or (1 pt) cans - within 25 μm (0.025 mm) (0.001 in) 

b. For 1 L or (1 qt) cans - within 50 μm (0.05 mm) (0.002 in) 

c. For 2 L or (1/2 gal) cans - within 75μm (0.075 mm) (0.003 in) 

d. For 4 L or (1 gal) cans - within 100 μm (0.1 mm) (0.004 in) 

Set the empty can on a level work surface with a circular metal disk that is slightly smaller in diameter than the

bottom can rim underneath the can to eliminate sag. Set up the spanning bar and depth gage as in step 2 above. 

Fill the container with water from a volumetric measure of the same volume as the labeled volume. Measure the 

distance to the liquid level at the center of the container and record this level in Column 7 below the reading

recorded in step 2. If this distance is equal to or greater than the distance determined in step 2, assume that the 

package is satisfactory. If the distance is less than the distance determined in step 2, the product may be short

measure. Use the possible violation procedure given in the next section when the audit test indicates that short

measure is possible. 

Violation Procedure 

How is it determined if the containers meet the package requirements? 

Use the following method if the liquid level is within the measuring range of the micrometer. The first step is to follow

the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot to determine which Category A sampling plan to

use; select a random sample; and then use the following procedure. The steps noted with an (*) are required if there is

paint adhering to the lid and it cannot removed by scraping into the can. 

1. Do not shake or invert the containers selected as the sample. Determine the gross weight of these packages and 

record in Column 2 of the “Example Worksheet for Possible Violation in Checking Paint” below. 

Example Worksheet for Possible Violation in Checking Paint – Add additional rows as needed

1. Labeled 

Volume 

2. Gross

Weight

3. Lid Paint 

Weight 

(Wet - Dry)

4. Liquid

Level

5. 

Tare

6. Water

Volume

7. Net

Wt. =

2 - 5

8. Weight of

Labeled Volume 

= 7 x 1÷ 6 

9. Package 

Volume = 

6 + [(3 ÷7) 

x 6)]

Record the labeled volume of the first tare sample package in Column 1 of the worksheet. Use a circular metal disk to 

eliminate can “sag” and remove the lid. If paint clings to the lid of the container, scrape it off with a spatula. 

35
2.* If paint that adheres to the lid cannot be completely removed by scraping the paint into the can, determine the

weight of the lid plus any adhering paint. Clean the paint lid with solvent and weigh again. Subtract the clean lid

weight from the lid weight with paint to determine the weight of the paint adhering to the lid. Record this weight

in Column 3.

 

3. Place the spanning bar and depth gage across the top of the paint can. Mark the location of the spanning bar on the

rim of the paint container. Measure the distance to the liquid level at the center of the container to the nearest 20

μm (0.02 mm) (0.001 in). Record the distance in Column 4. 

4. Empty and clean the sample container and lid with solvent; dry and weigh the container and lid. Record the tare 

weight in Column 5.

5. Set up the container in the same manner as in step 1. 

6. Place the spanning bar at the same location on the rim of the paint container as marked in step 3. With the depth 

gage set as described in step 3, deliver water into the container in known amounts until the water reaches the same

level occupied by the paint as indicated by the depth gage. Record this volume of water (in mL or fl oz) in

Column 6 of the worksheet. This is the volume occupied by the paint in the container. Follow steps, 7a, 8a, and 

9a if scraping does not remove the paint from the lid. In order to determine if gravimetric testing can be used to

test the other packages in the sample, follow only steps 7, 8, and 9 when no paint adheres to the lid. 

7. Subtract the weight of the container (Column 5) from the gross weight (Column 2) to arrive at the net weight of

paint in the selected container. Record the net weight in Column 7 of the worksheet. 

7a* Subtract the weight of the container (Column 5) and the weight of product on the lid (Column 3) from the 

gross weight (Column 2) to arrive at the net weight of paint in the container. Record in Column 7 (excluding the

weight of the paint on the lid). 

8. Calculate the weight of the labeled volume of paint (for the first package opened for tare = on the lid). 

net weight (Column 7) x labeled volume (Column 1) ÷ volume of paint in can (Column 6)

Record this value in Column 8.

8a* Calculate the package volume = 

volume in can (Column 6) + [lid paint weight (Column 3) x

volume in can (Column 6) / net weight (Column 7)]

Record it in Column 9 of the worksheet. 

9. Calculate the package error. Use the following formula if paint does not adhere to the lid:

Package error = (Column 6 value) - (labeled volume) 

9a* Use the following formula if paint does adhere to the lid and will not come off by scraping. 

Package error = (Column 9 value) - (labeled volume) 

10. Repeat steps 1 through 9 for the second package chosen for tare. 

36
When can a gravametric procedure be used? 

A gravimetric procedure is used if the weights of the labeled volume for the first two packages do not differ from each

other by more than one division on the scale (if they meet this criterion, check the rest of the sample gravimetrically

and record in Column 8). 

How is “nominal gross weight” determined? 

Determine the “nominal gross weight” for use with Chapter 2, Section 2.3. as follows: 

The nominal gross weight equals the sum of the average weight of the labeled volume (average of values recorded in

Column 8) plus the average tare (average of values recorded in Column 3) for the packages selected for tare. Note that 

the weight of a given volume of paint often varies considerably from container to container; therefore, volumetric 

measurements may prove necessary for the entire sample. 

Evaluation of Results

Follow the procedures in “Evaluating Results” in Chapter 2, Section 2.3. to determine lot conformance. 

3.9 Testing Viscous Materials - Such As Caulking Compounds and Pastes

How are viscous materials such as caulking compounds and paste tested? 

Use the following procedure for any package of viscous material labeled by volume. It is suitable for very viscous

materials such as cartridge packed caulking compounds, glues, pastes, and other similar products. It is best to conduct

this procedure in a laboratory using a hood to ventilate solvent fumes. If used in the field, use in a well ventilated area.

Except for the special measurement procedures to determine the weight of the labeled volume, this procedure follows

the basic test procedure. For each weight of a known volume determination, pack a portion of the packaged product 

into a pre-weighed cup of known volume (called a “density cup” or “pycnometer”) and weigh. From the weight of the

known volume, determine the weight of the labeled volume. Compare the nominal gross weight with the gross weight

to determine the package error. 

What type of measurement equipment is needed to test packages of caulk, pastes, and glues?

•

•

•

•

A scale that meets the requirements in Chapter 2, Section 2.2. Measurement Standards and Test Equipment. 

Pycnometer, a vessel of known volume used for weighing semifluids. The pycnometer can be bought or made. 

If it is made, refer to it as a “density cup.” To make a 150 mL or 5 fl oz density cup, cut off the lip of a 150 mL

beaker with an abrasive saw and grind the lip flat on a lap wheel. The slicker plate is available commercially. 

Calibrate the density cup gravimetrically with respect to the contained volume using the procedure in ASTM E 

542–94, “Standard Practice for Calibration of Laboratory Volumetric Apparatus.” 

Appropriate solvents (water, Stoddard solvent, kerosene, alcohol, etc.) 

Caulking gun (for cartridge packed products)

How is a pycnometer prepared for use?

Before using, weigh and calibrate the pycnometer (or the density cup and slicker plate) with respect to volume (mL or

fl oz). If applicable, comply with any special instructions furnished by the manufacturer to calibrate a pycnometer that

has not been calibrated. It is not necessary to reweigh or recalibrate for each test; however, mark the pieces of each 

unit to prevent interchange of cups and slicker plates. 

37
How is it determined if the containers meet the package requirements?

1. First, follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan

in the inspection; select a random sample; then, use the following procedure to determine lot compliance. 

2. Weigh a calibrated pycnometer and slicker plate and record as “pycnometer weight” and record this weight and the

volume of the pycnometer. 

 

3. Determine the gross weight of the first package and record the weight value. Open the package and transfer the 

product to the pycnometer by filling it to excess. Use a caulking gun to transfer product from the caulking

cartridges. If using a pycnometer, cover it with a lid and screw the cap down tightly. Excess material will be

forced out through the hole in the lid, so the lid must be clean. If using a density cup, place the slicker plate over 

3/4 of the cup mouth, press down and slowly move the plate across the remainder of the opening. With the slicker

plate in place, clean all the exterior surfaces with solvent and dry. 

4. Completely remove the product from the package container; clean the package container with solvent; dry and 

weigh it to determine the tare weight. 

5. Weigh the filled pycnometer or filled density cup with slicker plate and record this weight. Subtract the weight of

the empty pycnometer from the filled weight to determine the net weight of the product contained in the pycnometer and record this weight. 

6. Clean the pycnometer and repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 for the second package in the tare sample. 

Determine acceptability of the density variation on the two packages selected for tare. If the difference

between the densities of both packages exceeds one division of the scale, do not use the gravimetric 

procedure to determine the net quantity of contents. Instead, use the procedure in steps 9 and 10. 

Note: If the gravimetric procedure can be used perform steps 8 and 10.

7. Calculate the weight of product corresponding to the labeled volume of product according to the 

following formula: 

Weight of Product in Pycnometer ÷ Pycnometer Volume = Product Density 

8. Test each package individually by determining the product density in each package using the pycnometer and 

record the gross, tare, and net weight of each package. Subtract the weight of the labeled volume (determined for 

each package) from the net weight of product to arrive at each individual package error in units of weight. 

9. Convert the package errors to units of volume using the following formula:

Package Error (volume) = (Package Error [weight] x Pycnometer Volume) ÷

(Weight of Product in Pycnometer) 

10. Record the package errors on the report form using an appropriate unit of measure. 

Evaluation of Results

Follow the procedures in “Evaluation Results” in Chapter 2, Section 2.3 to determine lot conformance. 

3.10 Peat Moss 

How are packages of peat and peat moss labeled by compressed volume tested? 

Measure the dimensions of the compressed material to determine if it contains the labeled quantity. 

38
How are packages of peat and peat moss labeled by uncompressed volume tested? 

Use the following method to test peat moss sold using an uncompressed volume as the declaration of content. The 

procedure is based on ASTM D 2978-90, “Standard Method of Test for Volume of Processed Peat Materials.” 

Equipment

• 12.7 mm (or 1⁄2 in) sieve. 

• Use one of the following measures as appropriate for the package size. (See Table 3-4., “Specifications for 

Test Measures for Mulch and Soils” for additional information on test measure construction.) 

3⁄4 28.3 L (1 ft3

) measure with inside dimensions of 30.4 cm (12 in) by 30.4 cm (12 in) by 30.4 cm

(12 in). Mark the inside of the measure with horizontal lines every 1.2 cm (1/2 in) so that package

errors can be directly determined. 

3⁄4 100 L (3.5 ft3

) measure with inside dimensions of 50 cm (19.68 in) by 50 cm (19.68 in) by 40 cm

(15.74 in). The inside of the measure should be marked with horizontal lines every 1.2 cm (1/2 in) so

that package errors can be directly determined. 

• Straight edge, 50.8 cm (20 in) in length. 

• Sheet for catching overflow of material. 

• Level (at least 15.24 cm (6 in) in length). 

How is it determined if the packages meet the requirements in this handbook?

1. Follow Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then, use the following procedure to determine lot compliance. 

2. Open each package in turn, remove the contents, and pass them through the sieve directly into the measuring

container (overfilling it). Use this method for particulate solids (such as soils or other garden materials) labeled in 

cubic dimensions or dry volume. Some materials may not pass through the sieve for peat moss; in these instances, 

separate the materials by hand (to compensate for packing and settling of the product after packaging) before

filling the measure. 

Note: Separated material (product not passing through the sieve) must be included in the product volume. 

Shake the measuring container with a rotary motion at one rotation per second for 5 seconds. Do not lift the

measuring container when rotating it. If the package contents are greater than the measuring container capacity,

level the measuring container with a straight edge using a zigzag motion across the top of the container. Empty

the container. Repeat the filling operations as many times as necessary, noting the partial fill of the container for

the last quantity delivered using the interior horizontal markings as a guide. Record the total volume. 

3. To compute each package error, subtract the labeled quantity from the total volume and record it. 

Evaluation of Results

Follow the procedures in “Evaluating Results” in Chapter 2, Section 2.3 to determine lot conformance. 

39
3.11 Mulch and Soils Labeled by Volume 

What products are defined as mulch and soil?

• Mulch is defined as “any product or material except peat or peat moss that is advertised, offered for sale, or

sold for primary use as a horticultural, above-ground dressing, for decoration, moisture control, weed control,

erosion control, temperature control, or other similar purposes.” 

• Soil is defined as “any product or material, except peat or peat moss that is advertised or offered for sale, or

sold for primary use as a horticultural growing media, soil amendment, and/or soil replacement.” 

What type of measurement equipment is needed to test packages of mulch and soil?

• A test measure appropriate for the package size that meets the specifications for test measures in Table 3-4. 

Table 3-4. Specifications for Test Measures for Mulch and Soils 

Interior Wall Dimensions* 

Marked Intervals

on Interior 

Walls *** 

Volume

Equivalent of 

Marked Intervals 

Nominal Volume of 

Test Measure 

Length Width Height**

30.2 L (1.07 ft3) for 

testing packages that 

contain less than 28.3 L 

(1 ft3

 or 25.7 dry qt)

20.32 cm 

(8 in) 

20.32cm 

(8 in) 

73.66 cm 

(29 in) 

1.27 cm 

(1/2 in) 

524.3 mL 

(32 in3

) 

28.3 L (1 ft3) 30.48 cm 

(12 in) 

30.48 cm 

(12 in) 

30.48 cm 

(12 in) 

1.27 cm 

(1/2 in) 

1 179.8 mL 

(72 in3

) 

56.6 L (2 ft3) 40.64 cm 

(16 in) 

22.86 cm 

(9 in) 

121.92 cm 

(48 in) 

1.27 cm 

(1/2 in) 

1 179.8 mL 

(72 in3

) 

84.9 L (3 ft3) 40.64 cm 

(16 in)

22.86 cm 

(9 in) 

121.92 cm 

(48 in) 

1.27 cm 

(1/2 in) 

1 179.8 mL 

(72 in3

)

Measures are typically constructed of 1.27 cm (1/2 in) marine plywood. A transparent sidewall is useful for determining the level 

of fill, but must be reinforced if it is not thick enough to resist distortion. If the measure has a clear front, place the level gage at

the back (inside) of the measure so that the markings are read over the top of the mulch. 

Notes 

* Other interior dimensions are acceptable if the test measure approximates the configuration of the package under test and does 

not exceed a base configuration of the package cross-section. 

**The height of the test measure may be reduced, but this will limit the volume of the package that can be tested. 

*** When lines are marked in boxes, they should extend to all four sides of the measure if possible to improve readability. It is 

recommended that a line indicating the MAV level also be marked to reduce the possibility of reading errors when the level of the 

mulch is at or near the MAV.

• Drop cloth/polyethylene sheeting for catching overflow of material. 

• Level (at least 15 cm (6 in) in length). 

How is it determined if the packages meet the package requirements? 

Use the following procedure:

1. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the

inspection, select a random sample, then, use the following procedure to determine lot conformance. 

40
2. Open each package in turn. Empty the contents of the package into a test measure and level the contents by hand. 

Do not rock, shake, drop, rotate, or tamp the test measure. Read the horizontal marks to determine package net

volume. 

Note: Some types of mulch are susceptible to clumping and compacting. Take steps to ensure that the material is loose 

and free flowing when placed into the test measure. Gently roll the bag before opening to reduce the clumping and

compaction of material. 

3. Exercise care in leveling the surface of the mulch/soil and determine the volume reading from a position that 

minimizes errors caused by parallax. 

How are package errors determined? 

Determine package errors by subtracting the labeled volume from the package net volume in the measure. Record each 

package error. 

Package Error = Package Net Volume Labeled Volume

Evaluation of Results

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine lot conformance. 

Note: In accordance with Table 2-10., in Appendix A, apply an MAV of 5 % of the declared quantity to mulch and 

soil sold by volume. When testing mulch and soil with a net quantity in terms of volume, one package out of every 12

in the sample may exceed the 5 % MAV (e.g., one in a sample of 12 packages; two in a sample of 24 packages; four in 

a sample of 48 packages.) However, the sample must meet the average requirement of the Category A Sampling Plan. 

3.12 Ice Cream Novelties 

Note: The following procedure can be used to test packaged products that are solid or semisolid and that will 

not dissolve in, mix with, absorb, or be absorbed by the fluid into which the product will be immersed. For 

example, ice cream labeled by volume can be tested using ice water or kerosene as the immersion fluid. 

How are ice cream novelties inspected to see if the labeled volume meets the package requirements?

Use the following volume displacement procedure that uses a displacement vessel specifically designed for ice cream 

novelties such as ice cream bars, ice cream sandwiches, or cones. The procedure determines the volume of the novelty 

by measuring the amount of water displaced when the novelty is submerged in the vessel. Two displacements per

sample are required to subtract the volume of sticks or cups. 

The procedure first determines if the densities of the novelties are the same from package to package (in the same lot)

so that a gravimetric test can be used to verify the labeled volume. If a gravimetric procedure is used, compute an 

average weight for the declared volume from the first two packages and weigh the remainder of the sample. If the 

gravimetric procedure cannot be used, use the volume displacement procedure for all of the packages in the sample. 

Equipment

• A scale that meets the requirements in Chapter 2, Section 2.2. Measurement Standards and Test Equipment. 

• Volumetric measures 

41
• Displacement vessel with dimensions that are appropriate for the size of novelties being tested. Figure 3-1., 

shows an example of a displacement vessel. It includes an interior baffle that reduces wave action when the

novelty is inserted and the downward angle of the overflow spout reduces dripping. Other designs may be

used. 

Figure 3-1. Example of a Displacement Vessel 

Note: This displacement vessel can be constructed or similar devices may be obtained from any Laboratory 

Equipment or Science Education suppliers. The U.S. Department of Commerce does not endorse or recommend any 

particular device over similar commercially available products from other manufacturers.

• Thin wire, clamp, or tongs 

• Freezer or ice chest and dry ice 

• Single-edged razor or sharp knife (for sandwiches only) 

• Ice water/kerosene maintained at 1 °C (33 °F) or below 

• Indelible marker (for ice pops only) 

• Level, at least 15.24 cm (6 in) in length

• A partial immersion thermometer (or equivalent) with a range of -1 oC to +50 °C (30 o

F to 120 °F), at least 1 

°C (1 °F) graduations, and with a tolerance of ±1 °C (±2 °F) 

• A table-top, laboratory-type jack of sufficient size to hold the displacement vessel 

• Stopwatch 

Test Procedure 

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following procedure to determine lot compliance. 

1. Maintain the samples at the reference temperature for frozen products that is specified in Table 3-1. Reference 

Temperatures for Liquids in this chapter [i.e., -18 o

C (0 oF)]. Place the samples in the freezer or ice chest until they

are ready to be tested, and then remove packages from the freezer one at a time. 

42
2. According to the type of novelty, prepare the sample products as follows: 

3⁄4 Ice-pop. Mark on the stick(s) with the indelible marker the point to which the pop will be submerged in 

the ice water. (After the ice-pop contents have been submerged, remove the novelty to determine the 

volume of the stick.) 

3⁄4 Cone. Make a small hole in the cone below the ice cream portion to allow air to escape. 

3⁄4 Sandwich. Determine whether the declared volume is (a) the total volume of the novelty (that is, including the cookie portion) or (b) the volume of the ice-cream-like portion only. If the declared volume is

the volume of only the ice-cream-like portion, shave off the cookie with a razor or knife, leaving some

remnants of cookie to ensure that no ice cream is accidentally shaved off. Work quickly, and return the 

novelty to the freezer before the sandwich softens. 

3⁄4 Cup. Remove the cap from the cup. (After the cup and novelty contents have been submerged, remove

the novelty from the cup to determine the volume of the cup.) 

How is it determined if the ice cream novelty packages meet the requirements in this handbook?

1. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following procedure to determine lot compliance. 

2. Fill the displacement vessel with ice water until it overflows the spout. Allow it to sit until dripping stops. Raise 

the displacement vessel as necessary and place the graduate beneath the spout. 

3. Remove a package from the freezer, determine its gross weight and record it. 

4. Submerge the novelty as suggested until it is below the surface level of the water. 

3⁄4 Ice-pop. Use a clamp, tongs, or your fingers to hold the stick(s) and submerge the pop to the level

marked in Step 2 of the Test Procedures. 

3⁄4 Cone. Shape the wire into a loop, and use it to push the cone, headfirst (ice cream portion first) into the 

ice water. Do not completely submerge the cone immediately: let water fill the cone through the hole

made in Step 2 of the Test Procedures before completely submerging the novelty. 

3⁄4 Sandwich or cup. Skewer the novelty with the thin wire or form a loop on the end of the wire to push the 

sandwich or ice-cream-portion or cup completely below the liquid level. 

5. Record the total water volume in the graduate. For a cone or sandwich, record the water volume as the net volume

and go to step (7). For ice-pops or cups, record the water volume in the graduate as the gross volume and go to

step (6). 

6. Refill the displacement vessel with water to overflowing and reposition the empty graduate under the spout. 

3⁄4 Ice-pop. Melt the ice pop off the stick or sticks. Submerge the stick or sticks to the line marked in step 

(4). Record the volume of tare material (i.e., stick) by measuring the water displaced into the graduate. 

The net volume for the ice-pop is the gross volume recorded in step (5) minus the volume of the tare

materials in this step. Record this volume as the “volume of novelty.” To determine the error in the

package, subtract the labeled quantity from the volume of novelty. 

3⁄4 Cup. Remove the novelty from the cup. Rinse the cup, and then submerge it in the displacement vessel.

Small pinholes in the base of the cup can be made to make submersion easier. Record the volume of

water displaced into the graduate by the cup as the volume of tare material. The net volume for the

novelty is the gross volume determined in step (5) minus the volume of the tare materials determined in 

43
this step. Record this as the net volume of the novelty. To determine the error in the package, subtract 

the labeled quantity from the volume of novelty. 

7. Clean and air-dry the tare materials (sticks, wrappers, cup, lid, etc.). Weigh and record the weight of these materials for the package. 

8. Subtract the tare weight from the gross weight to obtain the net weight and record this value. 

9. Compute the weight of the labeled volume for the package using the following formula and then record the

weight: 

Product Density = (weight in item 3) ÷ (the total water volume in item 5)

Weight of labeled volume = (labeled volume) x (Product Density) 

10. Repeat steps (3) through (9) for a second package.

11. If the weight of the labeled volume in steps (9) and (10) differ from each other by more than one division on the 

scale, the gravimetric test procedure cannot be used to test the sample for compliance. If this is the case, steps (2) 

through (6) for each of the remaining packages in the sample must be used to determine their net volumes and 

package errors. Then go to evaluation of results. 

How is “nominal gross weight” determined?

1. Determine the Average Used Dry Tare Weight of the sample according to provisions in Chapter 2, Section 2.3. 

2. Using the weights determined in step (11) calculate the Average Product Weight by adding the densities of the 

liquid from the two packages and dividing the sum by two. 

3. Calculate the “nominal gross weight” using the formula:

Nominal Gross Weight = Average Product Weight + Average Used Dry Tare Weight

How are the errors in the sample determined?

1. Weigh the remaining packages in the sample. 

2. Subtract the nominal gross weight from the gross weight of each package to obtain package errors in terms of 

weight. 

Note: Compare the sample packages to the nominal gross weight. 

3. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3.

To convert the average error or package error from weight to volume, use the following formula:

Package Error in Volume = (Package Error in Weight) ÷ (Product Density)

44
Evaluation of Results 

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine lot conformance. 

3.13 Fresh Oysters Labeled by Volume

What requirements apply to packages of fresh oysters labeled by volume?

Packaged fresh oysters removed from the shell must be labeled by volume. The maximum amount of permitted free 

liquid is limited to 15 % by weight. Testing the quantity of contents of fresh oysters requires the inspector to determine 

total volume, total weight of solids and liquid, and the weight of the free liquid. 

Equipment 

• A scale that meets the requirements in Chapter 2, Section 2.2 Measurement Standards and Test Equipment

• Volumetric measures 

• Micrometer depth gage (ends of rods fully rounded), 0 mm to 228 mm (0 in to 9 in) 

• Strainer for determining the amount of drained liquid from shucked oysters. Use as a strainer a flat bottom

metal pan or tray constructed to the following specifications: 

3⁄4 Sides: 5.08 cm (2 in) 

3⁄4 Area: 1,935 cm2

 (300 in2) or more for each 3.78 L (1 gal) of oysters 

3⁄4 Perforations: 

Diameter: 6.35 mm (1/4 in) 

Location: 3.17 cm (1 1/4 in) apart in a square pattern, or perforations of equivalent area and

distribution. 

• Spanning bar, 2.54 cm by 2.54 cm by 30.48 cm (1 in by 1in by 12 in) 

• Rubber spatula

• Level, at least 15.24 cm (6 in) in length 

• Stopwatch 

How is it determined if the containers meet the package requirements? 

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then, use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

1. Determine and record the gross weight of a sample package. 

2. Set the container on a level surface and open it. Use a depth gage to determine the level of fill. Lock the depth 

gauge. Mark the location of the gauge on the package.

3. Weigh a dry 20.32 cm or 30.48 cm (8 in or 12 in) receiving pan and record the weight. Set strainer over the

receiving pan. 

4. Pour the contents from the container onto the strainer without shaking it. Tip the strainer slightly and let it drain 

for 2 minutes. Remove strainer with oysters. It is normal for oysters to include mucous (which is part of the

45
product) that will not pass through the strainer, so do not force it. 

5. Weigh the receiving pan and liquid and record the weight. Subtract the weight of the dry receiving pan from the 

weight of pan and liquid to obtain the weight of free liquid and record the value.

6. Clean, dry, and weigh the container and record the tare weight. Subtract the tare weight from the gross weight to

obtain the total weight of the oysters and liquid and record this value. 

7. Determine and record the percent of free liquid by weight as follows: 

 Percent of free liquid by weight = [(weight of free liquid) ÷ (weight of oysters + liquid)] x 100. 

8. Set up the depth gauge on the dry package container as in step 2. Pour water from the flasks and graduate as

needed to re-establish the level of fill obtained in step 2. Add the volumes delivered as the actual net volume for

the container and record the value. 

Note: Some containers will hold the declared volume only when filled to the brim; they may have been designed for 

other products, rather than for oysters. If the net volume is short-measure (per step 8), determine if the container will 

reach the declared volume only if filled to the brim. Under such circumstance, the package net volumes will all be 

short measure because the container cannot be filled to the brim with a solid and liquid mixture. A small headspace is 

required in order to get the lid into the container without losing any liquid. 

Evaluation of Results

Follow the procedures in “Evaluating Results” in Chapter 2, Section 2.3, to determine lot conformance. 

3.14 Determining the Net Contents of Compressed Gas in Cylinders 

What type of compressed gases may be tested with these procedures? 

These procedures are for industrial compressed gas. Compressed gas may be labeled by weight (for example, 

Liquefied Petroleum [LP] gas, or carbon dioxide) or by volume. Acetylene, liquid; oxygen, nitrogen, nitrous oxide,

and argon are all filled by weight. Acetylene is sold by liters or by cubic feet. Helium, gaseous oxygen, nitrogen, air, 

and argon are filled according to pressure and temperature tables. 

What type of test procedures must be used?

Checking the net contents of compressed gas cylinders depends on the method of labeling; those labeled by weight are 

generally checked by weight. Cylinders filled by using pressure and temperature charts must be tested using a pressure 

gauge that is connected to the cylinder. Determine the volume using the pressure and temperature of the cylinder. 

Should any specific safety procedures be followed? 

Yes, be aware of the hazards of the high pressure found in cylinders of compressed gas. An inspector should handle 

compressed gas only if the inspector has been trained and is knowledgeable regarding the product, cylinder, fittings, 

and proper procedures (see Compressed Gas Association [CGA] pamphlet P-1, "Safe Handling of Compressed Gases

in Containers,” for additional information). Additional precautions that are necessary for personal safety are described 

in the CGA Handbook of Compressed Gases. All personnel testing compressed gases should have this manual for 

reference and be familiar with its contents. It is essential that the inspector be certain of the contents before connecting

to the cylinder. Discharging a gas or cryogenic liquid through a system for which the material is not intended could

result in a fire and/or explosion or property damage due to the incompatibility of the system and the product. Before

connecting a cylinder to anything, be certain of the following:

• Always wear safety glasses. 

46
• The cylinder is clearly marked or labeled with the correct name of the contents and that no conflicting marks

or labels are present. Do not rely on the color of the cylinder to identify the contents of a cylinder. Be

extremely careful with all gases because some react violently when mixed or when coming in contact with 

other substances. For example, oxygen reacts violently when it comes in contact with hydrocarbons. 

• The cylinder is provided with the correct Compressed Gas Association (CGA) connection(s) for the product.

A proper connection will go together smoothly; so excessive force should not be used. Do not use an adapter 

to connect oxygen to non-oxygen cleaned equipment. When a cylinder valve is opened to measure the

internal pressure, position the body away from the pressure gauge blowout plug or in front of the gauge if the

gauge has a solid cast front case. If the bourdon tube should rupture, do not be in a position to suffer serious

injuries from gas pressure or fragments of metal. 

• Thoroughly know the procedure and place emphasis on safety precautions before attempting any tests. Do not 

use charts referred to in the procedure until the necessary training has been completed. When moving a 

cylinder, always place the protective cap on the cylinder. Do not leave spaces between cylinders when moving 

them. This can lead to a “domino" effect if one cylinder is pushed over. 

• Open all valves slowly. A failure of the gauge or other ancillary equipment can result in injuries to nearby

persons. Remember that high gas pressure can propel objects with great force. Gas ejected under pressure 

can also cause serious bodily injuries if someone is too close during release of pressure.

• One of the gauges will be reserved for testing oxygen only and will be prominently labeled “For Oxygen Use 

Only.” This gauge must be cleaned for oxygen service and maintained in that “clean” condition. The other 

gauge(s) may be used for testing a variety of gases if they are compatible with one another. 

• Observe special precautions with flammable gas in cylinders in addition to the several precautions necessary

for the safe handling of any compressed gas in cylinders. Do not “crack” cylinder valves of flammable gas 

before connecting them to a regulator or test gauge. This is extremely important for hydrogen or acetylene. 

What type of measurement equipment is needed to test cylinders of compressed gas? 

• Use a scale that meets the requirements in Chapter 2, Section 2.2 Measurement Standards and Test

Equipment. Use a wooden or non-sparking metal ramp to roll the cylinders on the scale to reduce shock

loading.

• Two calibrated precision bourdon tube gauges or any other approved laboratory-type pressure-measuring 

device that can be accurately read within plus or minus 40 kPa (5 psi). A gauge having scale increments of 

200 kPa (25 psi) or smaller shall be considered as satisfactory for reading within plus or minus 40 kPa (5 psi). 

The range of both gauges shall be a minimum of 0 kPa to 23 MPa (0 psi to 5 000 psi) when testing cylinders 

using standard industrial cylinder valve connections. These standardized connections are listed in “CGA 

Standard V-1, Standard for Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet for use with Gas Pressures up to

21 MPa (3 000 psi).” For testing cylinders with cylinder valve connections rated for over 21 MPa (3 000 psi),

the test gauge and its inlet connection must be rated at 14 MPa (2 000 psi) over the maximum pressure that the 

connection is rated for in CGA V-1. Note: there are standard high-pressure industrial connections on the 

market that are being used up to their maximum pressure of 52 MPa (7 500 psi). 

Note: Any gauge or connectors used with oxygen cylinders must be cleaned for oxygen service, transported in a

manner which will keep them clean, and never used for any other gas including air or oxygen mixtures. Oxygen 

will react with hydrocarbons and many foreign materials that may cause a fire or explosion. 

• An approved and calibrated electronic temperature measuring device or three calibrated mercury-in-glass

thermometers having either a digital readout or scale division of no more than 1 o

F (0.5 °C). The electronic 

device equipped with a surface temperature sensor is preferred over a mercury-in-glass thermometer because 

of its shorter response time. 

47
• Two box-end wrenches of 29 mm (1 1/8 in) for oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, and 

hydrogen and 22 mm (7/8 in) for some sizes of propane. All industrial CGA connections are limited to these 

two hex sizes. Avoid using an adjustable wrench because of the tendency to round the edges of the fittings, 

which can lead to connections not being tightened properly. 

• Use a separate gauge and fitting for each gas to be tested. If adapters must be used, do not use on oxygen

systems. 

Test Procedure for Cylinders Labeled by Weight

How is it determined if the containers meet the package requirements using the gravimetric test procedure?

1. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

2. The cylinder should be marked or stenciled with a tare weight. The marked value may or may not be used by the

filling plant when determining the net weight of those cylinders sold or filled by weight. If there is a tare weight

marked on the net contents tag or directly on the cylinder, then an actual tare weight was determined at the time of

fill. If there is no tare weight marked on a tag or on the cylinder, then the stamped or stenciled tare weight is 

presumed to have been used to determine the net contents. 

Note: Check the accuracy of the stamped tare weights on empty cylinders whenever possible. The actual tare weight

must be within (a) 1/2 % of the stamped tare weight for 9.07 kg (20 lb) tare weights or less or (b) 1/4 % of the stamped 

tare weight for greater than 9.07 kg (20 lb) tare weights. (See NIST Handbook 130, Section 2.16, “Method of Sale

Regulation.”)

3. Place cylinder on scale and remove protective cap. The cap is not included in the tare weight. 

Weigh the cylinder and determine net weight, using either the stamped or stenciled tare weight, or the tare weight

marked on the tag. Compare actual net weight with labeled net weight, or use the actual net weight to look up the

correct volume declaration (For Acetylene Gas), and compare that with the labeled volume. 

Note: The acetone in acetylene cylinders is included in the tare weight of the cylinder. Therefore, as acetylene is 

withdrawn from the cylinder, some acetone will also be withdrawn, changing the tare weight. 

Most producers will replace acetone in the cylinder before the cylinder is refilled, filling the cylinder with acetone to

the stamped tare weight. Other producers, although not following recommended procedures, do not replace the acetone

until it drops to a predetermined weight. In the latter situation, the refilling plant must note the actual tare weight of the

cylinder and show it on the tag containing the net content statement or on the cylinder itself. Refer to tables for 

acetylene if necessary (if the acetylene is labeled by volume). 

Test Procedure for Cylinders Labeled by Volume

How is it determined if the containers meet the package requirements using the volumetric test procedure?

1. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

2. Determine the temperature of the cylinders in the sample. Place the thermometer approximately halfway up a

cylinder in contact with the outside surface. Take the temperature of three cylinders selected at random and use 

the average temperature of the three values. 

3. Using the appropriate pressure gauge, measure the pressure of each cylinder in the sample. 

4. Determine the cylinder nominal capacity from cylinder data tables or from the manufacturer. (These tables must 

be obtained in advance of testing.) 

48
5. Using NIST Technical Note 1079 “Tables of Industrial Gas Container Contents and Density for Oxygen, Argon, 

Nitrogen, Helium, and Hydrogen” determine the value (SCF/CF) from the content tables at the temperature and 

pressure of the cylinder under test. 

6. Multiply the cylinder nominal capacity by the value (SCF/CF) obtained from the content tables. This is the actual

net quantity of gas. 

7. Subtract the labeled net quantity from the actual net quantity to determine the error. 

Evaluation of Results 

Follow the procedures in “Evaluating Results” in Chapter 2, Section 2.3 to determine lot conformance. 

3.15 Volumetric Test Procedure for Packaged Firewood with a Labeled Volume of 113 L (4 Ft3) or Less 

How are packages of firewood tested? 

 

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample, then use the test procedure provided in Section 3.17 to determine lot compliance. 

Equipment 

• Linear Measure. Take all measurements in increments of 0.5 cm (3/16 in) or less and round up. 

• Binding Straps. Binding Straps are used to hold wood bundles together if the bundles need to be removed 

from the package/wrapping material. 

49
How is it determined if the containers meet the package requirements? 

Unless otherwise indicated, take all measurements without rearranging the wood or removing it from the package. If

the layers of wood are crosshatched or not ranked in discrete sections in the package, remove the wood from the 

package re-stack and measure accordingly. 

3.16 Boxed Firewood 

How is the volume of firewood contained in a box determined? 

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot conformance. 

1. Open the box to determine the average height of wood within the box; measure the internal height of the box. 

Take three measurements (record as “d1, d2...etc.”) along each end of the stack. Measure from the bottom of a 

straight edge placed across the top of the box to the highest point on the two outermost top pieces of wood and the

center-most top piece of wood. Round measurements down to the nearest 0.5 cm (1/8 in). If pieces are obviously 

missing from the top layer of wood, take additional height measurements at the highest point of the uppermost

pieces of wood located at the midpoints between the three measurements on each end of the stack. Calculate the

average height of the stack by averaging these measurements and subtracting from the internal height of the box

according to the following formula. 

Average Height of Stack = (Internal Height of Box) – (sum of measurements) ÷ 

(number of measurements) 

2. Determine the average width of the stack of wood in the box by taking measurements at three places along the top 

of the stack. Measure the inside distance from one side of the box to the other on both ends and in the middle of 

the box. Calculate the average width. 

Average Width = (W 1 + W 2 + W 3) ÷ (3)

3. To determine the average length of the pieces of wood, remove the wood from the box and select the five pieces 

with the greatest girth. Measure the length of each of the five pieces from center-to-center. Calculate the average

length of the five pieces. 

Average Length = (L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 + L5) ÷ (5) 

4. Calculate the volume of the wood within the box. Use dimensions for height, width, and length. 

Volume in liters = (height in cm x width in cm x length in cm) ÷ (1 000) 

Volume in cubic feet = (height in inches x width in inches x length in inches) ÷ (1 728) 

5. For boxes of wood that are packed with the wood ranked in two discrete sections perpendicular to each other,

calculate the volume of wood in the box as follows: (1) determine the average height, width, and length as in 1, 2

and 3 above for each discrete section, compute total volume, and (2) total the calculated volumes of the two

sections. Take the width measurement for Volume 2 (V2) from the inside edge of the box adjacent to V2 to the 

plane separating V1 and V2. Compute total volume by adding Volume 1 (V1) and V2 according to the following

formula. 

 

Total Volume = V1 + V2

6. Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine lot conformance. 

50
3.17 Crosshatched Firewood 

How must the volume of stacked or crosshatched firewood be measured? 

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; and use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

1. Stack the firewood in a ranked and well-stowed geometrical shape that facilitates volume calculations (i.e.,

rectangular). The number of measurements for each dimension given below is the minimum that should be taken. 

2. Determine the average measurements of the stack: 

3⁄4 Height: Start at one end of the stack; measure the height of the stack on both sides at four equal

intervals. Calculate and record the average height. 

3⁄4 Length: Start at the base of the stack; Measure the length of the stack in four equal intervals. Calculate 

and record the average length. 

3⁄4 Width: Select the five pieces with the greatest girth. Measure the length of the pieces, calculate and 

record the average piece length. (3) 

Calculate Volume: 

Volume in liters = (Avg. Height [cm] x Avg. Width [cm] x Avg. Length in [cm]) ÷ 1 000 

Volume in cubic feet = (Avg. Height [in] x Avg. Width [in] x Avg. Length [in]) ÷ 1 728 

3. Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine lot conformance. 

3.18 Bundles and Bags of Firewood 

How is the volume of bundles and bags of firewood measured? 

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

1. Average area of ends: secure a strap around each end of the bundle or bag of wood to prevent movement during

testing and to provide a definite perimeter. Use two or more straps to secure the wood. 

2. Set one end of the bundle or bag on tracing paper large enough to cover the end completely. Draw a line around

the perimeter of the bundle or bag on the tracing paper. 

3. Transfer the tracing paper to a template graduated in square centimeters or square inches. Count the number of 

square centimeters or square inches that are enclosed within the perimeter line. Estimate portions of square

centimeters or square inches not completely within the perimeter line to the nearest one-quarter square inch. 

4. Repeat this process on the opposite end of the bundle or bag. 

5. Calculate the Average Area. 

Average Area = (Area 1 + Area 2) ÷ 2 

6. Average length of the pieces of wood: select the five pieces with the greatest girth and measure the length of the

pieces. Calculate the average length of the pieces of wood: 

Average Length = (L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 + L5) ÷ 5 

51
7. Calculate Volume: 

Volume in liters = (Average Area [cm2] x Average Length [cm]) ÷ 1 000 

Volume in cubic feet = (Average Area [in2

] x Average Length [in]) ÷ 1 728

Evaluation of Results 

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine lot conformance. 

Note: Specified in Table 2-10., Appendix A, maximum allowable variations for individual packages are not applied to

packages of firewood. 

52
Chapter 4. Test Procedures – Packages Labeled by Count, Linear Measure, Area, 

Thickness, and Combinations of Quantities 

4.1 Scope 

What types of packaged goods can be tested using these procedures? 

Use these procedures to determine the net contents of products sold by count, area, thickness, and linear measure. If a

package includes more than one declaration of quantity, each declaration must meet the package requirements. 

Can the gravimetric test procedure be used to verify the net quantity of contents of packages labeled by count and

linear measure? 

Use the gravimetric procedure to test products sold by measure or count if the density of the product does not vary

excessively from one package to another.

What procedures may be used if the gravimetric test procedure cannot be used? 

Open each package in the sample and measure or count the items. 

4.2 Packages Labeled by Count 

How are packages tested labeled by count?

If the labeled count, is 50 items or less, use Section 4.3. If the labeled count is, more than 50 items see Section 4.4. 

Can a gravimetric test procedure be used to verify the labeled count of a package? 

Yes, if the scale being used is sensitive enough to determine the weight of individual items. Use the following

procedures to determine if the sample packages can be tested gravimetrically. 

1. For packages labeled with a count of 84 or higher, calculate the weight equivalent for the MAV/6 for the labeled

count of the package. MAV/6 must be at least equal to one-half scale division on a mechanical scale or one 

division on a digital scale. 

2. For packages with a labeled count of 83 or fewer, when each unit weighs at least 2 scale divisions, consider the 

scale acceptable. 

Example: According to Table 2-7., in Appendix A, the MAV is 7 for a package labeled with a count 

of 250 items. The scale should be capable of measuring differences corresponding to MAV/6 or, in

this example, the weight of one item.

3⁄4 If the scale meets the appropriate requirement, gravimetric testing can be used to determine package

count or, 

3⁄4 If the scale does not meet the criteria, count the content in each package in the sample. 

53
4.3 Packages Labeled with 50 Items or Less 

Test Procedure 

1. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

2. Open the packages and count the number of items in each. Record the number of packages that contain less than 

the labeled count. 

Evaluation of Results

1. For the sample size indicated in Column 1 of Table 2-11., Accuracy Requirements for Packages Labeled by Low 

Count of (50 or less), refer to Column 2 to determine the number of packages that are allowed to contain less than

the labeled count. 

2. If the number of packages in the sample that contain less than the labeled count exceeds the number permitted in

Column 2, the sample and the lot fail to meet the package requirement. 

Note: For statistical reasons, the average requirement does not apply to packages labeled by count of 50 or fewer

items, and the MAV does not apply to the lot. It only applies to the packages in the sample. 

3. Maximum Allowable Variations: The MAVs listed in Table 2-7., MAVs for Packages Labeled by Count define

the limits of reasonable variation for an individual package even though the MAV is not directly used in the 

sampling plan. Individual packages that are undercount by more than the MAV are considered defective. Even if 

the sample passes, these should be repacked, relabeled, or otherwise handled. 

Example: If testing a lot of 160 packages of pencils labeled “50 pencils,” choose a random sample of 12

packages from the lot. If the scale cannot discriminate between differences in count, open every package 

and count the pencils. For example, assume the 12 package counts are: 50, 52, 50, 50, 51, 53, 52, 50, 50, 

50, 47, and 50.

Because only one package contains fewer than 50 pencils, the sample passes the test (Refer to Table 2-

11.). However, the package containing 47 pencils should not be introduced into commerce even though

the lot complies with the package requirements because it is undercount by more than the MAV (1 item)

permitted in Table 2-7.

4.4 Packages Labeled by Count of More than 50 Items 

Test Procedures 

There are two procedures to determine count without opening all packages in the sample. Both use the weight of a 

counted number of items in the package. If the weight of discrete items or numbers of items in a package varies, the 

packaged items must be counted rather than weighed. 

Equipment 

Use a scale that meets the requirements in Chapter 2, Section 2.2, Measurement Standards and Test Equipment. 

54
Audit Procedure 

Use this procedure to audit lots of packages labeled by count of more than 50 items, but the precision of this procedure 

is only ± 1 %. Determine the lot compliance based on actual count or the violation procedure. 

1. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

2. Select an initial tare sample according to Chapter 2, Section 2.3. 

3. Gross weigh the first package in the tare sample and record this weight. 

4. Select the number of items from the first tare package that weighs the greater: 

3⁄4 10 % of the labeled count; or 

3⁄4 a quantity equal to at least 50 minimum divisions on the scale. 

Example: Using a scale with 1 g divisions, the selected count must weigh at least 50 grams. If a

scale with 0.001 lb divisions is used, the selected count must weigh at least 0.05 lb. Record the count

and weight. 

5. Calculate the weight of the labeled count using the following formula:

Weight of the Labeled Count = (labeled count x weight of items in step [4]) ÷

(count of items in step [4]) 

Record the result as “labeled count weight.”

6. Gross weigh the remaining packages of the tare sample and keep contents of opened packages separated 

in case all of the items must be counted. 

7. Determine the Average Used Dry Tare Weight of the sample according to Chapter 2, Section 2.3. 

8. The weight of the labeled count plus the average tare weight represents the “nominal gross weight.” 

9. Subtract the nominal gross weight from the gross weight of the individual packages and record the errors. 

(Package error [weight]) = (actual package gross weight) (nominal gross weight) 

10. Convert the package errors in units of weight to count: 

Package error (count) = (Package error [weight] x labeled count) ÷ (labeled count weight) 

Round any fractional counts up to whole items in favor of the packager. Record the package error in units of count. 

Compute the average error. 

3⁄4 If the average error is minus, go to the “procedure to use if the inspector suspects the lot violates the 

package requirements” below

3⁄4 If the average error is zero or positive, the sample is presumed to conform to the package requirements. 

Procedures to use if the inspector suspects the lot violates the package requirements

If possible, use the gravimetric procedure to determine compliance. To minimize the number of packages to be 

opened, combine the measurement of the weight of the number of units in the package with the determination of tare. 

55
Therefore, it will not be necessary to open more packages than the tare sample. If the audit procedure in this section 

has been used, the possible violation procedure below can be followed with the same sample if package contents have

been kept separate and can still be counted. Use the following steps to determine if the sample passes or fails. 

1. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. Use a scale 

that meets the criteria specified in 4.2. 

2. Select an initial tare sample according to Chapter 2, Section 2.3. 

3. Gross weigh the packages selected for the tare sample and record these weights. Open these packages and 

determine the tare and net weights of the contents, and count the exact number of items in the packages. Record 

this information.

4. Calculate and record the weights of the labeled counts for the first two packages using the formula: 

Weight of labeled count = (labeled count) x (contents weight ÷ contents count) 

To avoid round off errors, carry at least two extra decimal places in the calculation until the weight of the labeled count

is obtained. To use the gravimetric procedure, the difference in weights of the labeled counts of the two packages must

not exceed one scale division.

3⁄4 If the difference in weights exceeds this criterion, determine the actual count per package for every 

package in the sample recording plus and minus errors. Then, follow the procedures in “Evaluating 

Results” in Chapter 2, Section 2.3, to determine lot conformance. 

3⁄4 If the difference is within the criterion, average the weights of the labeled count and go on to step (5). 

5. Determine the Average Used Dry Tare Weight of the sample according to provisions in Chapter 2, Section 2.3. 

6. Determine and record the nominal gross weight by adding the average weight of the labeled count of items in the 

package step (4) to the average tare weight step (5). 

7. Weigh the remaining packages in the sample, subtract the nominal gross weight from the gross weight of the 

individual packages, and record the errors. 

Package Error (weight) = (Actual Package Gross Weight) (Nominal Gross Weight) 

8. Look up the MAV for the package size from Table 2-7. and convert it to weight using the formula:

MAV (weight) = (MAV (count) x Avg. Wt. of Labeled Count step [4]) ÷ (Labeled Count) 

Convert the MAV to dimensionless units by dividing the MAV (weight) by the unit of measure and record. 

56
Evaluation of Results

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluation Results to determine lot conformance. 

Convert back to count when completing the report form using the following formula: 

Avg. Pkg. Error (count) = (Avg. Pkg. Error [dimensionless units]) x (Unit of Measure) x 

(Labeled Count) ÷ (Avg. Weight of Labeled Count.)

4.5 Paper Plates and Sanitary Paper Products

How are the labeled dimensions of paper plates and sanitary paper products verified?

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following procedure to determine lot compliance.

The following procedures are used to verify the size of paper plates and other products. The following procedure may

be used to verify the size declarations of other disposable dinnerware. 

Note: Do not distort the item’s shape during measurement. 

The count of sanitary paper products cannot be adequately determined by weighing. Variability in sheet weight and 

core weight requires that official tests be conducted by actual count. However, weighing can be a useful audit method. 

These products often declare total area as well as unit count and sheet size. If the actual sheet size measurements and 

the actual count comply with the average requirements, the total area declaration is assumed correct. 

Equipment 

•

•

Steel tapes and rules. Determine measurements of length to the nearest division of the appropriate tape or 

rule. 

3⁄4 Metric Units: 

For labeled dimensions 40 cm or less, Linear Measure: 30 cm in length, 1 mm divisions; or a 1 m

rule with 0.1 mm divisions, overall length tolerance of 0.4 mm.

For labeled dimensions greater than 40 cm, 30 m tape with 1 mm divisions. 

3⁄4 Inch pound Units: 

For labeled dimensions 25 in or less, use a 36 in rule with 1/64 in or 1/100 in divisions and an overall

length tolerance of 1/64 in. 

For dimensions greater than 25 in, use a 100 ft tape with 1/16 in divisions and an overall length 

tolerance of 0.1 in. 

Measuring Base

Note: A measuring base may be made of any flat, sturdy material approximately 38 cm (15 in) square. Two vertical 

side pieces approximately 3 cm (1 in) high and the same length as the sides of the measuring base are attached along 

two adjoining edges of the measuring base to form a 90° corner. Trim all white borders from two or more sheets of

graph paper (10 divisions per centimeter or 20 divisions per inch). Place one sheet on the measuring base and position 

it so that one corner of graph paper is snug in the corner of the measuring base and vertical sides. Tape the sheet to the 

measuring base. Overlap other sheets on the first sheet so that the lines of top and bottom sheet coincide, expanding 

the graph area to a size bigger than plates to be measured; tape these sheets to the measuring base. Number each line 

from the top and left side of base plates: 1, 2, 3, etc. 

57
How are paper products inspected?

1. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

2. Select an initial tare sample according to Chapter 2, Section 2.3. 

3. Open each package and select one item from each. 

 

Note: Some packages of plates contain a combination of different-sized plates. In this instance, take a plate of each 

declared size from the package to represent all the plates of that size in the package. For example, if three sizes are

declared, select three different plates from each package. 

How are paper products measured? 

Note: Occasionally, packages of plates declared to be one size contain plates that can be seen by inspection to be of

different sizes in the same package. In this instance, select the smallest plate and use the methods below to determine 

the package error. If the smallest plate is not short measure by more than the MAV, measure each size of plate in the

package and calculate the average dimensions. 

Example: If 5 plates measure 21.41 cm (8.43 in) and 15 measure 21.74 cm (8.56 in), the average

dimension for this package of 20 plates is 21.66 cm (8.53 in). 

4. For paper plates: place each item on the measuring base plate (or use the linear measure) with the eating surface

down so two sides of the plate touch the sides of the measuring base. For other products, use either the measuring

base or a linear measure to determine actual labeled dimensions (e.g., packages of napkins, rolls of paper towels).

If testing folded products, be sure that the folds are pressed flat so that the measurement is accurate. 

5. If the measurements reveal that the dimensions of the individual items vary, select at least 10 items from each 

package. Measure and average these dimensions. Use the average dimensions to determine package error in step

5 below. 

6. The package error equals the actual dimensions minus the labeled dimensions. 

Evaluation of Results 

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine lot conformance. 

4.6 Special Test Requirements for Packages Labeled by Linear or Square Measure (Area) 

Are there special measurement requirements for packages labeled by dimensions? 

Yes, products labeled by length (such as yarn) or area often requires the application of tension to the ends of the 

product in order to straighten the product before measuring. When testing yarn and thread apply tension and use the 

specialized equipment specified in ASTM D 1907-97, “Standard Test Method for Linear Density of Yarn (Yarn

Number) by the Skein Method,” in conjunction with the sampling plans and package requirements described in this

handbook. 

58
Evaluation of Results 

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine lot conformance. 

4.7 Polyethylene Sheeting

Which procedures are used to verify the declarations on polyethylene sheeting and bags? 

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

 

Note: Most polyethylene products are sold by length, width, thickness, area, and net weight. 

Equipment 

• A scale that meets the requirements in Chapter 2, Section 2.2., Measurement Standards and Test Equipment.

• Steel measuring tapes and rules as specified in 4.5. 

• Deadweight dial micrometer (or equal) equipped with a flat anvil, 6.35 mm or (1/4 in) diameter or larger, and 

a 4.75 mm (3/16 in) diameter flat surface on the head of the spindle. The anvil and spindle head surfaces

should be ground and lapped, parallel to within 0.002 mm (0.0001 in), and should move on an axis 

perpendicular to their surfaces. The dial spindle should be vertical, and the dial should be at least 50.8 mm

(2 in) in diameter. The dial indicator should be continuously graduated to read directly to 0.002 mm (0.00-

01 in) and should be capable of making more than one revolution. It must be equipped with a separate

indicator to indicate the number of complete revolutions. The dial indicator mechanism should be fully

jeweled. The frame should be of sufficient rigidity that a load of 1.36 kg (3 lb) applied to the dial housing,

exclusive of the weight or spindle presser foot, will not cause a change in indication on the dial of more than 

0.02 mm (0.001 in). The indicator reading must be repeatable to 0.001 2 mm (0.000 05 in) at zero. The mass 

of the probe head (total of anvil, weight 102 g or [3.6 oz], spindle, etc.) must be 113.4 g (4 oz). The micrometer should be operated in an atmosphere free from drafts and fluctuating temperature and should be

stabilized at ambient room temperature before use. 

• Gage blocks covering the range of thicknesses to be tested should be used to check the accuracy of the

micrometer 

• T-square 

Test Procedure 

1. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

2. Be sure the product is not mislabeled. Check the label declaration to confirm that all of the declared dimensions 

are consistent with the required standards. The declaration on sheeting, film, and bags shall be equal to or greater

than the weight calculated by using the formulas below. Calculate the final value to four digits and declare to 

three digits dropping the final digit (e.g., if the calculated value is 2.078 lb, then the declared net weight is 

truncated to 2.07 lb). 

59
Example Label:

Polyethylene Sheeting

1.82 m (6 ft) x 30.48 m (100 ft)

101.6 μm (4 mil)

5.03 kg (11.1 lb)

3. Use the following formulas to compute a target net weight. The labeled weight should equal or exceed the target

net weight or the package is not in compliance. 

3⁄4 For metric dimensions: 

 

Target Mass in Kilograms = (T x A x D) ÷ 1,000

Where: T = nominal thickness in centimeters 

A = nominal length in centimeters x nominal width (the nominal width for bags is

twice the labeled width) in centimeters 

 D = density in grams per cubic centimeter*

3⁄4 For inch-pound dimensions:

Target Weight in Pounds = T x A x D x 0.036 13 

Where: T = nominal thickness in inches; 

A = nominal area; that is the nominal length in inches x nominal width (the 

nominal width for bags is twice the labeled width) in inches;

D = density in grams per cubic centimeter; 0.036 13 is a factor for converting g

/cm3

to lb/i n 3 . 

*Determined by ASTM Standard D 1505-98, “Standard Method of Test for Density of Plastics by the Density Gradient

Technique.” For the purpose of this handbook, the minimum density shall be 0.92 g/cm3 when the actual density is not

known. 

Evaluation 

1. Perform the calculations as shown in the following samples. If the product complies with the label declaration, go

to step (2).

Sample Calculations

3⁄4 For metric units: 

(0.010 16 cm x [(1.82 m x 100 cm/m) x (30.48 m x 100 cm/m )] x 0.92 g

/c m3 ) ÷ 1,000 g/k g

= a target net mass of 5.18 kg

60
at one end and along the length on one side of the In this example, the labeled net mass of 5.03 kg does not meet

the target net mass, so the product is not in compliance. 

3⁄4 For inch-pound units: 

(0.004 in) x [(6 ft x 12 in/f t) x (100 ft x 12 in/f t)] x 0.92g

/c m3 x 0.03613 = a target net weight of 11.48 lb

In this example, the labeled net weight of 11.1 lb does not meet the target net weight, so the product is not in

compliance. 

2. Select packages for tare samples. Determine and record the gross weights of the initial tare sample. 

3. Extend the product in the sample packages to their full dimensions and remove by hand all creases and folds. 

4. Measure the length and width of the product to the closest 3 mm (1/8 in). Make all measurements at intervals 

uniformly distributed along the length and width of the sample and record the results. Compute the average length

and width, and record. 

3⁄4 With rolls of product, measure the length of the roll at three points along the width of each roll and

measure the width at a minimum of 10 points along the length of each roll. 

3⁄4 For folded products, such as drop cloths or tarpaulins, make three length measurements along the

width of the sample and three width measurements along the length of the sample. 

5. Determine and record the average tare weight according to Chapter 2, Section 2.3, Tare Procedures. 

Evaluation of Results – Length, Width, and Net Weight

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine the lot conformance requirements for 

length, width, and weight. 

3⁄4 If the sample fails to meet the package requirements for any of these declarations, no further

measurements are necessary. The lot fails to conform.

3⁄4 If the sample meets the package requirements for the declarations of length, widths, and weight, go

to step 6 to verify the thickness declaration. 

Measure the thickness of the plastic sheet with a micrometer using the following guide. Place the micrometer on a

solid level surface. If the dial does not read zero with nothing between the anvil and the spindle head, set it at zero. 

Raise and lower the spindle head or probe several times; it should indicate zero each time. If it does not, find and

correct the cause before proceeding. 

3⁄4 Take measurements at five uniformly distributed locations across the width at each end and five

locations along each side of each roll in the sample. If this is not possible, take measurements at five

uniformly distributed locations across the width product for each package in the sample. 

When measuring the thickness, place the sample between the micrometer surfaces and lower the spindle head or probe

near, but outside, the area where the measurement will be made. Raise the spindle head or probe a distance of 

0.008 mm to 0.01 mm (0.000 3 in to 0.000 4 in) and move the sheet to the measurement position. Drop the spindle 

head onto the test area of the sheet. 

Read the dial thickness two seconds or more after the drop, or when the dial hand or digital readout becomes 

stationary. This procedure minimizes small errors that may occur when the spindle head or probe is lowered slowly

onto the test area. 

61
For succeeding measurements, raise the spindle head 0.008 mm to 0.01 mm (0.000 3 in to 0.000 4 in) above the rest

position on the test surface, move to the next measurement location, and drop the spindle head onto the test area. Do 

not raise the spindle head more than 0.01 mm (0.000 4 in) above its rest position on the test area. Take measurements 

at least 6 mm (1/4 in) or more from the edge of the sheet. 

3⁄4 Repeat Step 6 above on the remaining packages in the sample and record all thickness measurements. 

Compute and record the average thickness for the individual package and apply the following MAV 

requirements. 

Evaluation of Results – Individual Thickness 

• No measured thickness of polyethylene labeled 25 μm (1 mil) or greater should be less than 80 % of the 

labeled thickness. 

• No measured thickness of polyethylene labeled less than 25 μm (1 mil) should be less than 65 % of the 

labeled thickness. 

Count the number of values that are smaller than specified MAVs (0.8 x labeled thickness if 25 μm [1 mil] or greater 

or 0.65 x labeled thickness, if less than 25 μm [1 mil]). If the number of values that fail to meet the thickness 

requirement exceeds the number of MAVs permitted for the sample size, the lot fails to conform to requirements. No

further testing of the lot is necessary. If the number of MAVs for thickness measurements is less than or equal to the

number permitted for the sample size, go on to Evaluation of Results - Average Thickness. 

Evaluation of Results – Average Thickness

The average thickness for any single package should be at least 96 % of the labeled thickness. This is an MAV of 4 %.

Circle and count the number of package average thickness values that are smaller than 0.96 x labeled thickness. If the

number of package average thicknesses circled exceeds the number of MAVs permitted for the sample size, the lot

fails to conform to requirements. No further testing of the lot is necessary. If the number of MAVs for package 

average thickness is less than or equal to the number of MAVs permitted for the sample size, proceed to “Evaluating 

Results” in Section 2.3 of Chapter 2 to determine if the lot meets the package requirements for average thickness.

4.8 Packages Labeled by Linear or Square (Area) Measure 

Equipment 

• Use a scale that meets the requirements in Chapter 2, Section 2.2., Measurement Standards and Test

Equipment. Calculate the length or area of packaged product corresponding to MAV/6. If there is no suitable

weighing device, all of the packages in the sample must be opened and measured. 

• Steel tapes and rules as specified in 4.5 

• T-square 

Test Procedure 

1. Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

2. Select an initial tare sample according to Chapter 2, Section 2.3. 

3. Gross weigh the first package in the tare sample and record this weight. 

4. Determine and record the measurements (to the nearest division of the appropriate tape or rule) of the packaged

goods (length, width, area; depending upon which dimensions are declared on the label) and weigh the goods from

the first package opened for tare determination.

62
3⁄4 Calculate and record the weight of the labeled measurements using the following formula: 

Weight of the labeled measurement = (labeled measurement) x (contents weight) ÷ (contents

measurement) 

3⁄4 Look up and record the MAV in units of length or area measure (given in Table 2-8.) 

Note: See Table 2-10., Exceptions to the MAVs for textiles, and polyethylene sheeting and film. 

5. Determine and record the tare weight of the first package opened. 

6. Determine and record the measurements (length, width, area; depending upon which dimensions are declared on

the label) of the product in the second package chosen for tare determination (to the nearest division of the appropriate 

tape or rule). Determine and record the tare weight of this package. 

7. Calculate and record the weight of the labeled measurement for the second package using the following formula: 

Weight of the labeled measurement = (labeled measurement) x (contents weight ÷ contents measurement)

The weights of the labeled measurement for two packages must not differ by more than one division on the scale. If

they do, open all packages in the sample, measure individually, and compare them against the labeled measure to determine the package errors. If the criterion is met, go to step 8. 

8. Calculate the average weight of the labeled measurement and record. 

9. Determine and record the average tare weight according to Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Tare Procedures. 

10. Compute and record the nominal gross weight by adding the average weight of the labeled measurements to the 

average tare weight. 

11. Compute package errors according to the following formula: 

Package error (weight) = (actual package gross weight) (nominal gross weight) 

12. Convert the MAV to units of weight using the following formula: 

MAV (weight) = (avg. wt. of label measurements x MAV [length]) ÷ (labeled measurements) 

Convert the MAV to dimensionless units by dividing the MAV (weight) by the unit of measure and record. 

Evaluation of Results 

Follow the procedure in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine lot conformance. 

Convert back to dimensions when completing the report form using following the formula:

Avg. Pkg. Error (dimension) = (Avg. Pkg. Error [dimensionless units]) x (Unit of Measure) x 

(Labeled unit of measure) ÷ (Avg. Weight of Labeled dimension.) 

63
4.9 Baler Twine - Test Procedure for Length 

Equipment 

• A scale that meets the requirements in Chapter 2, Section 2.2., Measurement Standards and Test Equipment,

except a scale with 0.1 g (0.000 2 lb) increments must be used for weighing twine samples. The 

recommended minimum load for weighing samples is 20 divisions. 

• Steel tapes and rules specified in Section 4.5.

• A hand-held straight-face spring scale of at least 4.53 kg (10 lb) capacity or a cordage-testing device that 

applies the specified tension to the twine being measured. When measuring twine samples or total roll length, 

apply 4.53 kg (10 lb) of tension to the twine.

Test Procedure 

Follow the Basic Test Procedure in Section 2.3. Define the inspection lot. Use a Category A sampling plan in the 

inspection; select a random sample; then use the following test procedure to determine lot compliance. 

1. Select packages for tare samples. Determine gross weights of the initial tare sample and record. Open the tare 

samples. Use the procedures for tare determination in Tare Procedures of Chapter 2, Section 2.3 to compute the 

average tare weight and record this value. 

2. Procedure for obtaining twine samples: randomly select four balls of twine from the packages that were opened for

tare. 

From each of the four balls of twine: 

 

3⁄4 Measure and discard the first 10.05 m (33 ft) of twine from each roll. Accurate measurement requires 

applying tension to the ends of the twine before measuring in order to straighten the product.

3⁄4 Take two 30.48 m (100 ft) lengths of twine from inside each roll.

3⁄4 Weigh and record the weight of each piece separately and record the values. Compare the weight values

to determine the variability of the samples. If the individual weights of the eight twine samples vary by

more than one division on the scale, use one of the following steps: If the lot is short, determine the 

actual length of the lightest-weight roll found in the lightest-weight package of the lot to confirm that the 

weight shortages reflect the shortages in the length of the rolls; or, determine the average weight-per-unit

of measure by taking ten 30.48 m (100 ft) lengths from inside the lightest weight package. Use this

value to recalculate its length and determine lot compliance. 

3. Weigh all of the sample lengths together and record the total value. Determine the total length of the samples

(243.8 m or 800 ft, unless more than eight sample-lengths were taken) and record the value. Compute the average 

weight-per-unit-of-length by dividing the total weight by the total length of the pieces. 

4. Determine the MAV for a package of twine (refer to Table 2-8., Maximum Allowable Variations for Packages 

Labeled by Length, Width, or Area). 

 

3⁄4 Record the total declared package length. 

3⁄4 Multiply the MAV from Table 2-8. times the total package length to obtain the MAV for length and

record this value. 

 

3⁄4 Multiply the weight per unit of length (from step 3) times the MAV for the total declared package length

to obtain the MAV by weight and record this value. 

64
3⁄4 Convert the MAV to dimensionless units and record. 

4. Calculate the nominal gross weight and record. 

Follow the Basic Test procedure in Section 2.3 to determine individual package errors. Determine errors using the

following formula: 

3⁄4 Package error (weight) = (package gross weight) (nominal gross weight).

 

3⁄4 To convert the Package error in weight back to length, divide the weight by the average weight-per-unitof-length. 

Evaluation of Results 

Follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to determine lot compliance. 

4.10 Procedure for Checking the Area Measurement of Chamois

Chamois is natural leather made from skins of sheep and lambs that have been oil-tanned. Chamois are irregularly

shaped, which makes area measurement difficult. Because of these characteristics, an accurate area determination can 

only be made using an internationally recognized method of conditioning (rehydrating) and measurement. Chamois is 

produced in a wet manufacturing process, so it has high moisture content at time of measurement. Chamois is

hydroscopic; therefore, its dimensions and total area change as it loses or absorbs moisture. It is also subject to

wrinkling. Because of the variation of the thickness and density, and therefore the weight per unit area of chamois, an

estimated gross weight procedure cannot be used to verify the labeled area declaration. 

Standard Test Conditions: As with all hydroscopic products, reasonable variations in measure must be allowed if

caused by ordinary and customary exposure to atmospheric conditions that normally occur in good distribution

practice. Both Federal and international standards specify procedures to restore the moisture content of chamois so that

tests to verify dimensions and area can be conducted. 

Federal Test Method Standard 311, “Leather, Methods of Sampling and Testing,” (January 15, 1969) defines the 

standard atmospheric condition for chamois as 50 ± 4 % relative humidity and 23 ± 2 °C (73.4 ± 3.6 °F). The chamois

is considered to be at equilibrium moisture when the difference in two successive weighings, made at 1 hr intervals, is

no greater than 0.25 % (e.g., the maximum change in weight on a 100 g sample in two successive weighings is less 

than 0.25 g (250 mg).

Test Procedures 

The area of chamois is verified using a two-stage test procedure. The first stage is a field audit using the template test

procedure. This test is used for field audits because it is simpler to perform and does not require the chamois to be 

conditioned. The field audit is used to identify chamois that are potentially under measure. It is not as accurate as the

gravimetric procedure because some error results from reading the area from the template. The gravimetric procedure 

should be used for compliance testing because it includes conditioning (rehydrating) the chamois. 

65
Template Test Method (for field audits) 

Select a random sample of chamois and use the Template Procedure (below) to determine the area of each sample.

Chamois is labeled in uniform sizes in terms of square decimeters and square feet, and are sized in increments of 1⁄4 ft2

(e.g., 1 ft2, 11⁄4 ft2, and 11⁄2 ft2). Separate the chamois into different sizes and define the inspection lot by specific sizes. 

Equipment 

Use a transparent, flexible template that is graduated in square centimeters or square inches and that has been verified 

for accuracy. The template must be large enough to completely cover the chamois under test. 

Template Procedures 

1. Template Procedure 

Place the template over the chamois specimen on a smooth surface. Determine the area by counting the number of 

squares that cover the surface of the chamois. Estimate parts of the template that do not completely cover the 

chamois by adding the number of partially covered blocks. (See Figure 1.) 

Compute the total area and go to Evaluation to determine if further action is necessary. 

Figure 1. 

First Stage - Decision Criteria 

If the average minus error exceeds 3 % of the labeled area, the chamois may not be labeled accurately. To confirm the 

finding, the sample must be taken to a laboratory for conditioning and testing using the gravimetric test procedure. 

 

2. Gravimetric Procedure for Area Measurement 

This test cannot be performed in the field because the samples must be conditioned with water before testing. This

method is intended for use in checking full or cut skins, or pattern shapes. Open and condition all of the packages

in the sample before determining their area on the recommended paper. Conditioning and verifying chamois can 

be accomplished without destroying the product. When successful tests are completed, the chamois may be

repackaged for sale, so do not destroy the packaging material. 

66
Equipment 

• Scale with a capacity of 1 kg that is accurate to at least ± 0.01 g and a load receiving element of adequate size

to properly hold the chamois 

• Atomizer or trigger type sprayer and sealable, airtight polyethylene bags 

• Medium weight drawing paper (e.g., drawing paper, medium weight (100 lb), regular surface or comparable) 

• Household iron with low temperature settings 30 °C to 40 °C (86 °F to 104 °F) 

• Rule or tape that is graduated in centimeters or inches 

• Instrument for cutting paper (razor blade, scissors, or cutting board) 

Sample Conditioning 

1. Remove each sample from its packages weigh and record each weight. Using an atomizer-type sprayer, spray

water in the amount of 25 % of the weight of each skin uniformly over its area. Place wetted chamois in an 

airtight polyethylene bag; seal the bag, and leave it in this condition at room temperature for 24 hours. 

2. Open the bag, remove the chamois, and reweigh the chamois to confirm that it retained maximum moisture. This 

is done by confirming that the difference in the two consecutive weighings conducted an hour apart does not

exceed 0.25 %). 

3. Place the chamois flat on a continuous piece of drawing paper. To remove wrinkles and make the chamois lie flat,

use a normal domestic iron that is heated to a maximum of 30 °C to 40 °C (86 °F to 104 °F). Place the iron on the

bottom of the skin, and iron the skin up the center to the top. Then, iron the skin from the center out to each side. 

Iron until the skin is fully extended and perfectly flat. 

Measurement

1. Immediately after ironing, carefully draw around the outline of the skin on the paper. Remove the skin; carefully

cut along the outline of the skin; weigh the cutout pattern, and record to the nearest 

0.1 g as Sample Weight 1 (W1). 

2. Lay out the pattern and cut an accurately measured rectangle of a size not less than one-half the area of the pattern.

Weigh the cutout rectangle and record the weight to the nearest 0.1 g as Sample Weight 2 (W2). Calculate the 

area of the rectangle cut from the patterns by multiplying length by width and record as Area (A) in centimeters

or square inches. 

3⁄4 For metric units - calculate the area of the original skin being checked as follows: 

W1/W2 x A = Skin Area in cm2 /100 = Area in dm2 

3⁄4 For inch-pound units - calculate the area of the original skin being checked as follows: 

 

W1/W2 x A = Skin Area in in2 /144 = Area ft2 

67
Evaluation of Results 

Compute the average error for the sample and follow the procedures in Chapter 2, Section 2.3., Evaluating Results to

determine lot conformance. 

The MAV for area declarations on chamois is 3 % of the labeled area as specified in Table 2-8. 

68
NIST Handbook 133 Fourth Edition (2005) Index 

aerosol containers......................................................13 

Assistance in Testing Operations.................................5 

Average Requirement..................................................2 

Baler Twine ...............................................................64 

Basic Inspection Procedure and Record Keeping......11 

Basic Test Procedure ...................................................7 

Borax ...................................................................10, 19 

Boxed Firewood ........................................................50 

Bundles and Bags of Firewood..................................51 

Calculations.........................................................17, 60 

Caulking Compounds................................................37 

Chamois...............................................................65, 66 

coffee .........................................................................14 

Count ..................... 2, 12, 32, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 62 

Crosshatched Firewood .............................................51 

Decreasing-Load Test..................................................9 

Defoaming agent .......................................................25 

Determining the Net Contents of Compressed Gas in

Cylinders................................................................46 

Drained Weight .........................................................21 

Drained Weight for Glazed or Frozen Foods.............21 

Evaluating Results16, 21, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31, 37, 39,

41, 45, 46, 49, 50, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 61, 62, 63, 65,

...............................................................................68 

firewood.............................................12, 49, 50, 51, 52 

flour .............................................................................3 

Fresh Oysters.............................................................45 

Frozen Foods.............................................................21 

Glossary.....................................................................12 

Good Measurement Practices......................................5 

Goods Labeled by Capacity.......................................30 

Gravimetric Test Procedure for Checking the Net 

Contents of Packaged Goods...................................7 

Gravimetric Test Procedure for Liquids....................25 

Health and Safety.........................................................5 

Ice Cream Novelties ..................................................41 

Increasing-Load Test ...................................................9 

Individual Package Requirement.................................2 

initial tare sample.......................................................14 

Inspection Lot..............................................................2 

Linear Measure, Area, Thickness, and Combinations 

of Quantities ..........................................................53 

Maximum Allowable Variation...2, 3, 7, 10, 12, 16, 18 

Mayonnaise and Salad Dressing................................29 

Measurement Standards and Test Equipment..............5 

milk............................................................................24 

Moisture Allowances.................................................17 

Moisture Loss or Gain .................................................3 

Mulch and Soils Labeled by Volume ........................40 

nominal gross weight11, 14, 15, 20, 27, 28, 37, 44, 55, 

...................................................................56, 63, 65 

Nominal Gross Weight..............................................15 

Other Volumetric Test Procedures............................28 

package errors for the tare sample packages .............15 

Package Requirements.................................................2 

Packages Labeled by Count.......................................53 

Packages Labeled by Count of More than 50 Items..54 

Packages Labeled by Linear or Square (Area) Measure

...............................................................................62

Packages Labeled by Volume....................................24 

Packages Labeled with 50 Items or Less...................54 

Paint......................................................... 32, 33, 34, 35 

Paper Plates and Sanitary Paper Products .................57 

Peat Moss ..................................................................38 

Point of pack................................................................1 

Point-of-pack...............................................................1 

point-of-sale.................................................................1 

Polyethylene Sheeting ...............................................59 

Pressed and Blown Glass Tumblers and Stemware...31 

Random number tables..............................................12 

Random Sample Selection.........................................12 

reasonable variation.....................................................3 

reference temperature ................................................24 

Regulatory Agencies Responsible for Package 

Regulations and Applicable Requirements..............4 

Retail ...........................................................................1 

Return to Zero .............................................................9 

Sampling Plans.......................................... 3, 10, 11, 16 

Scope ...............................................................1, 24, 53 

Shift Test .....................................................................9 

Special Test Requirements for Packages Labeled by

Linear or Square Measure (Area)..........................58 

Tare Procedures.........................................................13 

Test Procedure for Cylinders Labeled by Volume ....49 

Test Procedure For Cylinders Labeled By Weight....48 

Testing Viscous Materials - Such As Caulking

Compounds............................................................37 

The Determination of Drained Weight......................20 

Unit of measure .........................................................32 

Unused Dry Tare .......................................................13 

Used Dry Tare ...........................................................13 

vacuum-packed..........................................................14 

Volumetric Headspace Test Procedure......................29 

Volumetric Test Procedure for Liquids.....................28 

Volumetric Test Procedure for Packaged Firewood

with a Labeled Volume .........................................49 

Volumetric Test Procedure for Paint, Varnish, and

Lacquers – Non-aerosol.........................................32 

Wet Tare....................................................................13 

Wholesale ....................................................................1 

69
Appendix A. Tables 

Table 1-1. Agencies Responsible for Package Regulations and Applicable Requirements 

Commodity Responsible Agency

NIST Handbook 133 

Sampling Plans 

Table of Maximum 

Allowable Variations 

Meat and Poultry 

U.S. Department of

Agriculture/ Food Safety 

and Inspection Service and 

State and local weights and 

measures. 

1. Use Table 2-1. Sampling 

Plans for Category A to test 

packages at other than point

of pack. 

2. Use Table 2-2. Sampling 

Plans for Category B to test 

packages in Federally 

inspected meat and poultry 

plants. 

Table 2-9. U.S.

Department of 

Agriculture, Meat and 

Poultry, Groups and

Lower Limits for 

Individual Packages. 

Foods, drugs, and cosmetics 

subject to the Food, Drug, 

and Cosmetic Act including 

those packaged at the retail 

store level that have been in

interstate commerce (e.g., 

seafood) or those made with

ingredients that have been

in interstate commerce. 

U.S. Food and Drug

Administration and State 

and local weights and 

measures. 

http://www.fda.gov

Food products not subject to

the Federal Food, Drug, and 

Cosmetic Act, including

meat and poultry products 

packaged at the retail store

level. 

State and local weights and 

measures. 

http://www.nist.gov/owm

Non-food Consumer

Products 

Federal Trade Commission 

http://www.ftc.gov

Non-food Consumer and 

Non-consumer Products

State and local weights and 

measures. 

Alcohol and Tobacco 

Products 

U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, 

Tobacco, and Firearms and 

State and local weights and 

measures. 

http://www.atf.treas.gov

Pesticides 

U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency and State 

and local weights and 

measures. 

http://www.epa.gov

Use Table 2-1. Sampling 

Plans for Category A to test 

packages at all locations 

Table 2-5. MAVs for

Packages Labeled by

Weight 

Table 2-6. MAVs for 

Packages Labeled by

Liquid or Dry Volume. 

Table 2-7. MAVs for 

Packages Labeled by

Count 

Table 2-8. MAVs for 

Packages Labeled by

Length (Width) or Area. 

Table 2-10. Exceptions to

the MAVs for Textiles, 

Polyethylene Sheeting 

and Film, Mulch and Soil 

Labeled by Volume, 

Packaged Firewood, and 

Packages Labeled by

Count with Less than 50

Items. 

A-1
Table 2-1. Sampling Plans for Category A 

1 2 3 4 5 6

Initial Tare Sample Size**

Inspection Lot 

Size

Sample 

Size

Sample Correction 

Factor

Number of Minus 

Package Errors 

Allowed to Exceed 

the MAV*

Glass and 

Aerosol 

Packages 

All Other 

Packages 

1 1 Apply MAV

2 2 8.984

3 3 2.484

4 4 1.591

5 5 1.241

6 6 1.050

7 7 0.925

8 8 0.836

9 9 0.769

10 10 0.715

11 11 0.672

12 to 250 12 0.635 

2 

251 to 3 200 24 0.422 

0* 

More than 3 200 48 0.291 1* 3 

2 

*For mulch and soils packaged by volume, see Table 2-10. Exceptions to the Maximum Allowable Variations – 1 

package may exceed the MAV for every 12 packages in the sample. 

**If sample size is 11 or less, the initial tare sample size and the total tare sample size is 2 samples. 

(Amended 2001) 

Table 2-2. Sampling Plans for Category B

For Use In USDA-Inspected Meat and Poultry Plants Only 

1 2 3 4

Inspection Lot Size Sample Size Initial Tare Sample Size Number of Packages Allowed to

Exceed the MAVs in Table 2-9 

250 or Less 10 2 

251 or More 30 5 

0 

A-2
Table 2-3. Category A – Total Number of Packages to be Opened for Tare Determination 

Numbers Include those Packages Opened for Initial Tare Sample 

Ratio of Rc/Rt Total Number of Packages in Tare Sample 

Sample Size 12 24 48 

Initial Tare Sample Size 2 2 3 2 3

If range of tare equals "zero," use 

Initial Tare Sample Size. 

If the ratio is "zero" based on a "zero" 

range of net weight open all of the 

packages in the sample. 

2 2 3 2 3

If the ratio is greater than 0 but less 

than or equal to 0.2 12 24 24 48 48

0.21 to 0.60 12 24 24 48 48 

0.61 to 0.70 12 24 24 47 47 

0.71 to 0.80 12 23 23 47 47 

0.81 to 1.00 12 23 23 46 46 

1.01 to 1.10 11 23 23 46 46 

1.11 to 1.20 11 23 23 45 45 

1.21 to 1.30 11 22 22 45 45 

1.31 to 1.50 11 22 22 44 44 

1.51 to 1.60 11 22 22 43 43 

1.61 to 1.70 11 21 21 42 42 

1.71 to 1.80 10 21 21 42 42 

1.81 to 1.90 10 21 21 41 41 

1.91 to 2.00 10 20 20 41 41 

2.01 to 2.10 10 20 20 40 40 

2.11 to 2.20 10 20 20 39 39 

2.21 to 2.30 10 19 19 39 39 

2.31 to 2.40 9 19 19 38 38 

2.41 to 2.50 9 19 19 37 37 

2.51 to 2.60 9 18 18 37 37 

2.61 to 2.70 9 18 18 36 36 

2.71 to 2.80 9 18 18 35 35 

2.81 to 2.90 9 17 17 34 34 

2.91 to 3.00 8 17 17 34 34 

3.01 to 3.10 8 17 17 33 33 

3.11 to 3.30 8 16 16 32 32 

3.31 to 3.40 8 16 16 31 31 

3.41 to 3.50 8 15 15 30 30 

3.51 to 3.60 7 15 15 30 30 

3.61 to 3.70 7 15 15 29 29 

3.71 to 3.90 7 14 14 28 28 

3.91 to 4.00 7 14 14 27 27 

4.01 to 4.10 7 13 13 27 27 

4.11 to 4.20 7 13 13 26 26 

4.21 to 4.30 6 13 13 25 25 

4.31 to 4.40 6 12 12 25 25 

4.41 to 4.60 6 12 12 24 24 

Go to Next Page for Additional Values. 

A-3
Table 2-3 (Continued) . Category A – Total Number of Packages to be Opened for Tare Determination 

Numbers Include those Packages Opened for Initial Tare Sample 

Ratio of Rc/Rt Total Number of Packages in Tare Sample 

Sample Size 12 24 48 

Initial Tare Sample Size 2 2 3 2 3

4.61 to 4.70 6 12 12 23 23 

4.71 to 4.80 6 11 11 23 23 

4.81 to 4.90 6 11 11 22 22 

4.91 to 5.00 5 11 11 22 22 

5.01 to 5.10 5 11 11 21 21 

5.01 to 5.10 5 11 11 21 21 

5.11 to 5.20 5 10 10 21 21 

5.21 to 5.40 5 10 10 20 20 

5.41 to 5.60 5 10 10 19 19 

5.61 to 5.70 5 9 9 19 19 

5.71 to 5.80 5 9 9 18 18 

5.81 to 5.90 4 9 9 18 18 

5.91 to 6.10 4 9 9 17 17 

6.11 to 6.20 4 8 8 17 17 

6.21 to 6.50 4 8 8 16 16 

6.51 to 6.70 4 8 8 15 15 

6.71 to 6.80 4 7 7 15 15 

6.81 to 7.00 4 7 7 14 14 

7.01 to 7.20 3 7 7 14 14 

7.21 to 7.40 3 7 7 13 13 

7.41 to 7.60 3 6 6 13 13 

7.61 to 8.00 3 6 6 12 12 

8.01 to 8.20 3 6 6 11 11 

8.21 to 8.50 3 5 5 11 11 

8.51 to 8.80 3 5 5 10 10 

8.81 to 9.00 2 5 5 10 10 

9.01 to 9.30 2 5 5 9 9 

9.31 to 9.70 2 4 4 9 9 

9.71 to 10.40 2 4 4 8 8 

10.41 to 10.90 2 4 4 7 7 

10.91 to 11.30 2 3 3 7 7 

11.31 to 12.50 2 3 3 6 6 

12.51 to 13.20 2 3 3 5 5 

13.21 to 13.90 2 2 3 5 5 

13.91 to 16.00 2 2 3 4 4 

16.01 to 19.10 2 2 3 3 3 

19.11 to 19.20 2 2 3 2 3 

Initial Tare Sample Size 2 2 3 2 3

A-4
Table 2-4. Category B – Total Number of Packages to be Opened for Tare Determination

Numbers Include those Packages Opened for Initial Tare Sample 

Ratio of Rc/Rt Total Number of Packages in Tare Sample

Sample Size 10 30 

Initial Tare Sample Size 2 5 

If the ratio is zero, based on a "zero" 

range of tare, use Initial Tare 

Sample Size. 

If the ratio is "zero" based on a "zero" 

range of net weight, open all the 

packages in the sample. 

2 5

If the ratio is greater than 0 but less 

than or equal to 0.2 10 30

0.21 to 0.40 10 29 

0.41 to 0.60 10 28 

0.61 to 0.80 9 26 

0.81 to 1.00 8 24 

1.01 to 1.20 8 23 

1.21 to 1.40 7 21 

1.41 to 1.60 7 19 

1.61 to 1.80 6 17 

1.81 to 2.00 5 15 

2.01 to 2.20 5 14 

2.21 to 2.40 5 13 

2.41 to 2.60 4 12 

2.61 to 2.80 4 11 

2.81 to 3.00 4 10 

3.01 to 3.20 3 9 

3.21 to 3.60 3 8 

3.61 to 3.80 3 7 

3.81 to 4.40 2 6 

If the ratio is greater than 4.40, use

the Initial Tare Sample Size 2 5

A-5
Table 2-5. Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs) for Packages Labeled by Weight 

Do Not Use This Table for Meat and Poultry Products subject to USDA Regulations – Use Table 2.9 

 For Polyethylene Sheeting and Film, see Table 2-10. Exceptions to the MAVs. 

Labeled Quantity Maximum Allowable Variations 

Less than 36 g, 0.08 lb, or 1.28 oz 10 % of labeled quantity 

36 g or more to 54 g 

0.08 lb or more to 0.12 lb

1.28 oz or more to 1.92 oz 

3.6 g 

0.008 lb

1/8 oz 

More than 54 g to 81 g

More than 0.12 lb to 0.18 lb

More than 1.92 oz to 2.88 oz 

5.4 g 

0.012 lb

3/16 oz 

More than 81 g to 117 g 

More than 0.18 lb to 0.26 lb

More than 2.88 oz to 4.16 oz 

7.2 g 

0.016 lb

1⁄4 oz 

More than 117 g to 154 g

More than 0.26 lb to 0.34 lb

More than 4.16 oz to 5.44 oz 

9.0 g 

0.020 lb

5/16 oz 

More than 154 g to 208 g

More than 0.34 lb to 0.46 lb

More than 5.44 oz to 7.36 oz 

10.8 g 

0.024 lb

3/8 oz 

More than 208 g to 263 g

More than 0.46 lb to 0.58 lb

More than 7.36 oz to 9.28 oz 

12.7 g 

0.028 lb

7/16 oz 

More than 263 g to 317 g

More than 0.58 lb to 0.70 lb

More than 9.28 oz to 11.20 oz

14.5 g 

0.032 lb

1/2 oz 

More than 317 g to 381 g

More than 0.70 lb to 0.84 lb

More than 11.20 oz to 13.44 oz

16.3 g 

0.036 lb

9/16 oz 

More than 381 g to 426 g

More than 0.84 lb to 0.94 lb

More than 13.44 oz to 15.04 oz

18.1 g 

0.040 lb

5/8 oz 

More than 426 g to 489 g

More than 0.94 lb to 1.08 lb

More than 15.04 oz to 17.28 oz

19.9 g 

0.044 lb

11/16 oz 

More than 489 g to 571 g

More than 1.08 lb to 1.26 lb

21.7 g 

0.048 lb

More than 571 g to 635 g

More than 1.26 lb to 1.40 lb

23.5 g 

0.052 lb

More than 635 g to 698 g

More than 1.40 lb to 1.54 lb

25.4 g 

0.056 lb

More than 698 g to 771 g

More than 1.54 lb to 1.70 lb

27.2 g 

0.060 lb

More than 771 g to 852 g

More than 1.70 lb to 1.88 lb

29.0 g 

0.064 lb

More than 852 g to 970 g

More than 1.88 lb to 2.14 lb

31.7 g 

0.070 lb

Go to Next Page for Additional Values. 

A-6
Table 2-5 (continued). Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs) for Packages Labeled by Weight 

Do Not Use This Table for Meat and Poultry Products Subject to USDA-Regulations. Use Table 2.9 for USDA

Regulated Products. 

Labeled Quantity Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs)

More than 970 g to 1.12 kg

More than 2.14 lb to 2.48 lb

35.3 g 

0.078 lb

More than 1.12 kg to 1.25 kg

More than 2.48 lb to 2.76 lb

39.0 g 

0.086 lb

More than 1.25 kg to 1.45 kg

More than 2.76 lb to 3.20 lb

42.6 g 

0.094 lb

More than 1.45 kg to 1.76 kg

More than 3.20 lb to 3.90 lb

49 g 

0.11 lb

More than 1.76 kg to 2.13 kg

More than 3.90 lb to 4.70 lb

54 g 

0.12 lb

More than 2.13 kg to 2.63 kg

More than 4.70 lb to 5.80 lb

63 g 

0.14 lb

More than 2.63 kg to 3.08 kg

More than 5.80 lb to 6.80 lb

68 g 

0.15 lb

More than 3.08 kg to 3.58 kg

More than 6.80 lb to 7.90 lb

77 g 

0.17 lb

More than 3.58 kg to 4.26 kg

More than 7.90 lb to 9.40 lb

86 g 

0.19 lb

More than 4.26 kg to 5.30 kg

More than 9.40 lb to 11.70 lb

99 g 

0.22 lb

More than 5.30 kg to 6.48 kg

More than 11.70 lb to 14.30 lb 

113 g 

0.25 lb

More than 6.48 kg to 8.02 kg

More than 14.30 lb to 17.70 lb 

127 g 

0.28 lb

More than 8.02 kg to 10.52 kg

More than 17.70 lb to 23.20 lb 

140 g 

0.31 lb

More than 10.52 kg to 14.33 kg

More than 23.20 lb to 31.60 lb 

167 g 

0.37 lb

More than 14.33 kg to 19.23 kg

More than 31.60 lb to 42.40 lb 

199 g 

0.44 lb

More than 19.23 kg to 24.67 kg

More than 42.40 lb to 54.40 lb 

226 g 

0.50 lb

More than 24.67 kg 

More than 54.40 lb 2 % of labeled quantity 

(Amended 2004) 

A-7
Table 2-6. Maximum Allowable Variations for Packages Labeled by Liquid and Dry Volume 

Do Not Use This Table for Meat and Poultry Products Subject to USDA Regulations 

For Mulch, see Table 2-10. Exceptions to the Maximum Allowable Variations 

Use Table 2-9 for USDA –Regulated Products. 

Labeled Quantity Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs)

3 mL or less 

0.50 fl oz or less 

0.18 in3

 or less

0.5 mL

0.02 fl oz

0.03 in3

More than 3 mL to 8 mL

More than 0.18 in3 to 0.49 in3

1.0 mL

0.06 in3

More than 8 mL to 14 mL

More than 0.49 in3 to 0.92 in3

1.5 mL

0.09 in3

More than 14 mL to 22 mL

More than 0.50 fl oz to 0.75 fl oz

More than 0.92 in3

 to 1.35 in3

1.7 mL

0.06 fl oz

0.10 in3

More than 22 mL to 66 mL

More than 0.75 fl oz to 2.25 fl oz

More than 1.35 in3

 to 4.06 in3

3.8 mL

0.13 fl oz

0.23 in3

More than 66 mL to 125 mL

More than 2.25 fl oz to 4.25 fl oz

More than 4.06 in3

 to 7.66 in3

5.6 mL

0.19 fl oz

0.34 in3

More than 125 mL to 170 mL

More than 4.25 fl oz to 5.75 fl oz

More than 7.66 in3

 to 10.37 in3

7.3 mL

0.25 fl oz

0.45 in3

More than 170 mL to 221 mL

More than 5.75 fl oz to 7.50 fl oz

More than 10.37 in3

 to 13.53 in3

9.1 mL

0.31 fl oz

0.55 in3

More than 221 mL to 347 mL

More than 7.50 fl oz to 11.75 fl oz

More than 13.53 in3

 to 21.20 in3

11.2 mL

0.38 fl oz

0.68 in3

More than 347 mL to 502 mL

More than 11.75 fl oz to 17.00 fl oz

More than 21.20 in3

 to 30.67 in3

14.7 mL

0.5 fl oz

0.90 in3

More than 502 mL to 621 mL

More than 17 fl oz to 21 fl oz

More than 30.67 in3

 to 37.89 in3

18.6 mL

0.63 fl oz

1.13 in3

More than 621 mL to 798 mL

More than 21 fl oz to 27 fl oz

More than 37.89 in3

 to 48.72 in3

22.1 mL

0.75 fl oz

1.35 in3

More than 798 mL to 916 mL

More than 27 fl oz to 31 fl oz

More than 48.72 in3 to 55.94 in3

26.0 mL

0.88 fl oz

1.58 in3

More than 916 mL to 1.15 L 

More than 31 fl oz to 39 fl oz

More than 55.94 in3

 to 70.38 in3

29 mL

1 fl oz

1.80 in3

More than 1.15 L to 1.62 L 

More than 39 fl oz to 55 fl oz

More than 70.38 in3

 to 99.25 in3

36 mL

1.25 fl. Oz. 

2.25 in3

Go to Next Page for Additional Values. 

A-8
Table 2-6 (Continued). Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs) for Packages Labeled by Volume 

Do Not Use This Table for Meat and Poultry Products Subject to USDA Regulations – Use Table 2-9 

For Mulch, see Table 2-10. Exceptions to the Maximum Allowable Variations.

Labeled Quantity Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs)

More than 1.62 L to 2.04 L 

More than 55 fl oz to 69 fl oz

More than 99.25 in3

 to 124.5 in3

44 mL

1.5 fl oz

2.70 in3

More than 2.04 L to 2.51 L 

More than 69 fl oz to 85 fl oz

More than 124.5 in3

 to 153.3 in3

51 mL

1.75 fl oz

3.1 in3

More than 2.51 L to 3.04 L 

More than 85 fl oz to 103 fl oz

More than 153.3 in3

 to 185.8 in3. 

59 mL

2 fl oz

3.6 in3

More than 3.04 L to 4.73 L 

More than 103 fl oz to 160 fl oz

More than 185.8 in3

 to 288.7 in3

73 mL

2.5 fl oz

4.5 in3

More than 4.73 L to 5.48 L 

More than 160 fl oz to 185.6 fl oz

More than 288.7 in3

 to 334.9 in3. 

88 mL

3 fl oz

5.4 in3

More than 5.48 L to 7.09 L 

More than 185.6 fl oz to 240 fl oz

More than 334.9 in3 to 443.1 in3

103 mL

3.5 fl oz

6.3 in3

More than 7.09 L to 8.04 L 

More than 240 fl oz to 272 fl oz

More than 443.1 in3

 to 490.8 in3. 

118 mL

4 fl oz

7.2 in3

More than 8.04 L to 10.17 L 

More than 272 fl oz to 344 fl oz

More than 490.8 in3

 to 620.8 in3

133 mL

4.5 fl oz

8.1 in3

More than 10.17 L to 11.59 L 

More than 344 fl oz to 392 fl oz

More than 620.8 in3

 to 707.4 in3

147 mL

5 fl oz

9.0 in3

More than 11.59 L to 16.56 L 

More than 392 fl oz to 560 fl oz

More than 707.4 in3

 to 1, 010 in3

177 mL

6 fl oz

10.8 in3

More than 16.56 L to 18.92 L 

More than 560 fl oz to 640 fl oz (5 gal)

More than 1,010 in3

 into 1,155 in3

207 mL

7 fl oz

12.6 in3

More than 18.92 L to 23.65 L 

More than 640 fl oz to 800 fl oz

More than 1,155 in3

 to 1,443 in3

236 mL

8 fl oz

14.4 in3

More than 23.65 L to 26.73 L 

More than 800 fl oz to 904 fl oz

More than 1,443 in3

 to 1,631 in3

266 mL

9 fl oz

16.2 in3

More than 26.73 L 

More than 904 fl oz

More than 1,631 in3

1 % of labeled quantity 

(Amended 2004) 

A-9
Table 2-7. Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs) for Packages Labeled by Count 

Labeled Quantity Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs)

17 or less 0 

18 to 50 1 

51 to 83 2 

84 to 116 3 

117 to 150 4 

151 to 200 5 

201 to 240 6 

241 to 290 7 

291 to 345 8 

346 to 400 9 

401 to 465 10 

466 to 540 11 

541 to 625 12 

626 to 725 13 

726 to 815 14 

816 to 900 15 

901 to 990 16 

991 to 1 075 17 

1 076 to 1 165 18 

1 166 to 1 250 19 

1 251 to1 333 20 

1 334 or more 

1.5 % of labeled count rounded off to the nearest

whole number

A-10
Table 2-8. Maximum Allowable Variations for Packages Labeled by Length, (Width), or Area

For Textiles, Polyethylene Sheeting and Film – Use Table 2-10. 

Labeled Quantity Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs) 

1 m or less 

1 yd or less 3 % of labeled quantity 

More than 1 m to 43 m

More than 1 yd to 48 yd 1.5 % of labeled quantity 

More than 43 m to 87 m

More than 48 yd to 96 yd 2 % of labeled quantity 

More than 87 m to 140 m

More than 96 yd to 154 yd 2.5 % of labeled quantity 

More than 140 m to 301 m

More than 154 yd to 330 yd 3 % of labeled quantity 

More than 301 m to 1,005 m

More than 330 yd to 1,100 yd 4 % of labeled quantity 

More than 1,005 m or 1,100 yd 5 % of labeled quantity 

Maximum Allowable Variations for Packages Labeled by Area. 

The MAV for packages labeled by area is 3 % of labeled quantity 

For Textiles, Polyethylene Sheeting and Film, see Table 2-10. Exceptions to the MAVs 

(Amended 2004) 

Table 2-9. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Meat and Poultry 

Groups and Lower Limits for Individual Packages (Maximum Allowable Variations) 

Definition of Group and Labeled Quantity 

Homogenous Fluid when 

Filled 

(e.g., baby food or

containers of lard) 

All Other Products Lower Limit for Individual Weights (MAVs) 

Less than 85 g or 3 oz 10 % of labeled quantity 

85 g or more to 453 g 

3 oz or more to 16 oz 

7.1 g 

0.016 lb (0.25 oz) 

More than 453 g

More than 16 oz 

85 g or more to 198 g 

3 oz to 7 oz 

14.2 g 

0.031 lb (0.5 oz) 

More than 198 g to 1.36 kg

7 oz to 48 oz 

28.3 g 

0.062 lb (1 oz)

More than 1.36 kg to 4.53 kg

More than 48 oz to 160 oz 

42.5 g 

0.094 lb (1.5 oz) 

More than 4.53 kg

More than 160 oz

1 % of labeled quantity 

A-11
Table 2-10. Exceptions to the Maximum Allowable Variations for 

Textiles, Polyethylene Sheeting and Film, Mulch and Soil Labeled by Volume, Packaged Firewood, and

Packages Labeled by Count with Less than 50 Items. 

Maximum Allowable Variations (MAVs) 

Polyethylene Sheeting

and Film 

Thickness 

When the labeled thickness is 25 :m (1 mil or 0.001 in) or less, any individual

thickness measurement of polyethylene film may be up to 35 % below the labeled

thickness. 

When the labeled thickness is greater than 25 :m (1 mil or 0.001 in), individual

thickness measurements of polyethylene sheeting may be up to 20 % less than the 

labeled thickness. 

The average thickness of a single package of polyethylene sheeting may be up to 

4 % less than the labeled thickness. 

Weight

The MAV for individual packages of polyethylene sheeting and film shall be 4 %

of the labeled quantity. 

Textiles

The MAVs are:

For packages labeled with dimensions of 60 cm (24 in) or more:

Three percent of the labeled quantity for negative errors and 6 % of the 

labeled quantity for plus errors. 

For packages labeled with dimensions less than 60 cm (24 in):

6 % of the labeled quantity for negative errors and 12 % for plus errors. 

Mulch and Soil Labeled 

by Volume 

The MAVs are:

For individual packages: 5 % of the labeled volume. 

For example: one package may exceed the MAV for every 12 packages in the 

sample (e.g., when the sample size is 12 or less, 1 package may exceed the MAV 

and when the sample size is 48 packages, 4 packages may exceed the MAV). 

Packaged Firewood and 

Packages Labeled By 

Count with Less Than 

50 Items

MAVs are not applied to these packages. 

(Amended 2004) 

A-12
Table 2-11. Accuracy Requirements for Packages Labeled by Low Count (50 or Less) and 

Packages Given Tolerances (Glass and Stemware) 

1 2 3

Inspection Lot 

Size

For Packages 

Labeled by Low 

Count 

(50 or Less) 

For Packages Given Tolerances 

(Glasses and Stemware)

Sample

Size

Number of Packages 

Allowed to Contain 

Less than the

Labeled Count 

Number of Package Errors that May Exceed the 

Allowable 

Difference 

1 - 11 1-11 1 0 

12 - 250 12 1 0 

251 – 3 200 24 2 1 

More than 3 200 48 3 2 

(Amended 2004) 

A-13
Appendix B. Random Number Tables 

Reproduced from Million Random Digits, used with permission of the Rand Corporation, Copyright, 1955,

The Free Press. The publication is available for free on the Internet at

http://www.rand.org/publications/classics/randomdigits.

All of the sampling plans presented in this handbook are based on the assumption that the packages

constituting the sample are chosen at random from the inspection lot. Randomness in this instance means 

that every package in the lot has an equal chance of being selected as part of the sample. It does not matter

what other packages have already been chosen, what the package net contents are, or where the package is

located in the lot. 

To obtain a random sample, two steps are necessary. First it is necessary to identify each package in the lot 

of packages with a specific number whether on the shelf, in the warehouse, or coming off the packaging line. 

Then it is necessary to obtain a series of random numbers. These random numbers indicate exactly which 

packages in the lot shall be taken for the sample. 

The Random Number Table 

The random number tables in Appendix B are composed of the digits from 0 through 9, with approximately

equal frequency of occurrence. This appendix consists of 8 pages. On each page digits are printed in blocks

of five columns and blocks of five rows. The printing of the table in blocks is intended only to make it easier

to locate specific columns and rows. 

Random Starting Place 

Starting Page. The Random Digit pages numbered B-2 through B-8. You can use the day of the week to

determine the starting page or use the first page for the first lot you test in a location, the second page for the 

second lot and so on moving to the following page for each new lot.

Starting Column and Row. You may choose a starting page in the random number table and with eyes closed,

drop a pencil anywhere on the page to indicate a starting place in the table.

For example, assume that testing takes place on the 3rd day of the week. Start with Table 3 of Appendix B.

Assume you dropped your pencil on the page and it has indicated a starting place at column 22, row 45. That

number is 1. 

If 1-digit random numbers are needed, record them, going down the column to the bottom of the page and then

to the top of the next column, and so on. Ignore duplicates and record zero (0) as ten (10). Following on from

the last example, these numbers are 3, 2, 9, 8, etc. If two-digit random numbers are needed, rule off the pages,

and further pages if necessary, in columns of two digits each. If there is a single column left on the page, 

ignore this column, and rule the next page in columns of two. Again, ignore duplicate numbers and record 00

as 100. For example, using the same starting place as in the last example (Table 3, column 22, row 45), the

recorded two-digit recorded numbers would be 11, 34, 26, 95, etc.. When three-digit numbers are needed, rule

the page in columns of three. Record 000 as 1000. Starting on Table 3, column 22, row 45, the recorded

numbers would be 119, 346, 269, 959, etc.. 

B-1
TABLE 1 - RANDOM DIGITS 

11164 36318 75061 37674 26320 75100 10431 20418 19228 91792 

21215 91791 76831 58678 87054 31687 93205 43685 19732 08468 

10438 44482 66558 37649 08882 90870 12462 41810 01806 02977 

36792 26236 33266 66583 60881 97395 20461 36742 02852 50564 

73944 04773 12032 51414 82384 38370 00249 80709 72605 67497 

49563 12872 14063 93104 78483 72717 68714 18048 25005 04151 

64208 48237 41701 73117 33242 42314 83049 21933 92813 04763 

51486 72875 38605 29341 80749 80151 33835 52602 79147 08868 

99756 26360 64516 17971 48478 09610 04638 17141 09227 10606 

71325 55217 13015 72907 00431 45117 33827 92873 02953 85474 

65285 97198 12138 53010 94601 15838 16805 61004 43516 17020 

17264 57327 38224 29301 31381 38109 34976 65692 98566 29550 

95639 99754 31199 92558 68368 04985 51092 37780 40261 14479 

61555 76404 86210 11808 12841 45147 97438 60022 12645 62000 

78137 98768 04689 87130 79225 08153 84967 64539 79493 74917 

62490 99215 84987 28759 19177 14733 24550 28067 68894 38490 

24216 63444 21283 07044 92729 37284 13211 37485 10415 36457 

16975 95428 33226 55903 31605 43817 22250 03918 46999 98501 

59138 39542 71168 57609 91510 77904 74244 50940 31553 62562 

29478 59652 50414 31966 87912 87154 12944 49862 96566 48825 

96155 95009 27429 72918 08457 78134 48407 26061 58754 05326 

29621 66583 62966 12468 20245 14015 04014 35713 03980 03024 

12639 75291 71020 17265 41598 64074 64629 63293 53307 48766 

14544 37134 54714 02401 63228 26831 19386 15457 17999 18306 

83403 88827 09834 11333 68431 31706 26652 04711 34593 22561 

67642 05204 30697 44806 96989 68403 85621 45556 35434 09532 

64041 99011 14610 40273 09482 62864 01573 82274 81446 32477 

17048 94523 97444 59904 16936 39384 97551 09620 63932 03091 

93039 89416 52795 10631 09728 68202 20963 02477 55494 39563 

82244 34392 96607 17220 51984 10753 76272 50985 97593 34320 

96990 55244 70693 25255 40029 23289 48819 07159 60172 81697 

09119 74803 97303 88701 51380 73143 98251 78635 27556 20712 

57666 41204 47589 78364 38266 94393 70713 53388 79865 92069 

46492 61594 26729 58272 81754 14648 77210 12923 53712 87771 

08433 19172 08320 20839 13715 10597 17234 39355 74816 03363 

10011 75004 86054 41190 10061 19660 03500 68412 57812 57929 

92420 65431 16530 05547 10683 88102 30176 84750 10115 69220 

35542 55865 07304 47010 43233 57022 52161 82976 47981 46588 

86595 26247 18552 29491 33712 32285 64844 69395 41387 87195 

72115 34985 58036 99137 47482 06204 24138 24272 16196 04393 

07428 58863 96023 88936 51343 70958 96768 74317 27176 29600 

35379 27922 28906 55013 26937 48174 04197 36074 65315 12537 

10982 22807 10920 26299 23593 64629 57801 10437 43965 15344 

90127 33341 77806 12446 15444 49244 47277 11346 15884 28131 

63002 12990 23510 68774 48983 20481 59815 67248 17076 78910 

40779 86382 48454 65269 91239 45989 45389 54847 77919 41105 

43216 12608 18167 84631 94058 82458 15139 76856 86019 47928 

96167 64375 74108 93643 09204 98855 59051 56492 11933 64958 

70975 62693 35684 72607 23026 37004 32989 24843 01128 74658 

85812 61875 23570 75754 29090 40264 80399 47254 40135 69916 

B-2
TABLE 2 – RANDOM DIGITS 

40603 16152 83235 37361 98783 24838 39793 80954 76865 32713 

40941 53585 69958 60916 71018 90561 84505 53980 64735 85140 

73505 83472 55953 17957 11446 22618 34771 25777 27064 13526 

39412 16013 11442 89320 11307 49396 39805 12249 57656 88686 

57994 76748 54627 48511 78646 33287 35524 54522 08795 56273 

61834 59199 15469 82285 84164 91333 90954 87186 31598 25942 

91402 77227 79516 21007 58602 81418 87838 18443 76162 51146 

58299 83880 20125 10794 37780 61705 18276 99041 78135 99661 

40684 99948 33880 76413 63839 71371 32392 51812 48248 96419 

75978 64298 08074 62055 73864 01926 78374 15741 74452 49954 

34556 39861 88267 76068 62445 64361 78685 24246 27027 48239 

65990 57048 25067 77571 77974 37634 81564 98608 37224 49848 

16381 15069 25416 87875 90374 86203 29677 82543 37554 89179 

52458 88880 78352 67913 09245 47773 51272 06976 99571 33365 

33007 85607 92008 44897 24964 50559 79549 85658 96865 24186 

38712 31512 08588 61490 72294 42862 87334 05866 66269 43158 

58722 03678 19186 69602 34625 75958 56869 17907 81867 11535 

26188 69497 51351 47799 20477 71786 52560 66827 79419 70886 

12893 54048 07255 86149 99090 70958 50775 31768 52903 27645 

33186 81346 85095 37282 85536 72661 32180 40229 19209 74939 

79893 29448 88392 54211 61708 83452 61227 81690 42265 20310 

48449 15102 44126 19438 23382 14985 37538 30120 82443 11152 

94205 04259 68983 50561 06902 10269 22216 70210 60736 58772 

38648 09278 81313 77400 41126 52614 93613 27263 99381 49500 

04292 46028 75666 26954 34979 68381 45154 09314 81009 05114 

17026 49737 85875 12139 59391 81830 30185 83095 78752 40899 

48070 76848 02531 97737 10151 18169 31709 74842 85522 74092 

30159 95450 83778 46115 99178 97718 98440 15076 21199 20492 

12148 92231 31361 60650 54695 30035 22765 91386 70399 79270 

73838 77067 24863 97576 01139 54219 02959 45696 98103 78867 

73547 43759 95632 39555 74391 07579 69491 02647 17050 49869 

07277 93217 79421 21769 83572 48019 17327 99638 87035 89300 

65128 48334 07493 28098 52087 55519 83718 60904 48721 17522 

38716 61380 60212 05099 21210 22052 01780 36813 19528 07727 

31921 76458 73720 08657 74922 61335 41690 41967 50691 30508 

57238 27464 61487 52329 26150 79991 64398 91273 26824 94827 

24219 41090 08531 61578 08236 41140 76335 91189 66312 44000 

31309 49387 02330 02476 96074 33256 48554 95401 02642 29119 

20750 97024 72619 66628 66509 31206 55293 24249 02266 39010 

28537 84395 26654 37851 80590 53446 34385 86893 87713 26842 

97929 41220 86431 94485 28778 44997 38802 56594 61363 04206 

40568 33222 40486 91122 43294 94541 40988 02929 83190 74247 

41483 92935 17061 78252 40498 43164 68646 33023 64333 64083 

93040 66476 24990 41099 65135 37641 97613 87282 63693 55299 

76869 39300 84978 07504 36835 72748 47644 48542 25076 68626 

02982 57991 50765 91930 21375 35604 29963 13738 03155 59914 

94479 76500 39170 06629 10031 48724 49822 44021 44335 26474 

52291 75822 95966 90947 65031 75913 52654 63377 70664 60082 

03684 03600 52831 55381 97013 19993 41295 29118 18710 64851 

58939 28366 86765 67465 45421 74228 01095 50987 83833 37216 

B-3
TABLE 3 – RANDOM DIGITS 

37100 62492 63642 47638 13925 80113 88067 42575 44078 62703 

53406 13855 38519 29500 62479 01036 87964 44498 07793 21599 

55172 81556 18856 59043 64315 38270 25677 01965 21310 28115 

40353 84807 47767 46890 16053 32415 60259 99788 55924 22077 

18899 09612 77541 57675 70153 41179 97535 82889 27214 03482 

68141 25340 92551 11326 60939 79355 41544 88926 09111 86431 

51559 91159 81310 63251 91799 41215 87412 35317 74271 11603 

92214 33386 73459 79359 65867 39269 57527 69551 17495 91456 

15089 50557 33166 87094 52425 21211 41876 42525 36625 63964 

96461 00604 11120 22254 16763 19206 67790 88362 01880 37911 

28177 44111 15705 73835 69399 33602 13660 84342 97667 80847 

66953 44737 81127 07493 07861 12666 85077 95972 96556 80108 

19712 27263 84575 49820 19837 69985 34931 67935 71903 82560 

68756 64757 19987 92222 11691 42502 00952 47981 97579 93408 

75022 65332 98606 29451 57349 39219 08585 31502 96936 96356 

11323 70069 90269 89266 46413 61615 66447 49751 15836 97343 

55208 63470 18158 25283 19335 53893 87746 72531 16826 52605 

11474 08786 05594 67045 13231 51186 71500 50498 59487 48677 

81422 86842 60997 79669 43804 78690 58358 87639 24427 66799 

21771 75963 23151 90274 08275 50677 99384 94022 84888 80139 

42278 12160 32576 14278 34231 20724 27908 02657 19023 07190 

17697 60114 63247 32096 32503 04923 17570 73243 76181 99343 

05686 30243 34124 02936 71749 03031 72259 26351 77511 00850 

52992 46650 89910 57395 39502 49738 87854 71066 84596 33115 

94518 93984 81478 67750 89354 01080 25988 84359 31088 13655 

00184 72186 78906 75480 71140 15199 69002 08374 22126 23555 

87462 63165 79816 61630 50140 95319 79205 79202 67414 60805 

88692 58716 12273 48176 86038 78474 76730 82931 51595 20747 

20094 42962 41382 16768 13261 13510 04822 96354 72001 68642 

60935 81504 50520 82153 27892 18029 79663 44146 72876 67843 

51392 85936 43898 50596 81121 98122 69196 54271 12059 62539 

54239 41918 79526 46274 24853 67165 12011 04923 20273 89405 

57892 73394 07160 90262 48731 46648 70977 58262 78359 50436 

02330 74736 53274 44468 53616 35794 54838 39114 68302 26855 

76115 29247 55342 51299 79908 36613 68361 18864 13419 34950 

63312 81886 29085 20101 38037 34742 78364 39356 40006 49800 

27632 21570 34274 56426 00330 07117 86673 46455 66866 76374 

06335 62111 44014 52567 79480 45886 92585 87828 17376 35254 

64142 87676 21358 88773 10604 62834 63971 03989 21421 76086 

28436 25468 75235 75370 63543 76266 27745 31714 04219 00699 

09522 83855 85973 15888 29554 17995 37443 11461 42909 32634 

93714 15414 93712 02742 34395 21929 38928 31205 01838 60000 

15681 53599 58185 73840 88758 10618 98725 23146 13521 47905 

77712 23914 08907 43768 10304 61405 53986 61116 76164 54958 

78453 54844 61509 01245 91199 07482 02534 08189 62978 55516 

24860 68284 19367 29073 93464 06714 45268 60678 58506 23700 

37284 06844 78887 57276 42695 03682 83240 09744 63025 60997 

35488 52473 37634 32569 39590 27379 23520 29714 03743 08444 

51595 59909 35223 44991 29830 56614 59661 83397 38421 17503 

90660 35171 30021 91120 78793 16827 89320 08260 09181 53616 

B-4
TABLE 4 – RANDOM DIGITS

54723 56527 53076 38235 42780 22716 36400 48028 78196 92985 

84828 81248 25548 34075 43459 44628 21866 90350 82264 20478 

65799 01914 81363 05173 23674 41774 25154 73003 87031 94368 

87917 38549 48213 71708 92035 92527 55484 32274 87918 22455 

26907 88173 71189 28377 13785 87469 35647 19695 33401 51998 

68052 65422 88460 06352 42379 55499 60469 76931 83430 24560 

42587 68149 88147 99700 56124 53239 38726 63652 36644 50876 

97176 55416 67642 05051 89931 19482 80720 48977 70004 03664 

53295 87133 38264 94708 00703 35991 76404 82249 22942 49659 

23011 94108 29196 65187 69974 01970 31667 54307 40032 30031 

75768 49549 24543 63285 32803 18301 80851 89301 02398 99891 

86668 70341 66460 75648 78678 27770 30245 44775 56120 44235 

56727 72036 50347 33521 05068 47248 67832 30960 95465 32217 

27936 78010 09617 04408 18954 61862 64547 52453 83213 47833 

31994 69072 37354 93025 38934 90219 91148 62757 51703 84040 

02985 95303 15182 50166 11755 56256 89546 31170 87221 63267 

89965 10206 95830 95406 33845 87588 70237 84360 19629 72568 

45587 29611 98579 42481 05359 36578 56047 68114 58583 16313 

01071 08530 74305 77509 16270 20889 99753 88035 55643 18291 

90209 68521 14293 39194 68803 32052 39413 26883 83119 69623 

04982 68470 27875 15480 13206 44784 83601 03172 07817 01520 

19740 24637 97377 32112 74283 69384 49768 64141 02024 85380 

50197 79869 86497 68709 42073 28498 82750 43571 77075 07123 

46954 67536 28968 81936 95999 04319 09932 66223 45491 69503 

82549 62676 31123 49899 70512 95288 15517 85352 21987 08669 

61798 81600 80018 84742 06103 60786 01408 75967 29948 21454 

57666 29055 46518 01487 30136 14349 56159 47408 78311 25896 

29805 64994 66872 62230 41385 58066 96600 99301 85976 84194 

06711 34939 19599 76247 87879 97114 74314 39599 43544 36255 

13934 46885 58315 88366 06138 37923 11192 90757 10831 01580 

28549 98327 99943 25377 17628 65468 07875 16728 22602 33892 

40871 61803 25767 55484 90997 86941 64027 01020 39518 34693 

47704 38355 71708 80117 11361 88875 22315 38048 42891 87885 

62611 19698 09304 29265 07636 08508 23773 56545 08015 28891 

03047 83981 11916 09267 67316 87952 27045 62536 32180 60936 

26460 50501 31731 18938 11025 18515 31747 96828 58258 97107 

01764 25959 69293 89875 72710 49659 66632 25314 95260 22146 

11762 54806 02651 52912 32770 64507 59090 01275 47624 16124 

31736 31695 11523 64213 91190 10145 34231 36405 65860 48771 

97155 48706 52239 21831 49043 18650 72246 43729 63368 53822 

31181 49672 17237 04024 65324 32460 01566 67342 94986 36106 

32115 82683 67182 89030 41370 50266 19505 57724 93358 49445 

07068 75947 71743 69285 30395 81818 36125 52055 20289 16911 

26622 74184 75166 96748 34729 61289 36908 73686 84641 45130 

02805 52676 22519 47848 68210 23954 63085 87729 14176 45410 

32301 58701 04193 30142 99779 21697 05059 26684 63516 75925 

26339 56909 39331 42101 01031 01947 02257 47236 19913 90371 

95274 09508 81012 42413 11278 19354 68661 04192 36878 84366 

24275 39632 09777 98800 48027 96908 08177 15364 02317 89548 

36116 42128 65401 94199 51058 10759 47244 99830 64255 40516 

B-5
TABLE 5 – RANDOM DIGITS 

47505 02008 20300 87188 42505 40294 04404 59286 95914 07191 

13350 08414 64049 94377 91059 74531 56228 12307 87871 97064 

33006 92690 69248 97443 38841 05051 33756 24736 43508 53566 

55216 63886 06804 11861 30968 74515 40112 40432 18682 02845 

21991 26228 14801 19192 45110 39937 81966 23258 99348 61219 

71025 28212 10474 27522 16356 78456 46814 28975 01014 91458 

65522 15242 84554 74560 26206 49520 65702 54193 25583 54745 

27975 54923 90650 06170 99006 75651 77622 20491 53329 12452 

07300 09704 36099 61577 34632 55176 87366 19968 33986 46445 

54357 13689 19569 03814 47873 34086 28474 05131 46619 41499 

00977 04481 42044 08649 83107 02423 46919 59586 58337 32280 

13920 78761 12311 92808 71581 85251 11417 85252 61312 10266 

08395 37043 37880 34172 80411 05181 58091 41269 22626 64799 

46166 67206 01619 43769 91727 06149 17924 42628 57647 76936 

87767 77607 03742 01613 83528 66251 75822 83058 97584 45401 

29880 95288 21644 46587 11576 30568 56687 83239 76388 17857 

36248 36666 14894 59273 04518 11307 67655 08566 51759 41795 

12386 29656 30474 25964 10006 86382 46680 93060 52337 56034 

52068 73801 52188 19491 76221 45685 95189 78577 36250 36082 

41727 52171 56719 06054 34898 93990 89263 79180 39917 16122 

49319 74580 57470 14600 22224 49028 93024 21414 90150 15686 

88786 76963 12127 25014 91593 98208 27991 12539 14357 69512 

84866 95202 43983 72655 89684 79005 85932 41627 87381 38832 

11849 26482 20461 99450 21636 13337 55407 01897 75422 05205 

54966 17594 57393 73267 87106 26849 68667 45791 87226 74412 

10959 33349 80719 96751 25752 17133 32786 34368 77600 41809 

22784 07783 35903 00091 73954 48706 83423 96286 90373 23372 

86037 61791 33815 63968 70437 33124 50025 44367 98637 40870 

80037 65089 85919 74391 36170 82988 52311 59180 37846 98028 

72751 84359 15769 13615 70866 37007 74565 92781 37770 76451 

18532 03874 66220 79050 66814 76341 42452 65365 07167 90134 

22936 22058 49171 11027 07066 14606 11759 19942 21909 15031 

66397 76510 81150 00704 94990 68204 07242 82922 65745 51503 

89730 23272 65420 35091 16227 87024 56662 59110 11158 67508 

81821 75323 96068 91724 94679 88062 13729 94152 59343 07352 

94377 82554 53586 11432 08788 74053 98312 61732 91248 23673 

68485 49991 53165 19865 30288 00467 98105 91483 89389 61991 

07330 07184 86788 64577 47692 45031 36325 47029 27914 24905 

10993 14930 35072 36429 26176 66205 07758 07982 33721 81319 

20801 15178 64453 83357 21589 23153 60375 63305 37995 66275 

79241 35347 66851 79247 57462 23893 16542 55775 06813 63512 

43593 39555 97345 58494 52892 55080 19056 96192 61508 23165 

29522 62713 33701 17186 15721 95018 76571 58615 35836 66260 

88836 47290 67274 78362 84457 39181 17295 39626 82373 10883 

65905 66253 91482 30689 81313 01343 37188 37756 04182 19376 

44798 69371 07865 91756 42318 63601 53872 93610 44142 89830 

35510 99139 32031 27925 03560 33806 85092 70436 94777 57963 

50125 93223 64209 49714 73379 89975 38567 44316 60262 10777 

25173 90038 63871 40418 23818 63250 05118 52700 92327 55449 

68459 90094 44995 93718 83654 79311 18107 12557 09179 28416 

B-6
TABLE 6 – RANDOM DIGITS 

96195 07059 13266 31389 87612 88004 31843 83469 22793 14312 

22408 94958 19095 58035 43831 32354 83946 57964 70404 32017 

53896 23508 16227 56929 74329 12264 26047 66844 47383 42202 

22565 02475 00258 79018 70090 37914 27755 00872 71553 56684 

49438 20772 60846 69732 07612 70474 46483 21053 95475 53448 

65620 34684 00210 04863 01373 19978 61682 69315 46766 83768 

20246 26941 41298 04763 19769 25865 95937 03545 93561 73871 

09433 09167 35166 32731 73299 41137 37328 28301 61629 05040 

95552 73456 16578 88140 80059 50296 07656 01396 83099 09718 

76053 05150 69125 69442 16509 03495 26427 58780 27576 31342 

34822 35843 78468 82380 52313 71070 71273 10768 86101 51474 

07753 04073 58520 80022 28185 16432 86909 82347 10548 83929 

04204 94434 62798 81902 29977 57258 87826 35003 46449 76636 

96770 19440 29700 42093 64369 69176 29732 37389 34054 28680 

65989 62843 10917 34458 81936 84775 39415 10622 36102 16753 

06644 94784 66995 61812 54215 01336 75887 57685 66114 76984 

88950 46077 34651 12038 87914 20785 39705 73898 12318 78334 

21482 95422 02002 33671 46764 50527 46276 77570 68457 62199 

55137 61039 02006 69913 11291 87215 89991 26003 55271 08153 

98441 81529 59607 65225 49051 28328 85535 37003 87211 10204 

57168 30458 23892 07825 53447 53511 09315 42552 43135 57892 

71886 65334 38013 09379 83976 42441 14086 33197 82671 05037 

40418 59504 52383 07232 14179 59693 37668 26689 93865 78925 

28833 76661 47277 92935 63193 94862 60560 72484 29755 40894 

37883 62124 62199 49542 55083 20575 44636 92282 52105 77664 

44882 33592 66234 13821 86342 00135 87938 57995 34157 99858 

19082 13873 07184 21566 95320 28968 31911 06288 77271 76171 

45316 29283 89318 55806 89338 79231 91545 55477 19552 03471 

22788 55433 31188 74882 44858 69655 08096 70982 61300 23792 

08293 86193 05026 21255 63082 92946 28748 25423 45282 57821 

29223 70541 67115 84584 10100 33854 26466 77796 70698 99393 

22681 80110 31595 09246 39147 11158 43298 36220 88841 11271 

74580 90354 43744 22178 38084 60027 24201 71686 59767 33274 

69093 71364 08107 96952 50005 30297 97417 89575 04676 35616 

40456 91234 58090 65342 95002 28447 21'700 43137 13746 85959 

72927 67349 83962 58912 59734 76323 02913 46306 53956 38936 

61869 33093 81129 06481 89281 83629 81960 63704 56329 10357 

40048 16520 07638 10797 22270 57350 72214 36410 95526 87614 

68773 97669 28656 89938 12917 25630 08068 19445 76250 24727 

09774 30751 49740 11385 91468 28900 76804 52460 52320 70493 

46139 36689 82587 13586 35061 76128 38568 62300 43439 53434 

26566 95323 32993 89988 12152 01862 93113 33875 31730 62941 

06765 57141 48617 18282 13086 76064 83334 70192 15972 80429 

35384 90380 12317 89702 33091 68835 62960 38010 52710 87604 

49333 78482 36199 11355 86044 88760 03724 22927 91716 92332 

45595 14044 56806 99126 85584 87750 78149 22723 48245 78126 

79819 15054 76174 12206 06886 06814 43285 20008 75345 19779 

11971 62234 74857 46401 20817 57591 41189 49604 29604 30660 

11452 89318 53084 21993 62471 74101 61217 76536 58393 63718 

38746 81271 96260 98137 60275 22647 33103 50090 29395 10016 

B-7
TABLE 7 – RANDOM DIGITS 

93369 13044 69686 78162 29132 51544 17925 56738 32683 83153 

19360 55049 94951 76341 38159 31008 41476 05278 03909 02299 

47798 89890 06893 65483 97658 74884 38611 27264 26956 83504 

69223 32007 03513 61149 66270 73087 16795 76845 44645 44552 

34511 50721 84850 34159 38985 75384 22965 55366 81632 78872 

54031 59329 58963 52220 76806 98715 67452 78741 58128 00077 

66722 85515 04723 92411 03834 12109 85185 37350 93614 15351 

71059 07496 38404 18126 37894 44991 45777 02070 38159 23930 

45478 86066 31135 33243 01190 47277 55146 56130 70117 83203 

97246 91121 89437 20393 76598 99458 76665 83793 37448 32664 

22982 25936 96417 34845 28942 65569 38253 77182 12996 19505 

48243 62993 47132 85248 79160 90981 71696 79609 33809 60839 

93514 14915 67960 82203 22598 94802 75332 95585 69542 79924 

69707 98303 93069 16216 01542 51771 16833 20922 94415 27617 

87467 91794 70814 12743 17543 04057 71231 11309 32780 83270 

81006 81498 59375 30502 44868 81279 23585 49678 70014 10523 

15458 83481 50187 43375 56644 72076 59403 65469 74760 69509 

33469 12510 23095 48016 22064 39774 07373 10555 33345 21787 

67198 07176 65996 18317 83083 11921 06254 68437 59481 54778 

58037 92261 85504 55690 63488 26451 43223 38009 50567 09191 

84983 68312 25519 56158 22390 12823 92390 28947 36708 25393 

35554 02935 72889 68772 79774 14336 50716 63003 86391 94074 

04368 17632 50962 71908 13105 76285 31819 16884 11665 16594 

81311 60479 69985 30952 93067 70056 55229 83226 22555 66447 

03823 89887 55828 74452 21692 55847 15960 47521 27784 25728 

80422 65437 38797 56261 88300 35980 56656 45662 29219 49257 

61307 49468 43344 43700 14074 19739 03275 99444 62545 23720 

83873 82557 10002 80093 74645 33109 15281 38759 09342 69408 

38110 16855 28922 93758 22885 36706 92542 60270 99599 17983 

43892 91189 87226 56935 99836 85489 89693 49475 31941 78065 

93683 09664 53927 49885 94979 88848 42642 93218 80305 49428 

32748 02121 11972 96914 83264 89016 45140 20362 63242 86255 

49211 92963 38625 65312 52156 36400 67050 64058 45489 24165 

63365 64224 69475 57512 85097 05054 88673 96593 00902 53320 

63576 26373 44610 43748 90399 06770 71609 90916 69002 57180 

41078 47036 65524 68466 77613 20076 71969 47706 22506 81053 

70846 89558 64173 15381 67322 70097 82363 90767 17879 32697 

68800 64492 20162 32707 69510 82465 26821 79917 34615 35820 

44977 89525 51269 63747 30997 97213 53016 65909 05723 50168 

79354 63847 24395 53679 07667 67993 24634 78867 78516 00448 

14954 22299 40156 52685 19093 06090 23800 06739 76836 19050 

01711 98439 09446 33937 98956 85676 89493 05132 45886 49379 

62328 55328 45738 93940 15772 81975 91017 21387 57949 13992 

73004 62109 81907 71077 50322 66093 79921 61412 18347 21115 

34218 89445 03609 52336 19005 15179 94958 99448 11612 76981 

99159 01968 45886 86875 05196 64297 59339 39878 61548 56442 

92858 29949 15817 93372 34732 61584 72007 58597 43802 51066 

27396 97477 65554 71601 01540 26509 19487 39684 18676 41219 

37103 45309 30129 43380 66638 10841 77292 40288 25826 61431 

57347 97012 48428 20606 54138 75716 23741 50462 13221 47216

B-8
Appendix C. Glossary 

A 

allowable difference. The amount by which the actual quantity in the package may differ from the declared quantity. 

Pressed and blown tumblers and stemware labeled by count and capacity are assigned an allowable difference in

capacity. This is also called a tolerance. 

audit testing. Preliminary tests designed to quickly identify potential noncompliance units. 

average. The sum of a number of individual measurement values divided by the number of values. For example, the 

sum of the individual weights of 12 packages divided by 12 would be the average weight of those packages. 

average error. The sum of the individual "package errors" (defined) (considering their arithmetic sign) divided by the 

number of packages comprising the sample. 

average requirement. A requirement that the average net quantity of contents of packages in a “lot” equals the net

quantity of contents printed on the label. 

average tare. The sum of the weights of individual package containers (or wrappers, etc.) divided by the number of 

containers or wrappers weighed.

B 

berry baskets and boxes. Disposable containers in capacities of 1 dry quart or less for berries and small fruits. See 

Section 4.46. in NIST Handbook 44. 

C 

Category A (Category B). A set of sampling plans provided in this handbook to use in checking packages that must

(except when exempted) meet the "average requirement" (defined). 

chamois. A natural leather made from skins of sheep and lambs that have been oil-tanned. 

combination quantity declarations. A package label that contains the count of items in the package as well as one or

more of the following: weight, measure, or size. 

compliance testing. Determining package conformance using specified legal requirements. 

D 

decision criteria. The rules for deciding whether or not a lot conforms to package requirements based on the results of

checking the packages in the sample. 

delivery. A quantity of identically labeled product received at one time by a buyer. 

dimensionless units. The integers in terms of which the official records package errors. The dimensionless units must 

be multiplied by the "unit of measure" to obtain package errors in terms of weight, length, etc. 

division, value of (d). The value of the scale division, expressed in units of mass, is the smallest subdivision of the 

scale for analog indication or the difference between two consecutively indicated or printed values for digital indication 

or printing. See NIST Handbook 44. 

drained weight. The weight of solid or semisolid product representing the contents of a package obtained after a 

prescribed method for removal of the liquid has been employed. 

C-1
dry measure. Rigid containers designed for general and repeated use in the volume measurement of particulate solids. 

See Section 4.45. Dry Measures in NIST Handbook 44. 

dry pet food. All extruded dog and cat foods and baked treat packaged in kraft paper bags and cardboard boxes that

has a moisture content of 13 % or less at the time of packaging.

dry tare. See UNUSED DRY TARE. 

E 

error. See PACKAGE ERROR. 

G 

gravimetric test procedure. An analytical procedure that involves measurement by mass or weight. 

gross weight. The weight of the package including contents, packing material, labels. 

H 

headspace. The container volume not occupied by product.

I 

inch-pound units. Units based upon the yard, gallon, and the pound commonly used in the United States of America. 

Some of these units have the same name as similar units in the United Kingdom (British, English, or Imperial units), 

but they are not necessarily equal to them. 

initial tare sample. The first packages (either two or five) selected from the sample to be opened for tare 

determination in the tare procedure. Depending upon the variability of these individual tare weights as compared with 

the variability of the net contents, this initial tare sample may be sufficient or more packages may be needed to

determine the tare. 

inspection lot. The collection of identically labeled (random packages, in some cases, are exempt from identity and

labeled quantity when determining the inspection lot) packages available for inspection at one time. This collection

will pass or fail as a whole based on the results of tests on a sample drawn from this collection.

L 

label. "Any written, printed, or graphic matter affixed to, applied to, attached to, blown into, formed, molded into,

embossed on, or appearing upon or adjacent to a consumer commodity or a package containing any consumer 

commodity, for purposes of branding, identifying, or giving any information with respect to the commodity or to the 

contents of the package, except that an inspector's tag or other non-promotional matter affixed to or appearing upon a 

consumer commodity is not a label." See Section 2.5 in the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation in NIST

Handbook 130. 

linear measures. Rulers and tape measures.

location of test. The place where the package will be examined. This is broadly defined as one of three general 

locations: (1) where the commodity was packaged, (2) a warehouse or storage location, or (3) a retail outlet. 

lot. See INSPECTION LOT.

lot code. A series of identifying numbers and/or letters on the outside of a package designed to provide information

such as the date and location of packaging or the expiration date. 

C-2
lot size. The number of packages in the "inspection lot". 

M 

MAV. See MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VARIATION 

maximum allowable variation (MAV). A deficiency in the weight, measure, or count of an individual package

beyond which the deficiency is considered to be an "unreasonable error". The number of packages with deficiencies

that are greater than the MAV is controlled by the sampling procedure. 

measure containers. Containers whose capacities are used to determine quantity. They are of two basic types: (a) 

retail and (b) prepackaged. Retail containers are packaged at the time of retail sale, and prepackaged containers are

packaged in advance of sale. An example of a prepackaged measure container is an ice cream package. 

metric or SI units. Units of the International System of Units as established in 1960 by the General Conference on

Weights and Measures and interpreted or modified for the United States by the Secretary of Commerce. (See NIST

Special Publication 814 – “Metric System of Measurement; Interpretation of the SI for the United States and Federal 

Government Metric Conversion Policy”) 

minus or plus errors. Negative or positive deviations from the labeled quantity of the actual package quantities as 

measured. See PACKAGE ERROR. 

mulch. Any product or material other than peat or peat moss for sale, or sold for primary use as a horticultural, aboveground dressing for decoration, moisture control, weed control, erosion control, temperature control, or other similar 

purposes. 

moisture allowance. That variation in weight of a packaged product permitted in order to account for loss of weight

due to loss of moisture during good package distribution practices. For packaged goods subject to moisture loss, when 

the average net weight of a sample is found between the labeled weight and the boundary of the moisture allowance, the 

lot is said to be in a no-decision area. Further information is required to determine lot compliance or noncompliance. 

N 

net quantity or net contents. That quantity of packaged product remaining after all necessary deductions for tare

(defined) have been made. 

nominal. A designated or theoretical size that may vary from the actual. 

nominal gross weight. The sum of the nominal tare weight (defined) plus the declared or labeled weight (or other 

labeled quantity converted to a weight basis). 

P 

packaged goods. Product or commodity put up in any manner in advance of sale suitable for either wholesale or retail

sale. 

package error. The difference between the actual net contents of an individual package as measured and the declared

net contents on the package label; minus (-) for less than the label and plus (+) for more than the label. 

petroleum products. Gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, or any product (whether or not such a product is actually derived

from naturally occurring hydro-carbon mixtures known as "petroleum") commonly used in powering, lubricating, or

idling engines or other devices, or labeled as fuel to power camping stoves or lights. Sewing machine lubricant,

camping fuels, and synthetic motor oil are "petroleum products" for the purposes of this regulation. The following

products are not "petroleum products:” brake fluid, copier machine dispersant, antifreeze, cleaning solvents, and 

alcohol. 

C-3
plus errors. See MINUS OR PLUS ERRORS 

principal display panel or panels. Part (s) of a label that are designed to be displayed, presented, shown, or examined

under normal and customary conditions of display and purchase. Wherever a principal display panel appears more than

once on a package, all requirements pertaining to the “principal display panel” shall pertain to all such “principal 

display panels." See Section 2.7 in the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation in NIST Handbook 130. 

production lot. The total collection of packages defined by the packager, usually consisting of those packages

produced within a given unit of time and coded identically. 

pycnometer. A container of known volume used to contain material for weighing so that the weight of a known

volume may be determined for the material. If it is constructed, it is called a density cup. 

R 

random pack. "The term ‘random package' shall be construed to mean a package that is one of a lot, shipment, or 

delivery of packages of the same consumer commodity with varying weights which means, packages of the same

consumer commodity with no fixed pattern of weight." 

random sampling. The process of selecting sample packages such that all packages under consideration have the same

probability of being selected. An acceptable method of random selection is to use a table of random numbers. 

range. The difference between the largest and the smallest of a set of measured values. 

reasonable variation. An amount by which individual package net contents are allowed to vary from the labeled net

contents. This term is found in most Federal and State laws and regulations governing packaged goods. Reasonable

variations from the labeled declaration are recognized for (1) unavoidable deviations in good manufacturing practice, 

and (2) loss or gain of moisture in good distribution practice. 

rounding. The process of omitting some of the end digits of a numerical value and adjusting the last retained digit so

that the resulting number is as near as possible to the original number. 

S 

sample. A group of packages taken from a larger collection of packages and providing information that can be used to

make a decision concerning the larger collection of packages or of the package production process. A sample provides

a valid basis for decision only when it is a random sample (defined). 

sample correction factor. Students' "t" value for a one sided test at the 3 % confidence level and n is the sample size. 

sample error limit (SEL). Means a statistical value computed by multiplying the sample standard deviation times the 

sample correction factor from Column 3 of Table 2-1. Category A - Sampling Plans for the appropriate sample size.

The SEL value allows for the uncertainty between the average error of the sample and the average error of the 

inspection lot with an approximately 97 % level of confidence. 

 

sample size (n). The number of packages in a sample. 

sampling plan. A specific plan that states the number of packages to be checked and the associated decision criteria. 

scale tolerance. The official value fixing the limit of allowable error for weighing equipment as defined in NIST

Handbook 44. 

seat. (as in "seat diameter" or "seated capacity"). The projection or shoulder near the upper rim of a cup or container

that is designed to serve as the support for a lid or cover. 

C-4
seated capacity. The capacity of a cup, container, or bottle, as defined by the volume contained by them when the lid 

or a flat disc is inserted into the lid groove that is located inside and near the upper rim of the cup, container, or bottle. 

SEL. See SAMPLE ERROR LIMIT.

shipment. A quantity of identically labeled product (except for lot code) sent at one time to a single location.

slicker plate. A flat plate, usually of glass or clear plastic composition, used to determine the "level full" condition of a 

capacity (volumetric) measure. 

standard deviation. A measure to describe the scatter of the individual package contents around the mean contents.

standard pack. That type of package in which a commodity is put up with identical labels and only in certain specific 

quantity sizes. Examples of goods so packed are canned, boxed, bottled and bagged foods, and over-the-counter drugs. 

supplementary quantity declarations. The required quantity declaration may be supplemented by one or more 

declarations of weight, measure, or count, such declaration appearing other than on a principal display panel. Such 

supplemental statement of quantity of contents shall not include any terms qualifying a unit of weight, measure, or 

count that tends to exaggerate the amount of commodity contained in the package (e.g., “giant” quart, “full” gallon,

“when packed,” “minimum”, or words of similar import)." See Section 6.12 in the Uniform Packaging and Labeling 

Regulation in NIST Handbook 130. 

T 

tare weight. The weight of a container, wrapper, or other material that is deducted from the gross weight to obtain the 

net weight. 

tare sample. The packages or packaging material used to determine the average tare weight. 

tare sample size. The number of packages or packaging material units used to determine the average tare weight. 

tolerance. A value fixing the limit of allowed departure from the labeled contents; usually presented as a plus (+) and

minus (-) value.

U 

unit of measure. An increment of weight, length, or volume so that an inspector may record package errors in terms of

small integers. (The package errors are actually the integers multiplied by the unit of measure.) 

unreasonable errors. Minus package errors that exceed the MAV (defined). The number of unreasonable errors 

permitted in a sample is specified by the sampling plan. 

unused dry tare. All unused packaging materials (including glue, labels, ties, etc.) that contain or enclose a 

product. It includes prizes, gifts, coupons, or decorations that are not part of the product. 

used dry tare. Used tare material that has been air dried, or dried in some manner to simulate the unused tare weight.

It includes all packaging materials that can be separated from the packaged product, either readily (e.g., by shaking) or

by washing, scraping, ambient air drying, or other techniques involving more than "normal" household recovery 

procedures, but not including laboratory procedures like oven drying. Labels, wire closures, staples, prizes, 

decorations, and such are considered tare. It is not the same as “wet tare. See also "wet tare.” 

V 

volumetric measures. Standard measuring flasks, graduates, cylinders, for use in the measuring volumes of liquids.

W 

C-5
wet tare. Used packaging materials when no effort is made to reconstruct unused tare weight by drying out the 

absorbent portion (if any) of the tare. 

C-6
Appendix D. Acknowledgments and References 

We would like to thank the State and local weights and measures officials who evaluated the test procedures and 

commented on the drafts of this edition. We also thank the many packagers, industries, and trade associations for their 

comments and suggestions. We also received support and encouragement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Food Safety and Inspection Service; the Office of Food Labeling at Food and Drug Administration; and from the 

Federal Trade Commission. This project could not have been accomplished without the support and encouragement 

we received from other members of the NIST Office of Weights and Measures, especially Tina G. Butcher, Georgia

Harris, Michele Krebs, and Richard Suiter. We could not have completed this handbook without the technical support, 

guidance, and encouragement provided by this team of dedicated professionals and friends. 

We want to also honor the dedication and hard work of NIST staff who where the creators and editors of the previous

editions of this handbook, especially that of Dr. Carroll Brickenkamp, Steve Hasko, and the late Mary Natrella. We

learned a great deal from their work, and we share their knowledge with others every day. 

REFERENCES 

C. Brickenkamp, S. Hasko, and M.G. Natrella, NIST Handbook 133 – Third Edition Checking the Net Contents of

Packaged Goods, 1988. 

K. Butcher and T. Coleman, 4th Supplement to the Third Edition of NIST Handbook 133 – Checking the Net Contents 

of Packaged Goods, 1994. 

T. Butcher, J. Williams, R. Suiter, and L. Crown, Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for 

Weighing and Measuring Devices, National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 44, 2004. Available at

http://www.nist.gov/owm

T. Coleman, K. Dresser, and L. Crown, Uniform Laws and Regulations in the Areas of Legal Metrology and Engine

Fuel Quality, National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 130, 2004. Available at

http://www.nist.gov/owm

Compressed Gas Association, Fourth Edition - Handbook of Compressed Gases, 1999. Compressed Gas Association, 

4221 Walney Road, 5th Floor, Chantilly, Virginia 20151-2923. URL: http://www.cganet.com

 

P. Cunniff, ed., Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists International,

Seventeenth Edition, Association of Official Analytical Chemists, 481 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500,

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877, 2003. URL: http://www.aoac.org

Federal Test Method Standard 311 “Leather, Methods of Sampling and Testing.” (January 15, 1969). U.S. General 

Services Administration. 

G. L. Harris, Specifications and Tolerances for Reference Standards and Field Standard Weights and Measures, 1. 

Specifications and Tolerances for Field Standard Weights (National Institute of Standards and Technology Class F), 

National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 105-1, 1990. Available at http://www.nist.gov/owm

G. L. Harris, Specifications and Tolerances for Reference Standards and Field Standard Weights and Measures; 2.

Specifications and Tolerances for Field Standard Measuring Flasks, National Institute of Standards and Technology

Handbook 105-2, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1996. Available at http://www.nist.gov/owm

G. L. Harris, Specifications and Tolerances for Reference Standards and Field Standard Weights and Measures, 5. 

Specifications and Tolerances for Field Standard Stopwatches, National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 105-5, 1997. Available at http://www.nist.gov/owm

D-1 
G. L. Harris, Specifications and Tolerances for Reference Standards and Field Standard Weights and Measures, 6. 

Specifications and Tolerances for Thermometers, National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 105-6, 

1997. Available at http://www.nist.gov/owm 

M. W. Jensen and R. W. Smith, The Examination of Weighing Equipment, National Institute of Standards and

Technology Handbook 94, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1965. 

G. D. Lee, Examination Procedure Outlines for Commercial Weighing and Measuring Devices, National Institute of

Standards and Technology Handbook 112, 2002. 

Rand Corporation. A Million Random Digits with 100,000 Normal Deviates, Glencoe, IL: The Free Press, 1955. The

Rand Corporation, 1700 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, California 90407-2138. 

URL: http://www.rand.org

Standard Method of Test for Density of Plastics by the Density Gradient Technique, ASTM D 1505-03, 2003. URL: 

http://www.astm.org

Standard Method of Test for Volume of Processed Peat Materials, ASTM D 2978-71, 1998. 

URL: http://www.astm.org

Standard Method of Test for Yarn Number by the Skein Method, ASTM D 1907-01, 2001. 

URL: http://www.astm.org

Standard Practice for Calibration of Laboratory Volumetric Apparatus, ASTM E 542-01, 2001. 

URL: http://www.astm.org

Standard Specification for Glass Volumetric (Transfer) Pipets, ASTM E 969-02, 2002. URL: http://www.astm.org

Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Graduated Burets, ASTM E 287-02, 2002. URL: http://www.astm.org.

Standard Specification for Polyethylene Film and Sheeting, ASTM D 2103-03, 2003. URL: http://www.astm.org

Standard Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for Construction, Industrial, and Agricultural Applications, ASTM D 

4397-02, 2002. URL: http://www.astm.org 

Standard Test Methods for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insulation, ASTM D 374-99, 1999. 

URL: http://www.astm.org

U.S. Department of Defense Military Standard, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes

(MIL-STD-105 D), U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1963. 

B. Younglove and N. Olien. NBS Technical Note 1079 - Tables of Industrial Gas Container Contents and Density for

Oxygen, Argon, Nitrogen, Helium, and Hydrogen, 1985. 

D-2 
E-1 

Appendix E. Model Inspection Report Forms 

Report Form Page

Random Inspection Report E-2 

Random Package Inspection Report - Example E-3 

Standard Package Inspection Report E-4 

Standard Inspection Report - Example E-5 
Date 

Random Package Report

Sampling Plan  A  B Report Number

Location (name, address) Product/Brand Identity

Lot Codes 

Manufacturer Container Description

1. Labeled Quantityenter weight for each 

package in column 1 

below.

2. Unit of Measure 3. MAV – look up the MAV for each package with a 

minus error, convert it to dimensionless units 

and enter this value in Column 4 below. 

5. Inspection Lot 

Size 

6. Sample Size (n) 

7. Initial Tare Sample

Size 

 

8. No. of MAVs Allowed 9. Range of Package 

Errors (Rc) 

10. Range of Tare Weights 

(Rt) 

11. Rc/Rt (9)10 = ) 12. Total No. of Tare 

Samples 

13. Avg. Tare Wt  Used Dry Tare  Wet Tare  Unused Dry Tare 13a.  Tare Correction

  Moisture Allowance 

14. Nominal Gross Wt

(Labeled Wt + 13 – 13a)

Pkg 1 Pkg 2 Pkg 3 Pkg 4 Pkg 5 Pkg 6 Pkg 7 Pkg 8 Pkg 9 Pkg 10 

a. Gross Wt

b. Tare Wt 

c. Net Wt 

d. Package Error

Product Description, Lot Code, Unit Price Money Errors Package Errors 

- +

1. Labeled Net Weight 

- +

4. MAV 

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

 Totals

15. Total Error 16. No. of unreasonable minus errors 

(compare each package error with the

MAV in Col 4)

17. Is 16 greater than 8?

 Yes, Lot Fails 

 No, go to 18 

18. Avg. error in 

dimensionless units 

(15 ) 6 =) 

19. Avg. error in labeled 

units (18 x 2 =)

20. Is 18 Zero or Plus?

 Yes, lot passes, go to 25 

 No, go to 21 

21. Compute Sample 

Standard Deviation 

22. Sample Correction Factor 23. Compute Sample Error Limit (21 x 22 =)

24. Disregarding the signs, is 18 larger than 23?

  Yes, Lot Fails, go to 25  No, Lot Passes, go to 25

25. Disposition of Inspection Lot 

  Approved  Rejected 

Comments Official’s Signature 

Acknowledgement of Report 

E-2 
E-3 

Date 

September 16, 1999 Random Package Report - Example Form Sampling Plan  A  B Report Number 

 17 

Product/Brand Identity 

 Ground Chuck 

Location (name, address) 

L&O Market 

MacCorkle Ave 

Charleston, WV 25177 Lot Codes 

 1, 19, 99 

Manufacturer 

Meat Department – L&O Market 

Container Description 

2S Tray with soaker and 

plastic wrap 

1. Labeled Quantityenter weight for each 

package in the column 1 

below. 

2. Unit of Measure 

 

 0.001 lb 

3. MAV – look up the MAV for each package with a 

minus error, convert it to dimensionless units 

and enter this value in Column 4 below. 

5. Inspection Lot 

Size 

 23 

 6. Sample Size (n) 

 12 

7. Initial Tare Sample 

Size 

 2 

8. No. of MAVs Allowed 

 

 0 

9. Range of Package 

Errors (Rc)

 10

10. Range of Tare Weights 

(Rt) 

 1 

11. Rc/Rt (9)10 = ) 

 10 

12. Total No. of Tare 

Samples 

 2 

13. Avg. Tare Wt  Used Dry Tare  Wet Tare  Unused Dry Tare 

 0.0205 lb

13a.  Tare Correction 

  Moisture Allowance N/A 

14. Nominal Gross Wt 

(Labeled Wt + 13 – 13a) 

Label Wt + 0.020 lb 

Pkg 1 Pkg 2 Pkg 3 Pkg 4 Pkg 5 Pkg 6 Pkg 7 Pkg 8 Pkg 9 Pkg 10 

a. Gross Wt 1.852 lb 1.223 lb 

b. Tare Wt 0 .020 lb 0 .021 lb 

c. Net Wt 1.832 lb 1.202 lb 

d. Package Error 

 (a – 14 = ) -18 -8 

Product Description, Lot Code, Unit Price Money Errors Package Errors 

- + 

1. Labeled Net Weight 

- + 

4. MAV 

1. Ground Chuck - 1, 19, 99 - $1.79 per lb 1.85 lb 18 

2. 1.21 lb 7 

3. 1.56 lb 8 

4. 1.98 lb 14 

5. $ 0.04 1.07 lb 23 44 

6. 1.55 lb 16 

7. 1.02 lb 2 

8. $ 0.04 1.44 lb 25 56 

9. 1.33 lb 16 

10. 2.03 lb 20 70 

11. 1.73 lb 14 

12. 1.16 lb 11 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

22. 

23. 

24. 

 Totals 174 

15. Total Error 

 - 174 

16. No. of unreasonable minus errors 

(compare each package error with 4) 

 0 

17. Is 16 greater than 8? 

 Yes, Lot Fails 

 No, go to 18 

18. Avg. error in 

dimensionless units 

(15 ) 6 =) - 14.5 

19. Avg. error in labeled 

units (18 x 2 =) 

 - 0.014 lb 

20. Is 18 = Zero or Plus? 

 Yes, lot passes, go to 25 

 No, go to 21 

21. Compute Sample 

Standard Deviation 

 

 6.721 

22. Sample Correction Factor 

 

 

 0.635 

23. Compute Sample Error Limit (21 x 22 =) 

 

 4.267 

24. Disregarding the signs, is 18 larger than 23? 

  Yes, Lot Fails, go to 25  No, Lot Passes, go to 25 

25. Disposition of Inspection Lot 

  Approved  Rejected 

Official’s Signature Comments: 

Product found to contain less than the stated net contents

Acknowledgement of Report 
E-4 

Date Standard Package Report Sampling Plan  A  B Report Number 

Location (name, address) Product/Brand Identity 

Lot Codes 

Manufacturer Container Description 

1. Labeled Quantity 2. Unit of Measure 3. MAV 4. MAV (dimensionless units) (3 ) 2 =) 5. Inspection Lot 

Size 

6. Sample Size (n) 

7. Initial Tare Sample 

Size 

 

8. No. of MAVs Allowed 9. Range of Package 

Errors (Rc) 

10. Range of Tare Weights 

(Rt) 

11. Rc/Rt (9)10 =) 12. Total No. of Tare 

Samples 

13. Avg. Tare Wt  Used Dry Tare Wet Tare  Unused Dry Tare 13a.  Tare Correction 

  Moisture Allowance 

  Vacuum Pack 

14. Nominal Gross Wt 

(1 + 13 – 13 a =) 

Pkg 1 Pkg 2 Pkg 3 Pkg 4 Pkg 5 Pkg 6 Pkg 7 Pkg 8 Pkg 9 Pkg 10 

a. Gross Wt

b. Tare Wt 

c. Net Wt 

- + - + - + - + 

1. 13. 25. 37. 

2. 14. 26. 38. 

3. 15. 27. 39. 

4. 16. 28. 40. 

5. 17. 29. 41. 

6. 18. 30. 42. 

7. 19. 31. 43. 

8. 20. 32. 44. 

9. 21. 33. 45. 

10. 22. 34. 46. 

11. 23. 35. 47. 

12. 24. 36. 48. 

Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total 

15. Total Error 16. No. of unreasonable minus errors (compare each 

package error with 4) 

17. Is 16 greater than 8? 

 Yes, lot fails 

 No, go to 18 

18. Avg. error in 

dimensionless units 

(15 ) 6 =) 

19. Avg. error in labeled 

units (18 x 2 =) 

20. Is 18 = Zero or Plus? 

 Yes, lot passes, go to 25 

 No, go to 21 

21. Compute Sample 

Standard Deviation 

22. Sample Correction Factor 23. Compute Sample Error Limit (21 x 22 =) 

24. Disregarding the signs, is 18 larger than 23? 

  Yes, lot fails, go to 25  No, lot passes, go to 25 

25. Disposition of Inspection Lot 

  Approved  Rejected 

Comments: Official’s Signature 

Acknowledgement of Report 
E-5 

Date 

January 20, 1999 Standard Package Report - Sample Form Sampling Plan:  A  B Report Number 

 16 

Product/Brand Identity 

Community Group Cookies (Thin Mints) 

Location (name, address) 

Volunteer Market 

18765 Alcoa Highway 

Knoxville, Tennessee 

37920 Lot Codes 

 April 1998 A&B 

Manufacturer 

 

ABC Cookies Inc 

1069 Capitol Avenue 

Nashville, Tennessee 37204 

Container Description 

Cardboard Box / Plastic Liner 

1. Labeled Quantity 

 453 g (1 lb) 

2. Unit of Measure 

 0.001 lb 

3. MAV 

 0 .044 lb 

4. MAV (dimensionless units) 

(3 ) 2 =) 

 44

5. Inspection Lot 

Size 

 172 

6. Sample Size (n) 

 12 

7. Initial Tare 

Sample Size 

 2

8. No. of MAVs Allowed 

 0 

9. Range of Package 

Errors (Rc)

 24 

10. Range of Tare 

Weights (Rt) 

 2 

11. Rc/Rt 

(9)10 = ) 

 12 

12. Total No. of Tare Samples 

 2 

13. Avg. Tare Wt  Used Dry Tare  Wet Tare  Unused Dry Tare 

 0 .014 lb

13a.  Tare Correction 

  Moisture Allowance

  Vacuum Pack N/A 

14. Nominal Gross Wt 

(1 + 13 – 13 a =) 

 1.014 lb 

Pkg 1 Pkg 2 Pkg 3 Pkg 4 Pkg 5 Pkg 6 Pkg 7 Pkg 8 Pkg 9 Pkg 10 

a. Gross Wt 1.052 lb 1.026 lb 

b. Tare Wt 0.015 lb .013 lb 

c. Net Wt 1.037 lb 1.013 lb 

- + - + - + - + 

1. 38 13. 25. 37. 

2. 12 14. 26. 38. 

3. 8 15. 27. 39. 

4. 4 16. 28. 40. 

5. 3 17. 29. 41. 

6. 2 18. 30. 42. 

7. 12 19. 31. 43. 

8. 3 20. 32. 44. 

9. 4 21. 33. 45. 

10. 1 22. 34. 46. 

11. 0 23. 35. 47. 

12. 6 24. 36. 48. 

Total 9 Total 84 Total Total Total Total Total Total 

15. Total Error 

 

 + 75 

16. No. of unreasonable minus errors (compare 

each package error with 4) 

 0 

17. Is 16 greater than 8? 

 Yes, lot fails 

 No, go to 18 

 

18. Avg. error in 

dimensionless units. 

(15 ) 6 =) 

 + 6.25 

19. Avg. error in 

labeled units (18 x 2 =) 

 + 0.006 lb 

20. Is 18 = Zero or Plus? 

 Yes, lot passes, go to 25 

 No, go to 21 

21. Compute Sample 

Standard Deviation 

22. Sample Correction Factor 23. Compute Sample Error Limit (21 x 22 =) 

24. Disregarding the signs, is 18 larger than 23? 

  Yes, lot fails, go to 25  No, lot passes 

25. Disposition of Inspection Lot 

  Approved  Rejected 

Comments: Official’s Signature 

Lot Passes

Acknowledgement of Report