Weights & Measures

General Information

Getting your money's worth.

By monitoring the accuracy of gas station pumps, grocery store packages and scales, and checkout scanners, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection saves an average Wisconsin family up to $600 a year.

Because weights and measures officials cannot be present for all transactions, consumers can help themselves at the checkout counter by following these tips:

• Consider jotting down prices or special sales as you shop. In grocery stores, you may want to write the prices on the package if it doesn't have a price tag.
• Bring the store's ad with you. Some advertised specials such as 25 percent off or a two-for-one sale may not be in the computer, and the cashier must enter them manually.
• Watch the display screens as prices appear. If you think you were overcharged, speak up. Ask about the store's pricing error policy. Ask the cashier to make any adjustment before you pay. Some stores simply adjust the price; others deduct an additional amount or offer the mispriced item for free.

Fact Sheets / FAQ
Farmers' Market Handbook (8 page PDF)
WI Weights & Measures CNG Retail Motor Fuels Devices (2 page PDF)
Weights & Measures Service Company Test Report Requirements (1 page PDF) 

Training
Measuring Packaged Animal Bedding (YouTube video)

Links
Central Weights and Measures Association 
National Conference of Weights and Measures 
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (Weights & Measures) 
Weights & Measures Inspector Territories (Map)
Weights & Measures Statistics 2011 (1 page PDF)
Wisconsin Weights & Measures Association

Testing gas pumps.

If you encounter scanning errors; suspect that someone is not weighing correctly; or feel that the gasoline pump is registering more gallons than it’s actually giving contact us by phone or e-mail:

Phone: 608-224-4942
E-mail: datcpweightsandmeasures@wi.gov