Do I really need a 0.01g scale for gongfu?
No. 0.1g resolution covers nearly every session. 0.01g is for sub-3g samples, *mǒchá* dosing, or blind comparative tastings where small differences are the whole point.
Will steam from the kettle damage the scale?
Brief exposure is fine. Sustained steam can drift the load cell and corrode contacts. Keep the scale on a dry surface a hand's width from the kettle spout.
What's a good baseline ratio to start measuring against?
For gongfu, 1g of leaf per 15ml of vessel is a sane starting point. Adjust down for very curled oolongs, up for compressed dark teas. The [encyclopedia on thetea.app](https://thetea.app) lists ratios by style.
Can I just use my phone as a timer?
Yes, with do-not-disturb and haptic alerts. Audible beeps disrupt a shared session. A dedicated silent timer is nicer but not required.
How accurate are these scales, really?
Properly calibrated, the 0.01g unit reads within ±0.02g across its working range. Check monthly with the calibration weight; recalibrate if drift exceeds 0.05g.
What about weighing the gaiwan with leaf inside?
Workable, but tare the empty gaiwan first, then add leaf. Hot vessels add convection error, so weigh the gaiwan at room temperature.
Do competition brewers measure to 0.01g?
Yes, most do, especially in dose-controlled formats. See [tea.events](https://tea.events) for upcoming cuppings and competition formats where this precision is standard.