11/19/2017 3 Simple Ways to Calibrate and Use a pH Meter - wikiHow

How to Calibrate and Use a pH Meter Reader

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Three Parts: Preparing for Calibration Calibrating Your pH Meter Using Your pH Meter

Chemists, biologists, environmentalists, and lab technicians alike all use pH to measure the acidic and basic potentials of a
solution. A pH meter is very useful and the most accurate tool available to test pH levels. There are many simple steps, from
preparing your materials to methodically calibrating and testing, to ensure you have the most accurate reading of pH levels
possible. You can also measure the pH of water using specific methods.

Part
Preparing for Calibration
1

1 Turn on your pH meter. Before you begin to calibrate and use your pH meter you will first need to turn it
on and allow adequate time for the meter to warm up. This should generally take around 30 minutes, but
check your pH meters operating manual for exact times.[1]

2 Clean your electrode. Take the electrode out of its storage solution and rinse it with distilled water under
an empty waste beaker. Once rinsed, blot dry with Kimwipes or Shurwipes.[2]
Be sure to rinse your electrode in a waste beaker that is different from the beaker you will be calibrating
in.[3]
Avoid rubbing the electrode as it has a sensitive membrane around it.
If you find the electrode to be particularly dirty consult your operating manual for recommended cleaning
solutions.

3 Prepare your buffers. You will generally need more than one buffer for calibrating a pH meter. The first
will be a neutral buffer with a pH of 7, and the second should be near the expected sample pH, either a
pH of 4 or 9.21. Buffers with a higher pH (9.21) are best calibrated for measuring bases, whereas buffers with a
low pH (4) are best for measuring acidic samples. Once you have chosen your buffers allow them to reach the
same temperature, as pH readings are temperature dependent. Pour your buffers into individual beakers for
calibration.[4]
Check with your pH meter manufacturer, or current educational or professional institution, about
acquiring pH buffer solutions.
Buffers should be kept in a beaker for no longer than two hours.[5]
Do not pour used buffer back into its original container.[6]

Part
Calibrating Your pH Meter
2

1 Place your electrode in the buffer with a pH value of 7 and begin reading. Press the measure or
calibrate button to begin reading the pH once your electrode is placed in the buffer.[7]
Allow the pH to stabilize before setting by letting it sit for approximately 1-2 minutes.

2 Set the pH. Once you have a stable reading, set the pH meter to the value of the buffers pH by pressing
the measure button a second time. Setting the pH meter once the reading has stabilized will allow for more
accurate and tuned readings.[8]
Although not necessary, if you stir your buffer before measuring be sure to stir all other buffers and
samples in the same way.[9]

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3 Rinse your electrode with distilled water. Rinse and pat dry with a lint-free tissue, like Kimwipes or
Shurwipes, in between buffers.[10]

4 Place your electrode in the buffer with a pH value of 4 and begin reading. Press the measure button
to begin reading the pH once your electrode is placed in the buffer.[11]
If you are not using a buffer with a pH value of 4 for calibration, use the buffer with a pH value of 9.21.

5 Set the pH a second time. Once your reading has stabilized, set the pH meter to the value of the buffers
pH by pressing the measure button.[12]

6 Rinse your electrode. You can use distilled water to rinse. Use a lint-free tissue, like Kimwipes or
Shurwipes, in between buffers to dry the electrode.[13]

Part
Using Your pH Meter
3

1 Place your electrode in your sample and begin reading. Once your electrode is placed in your sample,
press the measure button and leave the electrode in your sample for approximately 1-2 minutes.[14]

2 Set your pH level. Once the reading has stabilized, press the measure button. This is the pH level of your
sample.[15]

3 Clean your electrode after use. Rinse your electrode with distilled water and blot or dab dry with a lint-
free tissue. You may store your pH meter once clean and dry.[16]
Consult your operation manual for optimal storage practices for your specific pH meter.

Community Q&A New! Make a stranger's day. Answer a question.

What is a pH meter?

It measures the potential usable amount of free moving hydrogen atoms versus the amount of available
wikiHow Contributor negatively charged protons. More hydrogen = acidic = pH number less than 7. More protons = basic = pH
number greater than 7.
Not Helpful 16 Helpful 11

What are negatively charged H atoms?

They are hydrogen ions - basically a free-floating hydrogen atom regarded as negatively charged, as it has
Aussie J gained an electron to have a stable outer shell.
Not Helpful 5 Helpful 4

What are the disadvantages of a pH meter?

Nothing! They are great!

wikiHow Contributor
Not Helpful 5 Helpful 3

What are the fewest counts required during calibration?

I usually do 2 to 3, but I guess you would be okay doing 1.

wikiHow Contributor
Not Helpful 3 Helpful 1

How can I calculate the slope of pH meter manually from pH value?

I think this is the correct answer, but still you can verify. A good electrode has a mV of 0 30 mV in pH 7. The
wikiHow Contributor slope should be 90 to 105%. For example: Readings pH 4 : 4.29; pH 7 : 7.43. Convert pH 7 reading to mV. 7
7.43 = -0.43 pH * 59.16 mV/pH = -25.44 (this value is okay because it is within 0 30mV). Convert pH 4
reading to mV. 7 4.29 = 2.71 pH * 59.16 mV/pH = 160.32. Calculate slope: 160.32 (-25.44) = 185.76 mV/
177.48 mV * 100 = 105 % (this value is borderline as 105% is the upper limit).
Not Helpful 3 Helpful 0

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Tips

Be sure to always ask questions if you are unsure about a process. Ask your supervisor in your lab or consult your
operators manual at home.
All pH meters are a little different. Check all necessary manuals before starting to calibrate and use your pH meter.

Warnings

Follow all other set safety regulations when working with hazardous samples.

Things You'll Need

pH meter

Distilled water

Kimwipe or Shurwipe, a special thin tissue specifically for laboratory use

pH 9.21 buffer, a solution whose pH is constantly 9.21

pH 7 buffer, a solution whose pH is constantly 7

pH 4 buffer, a solution whose pH is constantly 4

Sources and Citations

1. http://www.all-about-ph.com/ph-meter-calibration.html
2. http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/lab/equipment/phmeter/use.html
3. http://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/brochures/TN-ph-calibration-procedure-for-optimal-measurement-precision-T-
PHCAL-EN.pdf

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