Garmin Power Meter Scale Factor

The Scale Factor for a Garmin power meter is stored in the pedals and adjusts the power value that is calculated on the pedal, transmitted to the head unit and then stored on the head unit.

We recommend performing a static torque test (see related content at the bottom of this FAQ), a minimum of three times and averaging the reported torque values. To calculate the scale factor, simply divide the expected value by the average of the reported value. For example, if the expected value is 39.68 Nm and the average of the reported values is 38.95:

39.68 (expected) / 38.95 (average reported) = 1.0188 (Scale Factor)

In order to view or modify the Scale Factor, select the power meter sensor on the Sensors page of your paired head unit. The sensor will have the barbell icon as shown below:

Then select Sensor Details:

Now the Scale Factor for the left and right pedals can be viewed. A scale factor of 1.000 does not change pedal's reported torque or power values. Valid Scale Factor entries are from 0.9000 to 1.1000.

To change the power meter’s Scale Factor from the default value of 1.000, select the left or right pedal option and then input the appropriate Scale Factor based upon your torque test results. This Scale Factor is retained in the pedals (not the Edge® cycling computer) and will show up in the Sensor Details page if a different head unit is paired with the same power pedal set.