The objective of this study was to examine the effects of weighing and scooping soil samples on the accuracy of soil test results, fertilizer and lime requirement recommendations using the metric, British and American measurement systems. Although, it is well Known that BO values of mineral soils vary easily by 100Z (values vary by as much as 1000% when including Histosols) from an average assumed value, one of the most widely held delusion in North American soil testing circles is that a defined constant weight of soil can be measured volumetrically. Analytical results can only be extrapolated accurately to a furrow layer of defined weight when samples are weighed for analysis. Analytical results ought then be reported as ppm, μg gram‐1, or mg kg‐1soil. Unfortunately a furrow layer of defined weight is likely to have an undefined depth. Several scoop sizes are being used to measure an assumed weight of soil, it is suggested that laboratories following this practice report analytical results in pounds acre‐1or kg ha‐1, but also display their assumed soil density (ASD) to facilitate analytical comparisons and eventual standardization. Ultimately, erroneous assumptions can be avoided by defining the acre and hectare furrow layers as being volumes having depths of 20 cm and containing 0.81 and 2‐million liters of soil, respectively. Plant nutrient concentrations of 1 μg in 0.89 or 1.0 mL soil then represent two pounds acre‐1or two kilograms ha‐1, respectively. Reporting analytical results in pg mL‐1soil is suggested as the correct form for those that have adopted the metric system. Procedures are developed to convert LR values from furrow weight to furrow volume, for the American, British, and metric system of measurements