To provide a force calibrating mechanism for a hardness testing machine capable of performing force calibration rapidly and accurately, and to provide a method therefor.

This force calibrating mechanism for a hardness testing machine is equipped with a force generating part 2 for generating a force and a force transmitting part 4 (force transmitting lever) for transmitting the force generated in the developing part 2 to an indenter 41. A weight W is placed in a position where a specified load is imposed on the indenter 41, and a force balancing with the load of the weight is generated by the generating part, thus performing force calibration. A damping means 9 (electromagnetic damper) is provided for damping an oscillation of the transmitting part 4.