diff --git a/HX711.cpp b/HX711.cpp
index 14efb58..04628c3 100644
--- a/HX711.cpp
+++ b/HX711.cpp
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ bool HX711::is_ready() {
 	return digitalRead(DOUT) == LOW;
 }
 
-void HX711::set_gain(byte gain) {
+long HX711::set_gain(byte gain) {
 	switch (gain) {
 		case 128:		// channel A, gain factor 128
 			GAIN = 1;
@@ -39,7 +39,8 @@ void HX711::set_gain(byte gain) {
 	}
 
 	digitalWrite(PD_SCK, LOW);
-	read();
+	// read one more value with old gain/channel to update settings
+	return read();
 }
 
 long HX711::read() {
diff --git a/HX711.h b/HX711.h
index 23b2234..da6214a 100644
--- a/HX711.h
+++ b/HX711.h
@@ -34,10 +34,10 @@ class HX711
 		// input PD_SCK should be low. When DOUT goes to low, it indicates data is ready for retrieval.
 		bool is_ready();
 
-		// set the gain factor; takes effect only after a call to read()
+		// set the gain factor; read() is invoked to set the new gain and its return value is returned
 		// channel A can be set for a 128 or 64 gain; channel B has a fixed 32 gain
 		// depending on the parameter, the channel is also set to either A or B
-		void set_gain(byte gain = 128);
+		long set_gain(byte gain = 128);
 
 		// waits for the chip to be ready and returns a reading
 		long read();