An embodiment provides a method for measuring an analyte of a sample using a colorimeter, including: introducing the sample into a measurement chamber of the colorimeter, wherein the measurement chamber comprises an optical path from a light source to an optical sensor; identifying and waiting a sample settling period, wherein the sample settling period comprises a dynamic length of time, wherein the identifying comprises: measuring, using the optical sensor, a light throughput of the sample; and determining, based upon the measuring, the light throughput has reached a stable baseline; and obtaining a reference measurement of the sample when the stable baseline is reached. Other aspects are described and claimed.