For measurements of the kerma-area product (KAP) in diagnostic x-ray imaging, a method for calibrating field KAP meters with a reference KAP meter is presented. In this tandem calibration method, the field KAP chamber is positioned similarly as in measurements with patients. The reference KAP chamber is placed at a specified distance and used in the x-ray beam simultaneously with the field KAP chamber. The tandem method provides a feasible and practical way for calibrating field KAP meters of any type in their clinical position. Accurate measurements of the irradiation geometry are not required, but comprehensive calibration for the reference KAP meter is needed.