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Measuring Ingredients

Guidelines for Measuring Dry Ingredients, Semi-solid Ingredients, Liquid Ingredients and Using Measuring Spoons

Guidelines for Measuring Ingredients

Ingredients are normally measured with cups and spoons of specific sizes. Dry-ingredient measuring cups are used to measure both dry ingredients, like flour and semi-solid ingredients, like shortening. Liquid-ingredient measuring cups are used to measure liquids, like milk. Small amounts of dry, semi-solid and liquid ingredients, such as spices, butter and oil, are measured with measuring spoons.

There are a few guidelines for measuring that you should keep in mind. Avoid measuring ingredients over a mixing bowl in case the measuring cup or spoon overflows — measure ingredients over their container or waxed paper instead. Always spoon or scoop dry ingredients into a measuring cup to avoid over-packing. Don't shake or tap measuring cups or spoons — this leads to inaccurate measurements.

Flour should be stirred before measuring to ensure it is not packed down.
 

Measuring Dry Ingredients Measuring Semi-solid Ingredients

Measuring Dry Ingredients

Dry measuring cups are commonly available in sets of ¼ cup, 1/3 cup, ½ cup and 1 cup sizes and are used to measure ingredients such as flour or sugar.

  1. Use a scoop or spoon to place the ingredient into a dry measuring cup until the ingredient is slightly above the rim of the cup. Do not shake or tap the measuring cup.

  2. Move the straight edge of a table knife across the rim of the measuring cup to level off the dry ingredient.

Measuring Semi-solid Ingredients

You can also use dry measuring cups to measure semi-solid ingredients such as peanut butter or shortening.

  1. Use a rubber spatula to place the ingredient into a dry measuring cup, pressing the ingredient down into the cup to remove any air pockets.

  2. Repeat step 1 until semi-solid ingredient is slightly above the rim of the measuring cup.

  3. Move the straight edge of a table knife across the rim of the measuring cup to level off the semi-solid ingredient.

Measuring Liquid Ingredients

Using Measuring Spoons

Measuring Liquid Ingredients

Liquid measuring cups are commonly available in 1 cup, 2 cup and 4 cup sizes and are used to measure ingredients such as milk or water.

  1. Place a liquid measuring cup on your countertop.

  2. Pour the liquid into the measuring cup until the liquid reaches the desired measurement.

  3. To ensure the accuracy of the measurement, bend down as you pour so you can read the measurement at eye level.

Using Measuring Spoons

Measuring spoons are commonly available in the following sets :

  • ¼ teaspoon (tsp)

  • ½ teaspoon

  • 1 teaspoon

  • 1 tablespoon (tbsp)

To measure a dry or semi-solid ingredients, use the measuring spoon to scoop out the ingredient. Then move the straight edge of a table knife across the rim of the spoon to level off the ingredient.


To measure a liquid ingredient, pour the ingredient into the measuring spoon.

FAQ About Measuring Ingredients
How do I measure brown sugar? How do I measure 1/8 teaspoon or a pinch?

Brown sugar should always be firmly pressed into a measuring cup and then leveled off with a table knife. Since brown sugar is best stored in a resealable plastic bag to prevent it from hardening, you can measure directly inside the bag. Put the measuring cup or spoon into the bag and, with your hand on the outside of the bag, firmly pack the sugar into the cup or spoon. Then use the straight edge of a table knife to level off the sugar inside the bag.

If a recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon and you do not have the right size measuring spoon, fill a ¼-teaspoon measuring spoon only half full. A pinch is exactly what it sounds like - the amount of a dry ingredient that you can pinch between your index finger and thumb. A pinch measures out to about 1/16 teaspoon.

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