Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 67,649 times. When checking your measurement, be sure your eyes are even with the level of the liquid. To measure flour, sugar, breadcrumbs, and other dry ingredients (with the exception of brown sugar in many cases), spoon the ingredients lightly into the measuring cup. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Those from the USA generally measure ingredients by volume rather than by weight. When measuring liquids, fill the measuring cup with your liquid and hold the cup at eye level to check the amount. Watch the video to see why measuring dry ingredients by weight is the best method by far, and why the “spoon and sweep” method gives you a more accurate measurement than the “scoop and sweep” method. A liquid measuring cup can’t be leveled off for dry ingredients because it allows room for liquids to slosh around. It is meant to measure the volume of liquids in the kitchen (used for cooking or baking) such as water, vinegar, milk, fruit and vegetable juices and so on. Don't measure your liquids in your dry measures. Liquid cups have measuring lines well below the rims, so you have room for the ingredients to slosh a bit without spilling. "1 cup of sifted flour" means you should sift flour and then measure out 1 cup of it to use in the recipe. Press Esc to cancel. Same goes for dry measuring cups: sets always include ¼ cup, ⅓ cup, ½ cup, and 1 cup. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Liquid measuring cups indicate that 1 cup = 8 ounces. "1/2 cup of packed brown sugar" means you should compress the brown sugar into the 1/2 cup measuring cup rather than scoop out 1/2 cup of brown sugar and then pack it down. View the amount at eye level to be sure of an accurate measure if using a traditional measuring cup. You can stir the flour using a spoon, a knife, or a whisk. You're pouring liquid in and you can see the measurement right there. Danielle Centoni explains how. How To Use A Dry Measuring Cup. Measuring Dry Ingredients. To learn how to measure dry ingredients by weight, keep reading! It can be disappointing when a recipe doesn't work out even though you followed it closely. It is appropriate for measuring the volume of dry solid ingredients such as sugar, salt, and flour. When working with brown sugar, use your fingers to press the sugar down as much as you can, which will give you a more accurate measurement. Really, the only thing you need to worry about is measuring dry ingredients like flour. Leveling it off gives you one level cup. Step 2: How to Measure Pour the liquids into the measuring cup. So most cookie recipes are good if you get it close enough. Don't pack it down. They usually come in the following sizes: 1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon, and 1/8 teaspoon. Lightly sprinkle dry ingredients such as flour, sugar or cornmeal into a dry measuring cup over a canister or waxed paper. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Note that small amounts of both dry and liquid ingredients are measured with small measuring spoons. Dip your measuring cup into the bag of the dry ingredient so it’s overflowing, then use your finger or a knife to sweep away the excess so the top is flat. = 2 qt. How to measure dry ingredients. However if you only have one or the other, the kitchen won't go up in flames if you use them interchangeably. Most liquid measuring cups are 2 cups in capacity, but you may find it helpful to invest in a 1-cup measure, 4-cup measure, or other sizes, depending on how often you use them and what you use them for. When a UK recipe calls for 1 tsp dry ingredient, does it mean a rounded or level tsp? Dry measurements are not typically used in USA recipes. You want dry measuring cups to have a smooth edge, not a spout like mine. Liquid measuring cups range in size and typically have a handle and pouring spout. To measure liquids use the liquid measuring cup, the one with the little spout to make pouring easier. Half of 1 1/2 cups of flour would be 3/4 cup. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Same goes for dry measuring cups: sets always include ¼ cup, ⅓ cup, ½ cup, and 1 cup. Liquid measures need to be measured at eye level. How to use a measuring cup for wet ingredients. How would I measure a sticky ingredient such as honey or jam? While both liquid and dry measuring cups have the same volume, each kind of cup is engineered to accurately measure their respective ingredients. When using a dry measuring cup the capacity is measured to the level top of the cup. Do not … For example, 1 cup … In other words, you don't have to be spot on. A dry measuring cup (often sold in nested sets of 4 cups or more) is designed to fill to the brim with the dry ingredient. When it comes to baking, accuracy is everything and could mean the difference between success or failure in a recipe. Use these cups for measuring liquids. = 4 c. = 2 pt. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; By using our site, you agree to our. An 8 ounce measuring cup will yield you One Cup of ketchup. Dry measuring cups should be used to measure dry ingredients. = 455 grams, 8 fluid ounces (fl. They are used for both liquid and dry ingredients. If you're unsure about combining the ingredients while weighing them, you could measure them in small separate bowls. Since all liquids take up the same amount of space, all your wet ingredients can be measured in exactly the same way. = 2 liters. For more information, read http://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Wet-Ingredients. It is not often calibrated on the side but comes in sets of a ¼ a cup, a ⅓ of a cup, a ½ a cup and a full cup. 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces. ). Since you are unable to level off the ingredients, measuring a dry ingredient in a wet measuring cup will result in an inaccurate measurement. To measure liquids, place an appropriately sized liquid measuring cup on a flat, stable surface (don't just hold it in your hand! A dry measuring cup can be leveled off when measuring dry ingredients only. You'll need measuring spoons for small amounts of dry ingredients like salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Graded: Graded cups range in sizes from 1/4 cup to 1 cup and can range from 4 to 6 cups in a set. Some scales will let you adjust or switch between measurements while the ingredient is on the scale being weighed. amzn_assoc_title = "Our Diabetes Testing Picks"; Today we're going to talk about the best tools for measuring, how to measure wet versus dry ingredients, why an ounce is not always an ounce, and why you should really, really consider investing in a good digital scale. Liquid measurements. Here are some guidelines that will help you: Although you may think that weighing your food is a bummer, a food scale can help you in a lot of areas. But your recipe will come out the same, and the amount of ingredient that you actually measure will be the same no matter what you use. When checking your measurement, be sure your eyes are even with the level of the liquid. When measuring liquids like water, milk, or oil, start by placing your liquid measuring cup on a level surface, like your kitchen counter. If it spills out like sand, it wasn't packed down enough and you don't have enough sugar in your recipe. Dry ingredients include flour, sugar, nuts and chocolate chips.To accurately measure 2/3 of a cup of a dry ingredient, fill the measuring cup slightly over, then sweep a spatula handle or other kitchen utensil with a flat handle across the top of the cup to remove the excess. The same does not hold true for dry ingredients where 1 cup of a dry ingredient does not always equal to 8 ounces in weight. Because dry ingredients vary greatly in weight, you can’t rely on the same conversion. If you’re talking dry ounces, it depends. The author will explain what tools and basic ingredients you'll need, as well as helpful techniques (like measuring ingredients). To measure brown sugar always use dry measuring cups. So, you simply grab the usual cup you use for baking and fill the cup with flour. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. The liquid level should be right on the marking lines. = 1 cup (c.) … But what they really mean is 1 cup of liquid = 8 fluid ounces. "1 cup of flour, sifted" means you should dip and scoop 1 cup of flour and then sift it. Here are some measurements for liquid ingredients: 8 fluid ounces (fl. Let’s say your recipe calls for 1/2 cup of all purpose flour. Here Is a Lifestyle that Can Prevent a Heart Blockage, Your Safest Diabetes Type 2 Treatment: Exercise, What Everybody Ought to Know About Hypertension Medication, Part 3, What Everybody Ought to Know about Hypertension Medication – Part 2, What Everybody Ought to Know about Hypertension Medication, Part 1, What Everybody Ought to Know About Hypertension Medication, Part 4, Second Hypertension Cause: Lack of Exercise – Part 2, Obesity, a Higher Risk of Developing Diabetes in Men than in Women, New Recommendations About Type 2 Diabetes Triple Therapy Treatment, Limit Red Meat as Part of a Healthy High Blood Pressure Diet, Here Is Why B Vitamins Are Vital in a Diet for the Heart, 16 (dry) ounces (oz.) We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. There is a difference between liquid and dry measuring cups, so it’s important to have both on hand.. To measure liquid, place a liquid measuring cup on a level surface. When it comes to dry ingredients, getting the most accurate measurement is a bit more difficult to master. For example, if you don't sift the powdered sugar, but just mix it into butter for a frosting recipe, you'll end up with small white lumps of sugar in your frosting. Some of the dry ingredients that you can measure using dry cups include flour, nuts, and berries. An extra teaspoon or two here or there will make little difference in most recipes. Liquid measuring cups are meant to measure anything that will "level itself off", such as water, juice, vinegar, oil, and molasses. Then you won't have to find measuring cups each time you cook or bake. How do i measure 1 ½ cup of flour into half? I am Andy Carpenter and I would start by saying that I have a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition Science conferred by California State University, Los Angeles and that I am certified as a Registered Dietitian. But dry measuring cups (like this stainless steel set) are the next best thing because they’re designed to approximate the weight of dry ingredients—provided you know how to use them!How to use a measuring cup for dry ingredients. If your culinary creations usually don't turn out, you may need to consider how you're measuring your ingredients. The Most Accurate Way to Measure Any Ingredient Dry measurements are used mainly for measuring fresh produce. Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Use the liquid measuring cup. The brown sugar should keep the shape of the measuring cup when you dump it out. = ½ liter, 32 fl. Once you begin using dry measuring tools for dry ingredients, decide if you'll measure by volume or weight. oz.) = 1 cup (c.) = 250 milliliters = ¼ liter, 16 fl. A simple step like measuring oil can cause cakes to overly harden or turn into mush from one mistake. This would be very difficult and not very accurate with a liquid measuring cup. From quarter cups to full ones, wet or dry, you don't do half measures when it comes to measuring your ingredients. They usually start at ¼ cup and going up to 1 cup. Just remember to tare the scale after each measurement. When measuring water in a dry cup, there will be a small meniscus that will theoretically affect the measure very slightly, but the amount sticking to the cup will negate it and it's negligible- certainly for bread- anyway. Yes, it’s easier to scoop dry ingredients using dry measuring cups. When you fill a liquid measuring cup, you fill your ingredient to the desired line on the cup and pour it into your recipe. Measuring Liquids. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Make sure you have the right kitchen tools for this task, including a cup that specifically measures liquids. To measure brown sugar always use dry measuring cups. If you scoop into a firm ingredient using a measuring cup with a weak handle, it may snap. Measuring dry ingredients Let’s say your recipe calls for 1/2 cup of all purpose flour. To measure out 1/2 cup of flour, you choose your 1/2 dry measuring cup, fill it to the top with flour, and then level off the top, giving you exactly 1/2 cup. You can also use the dip and sweep method for small amounts of dry ingredients measured by spoons. = ½ gallon (gal.) How many grapes are in a cup? So in all honesty, yes, it does matter which one you use. When using a dry cup, a solid ingredient is filled right up to the rim of the cup. Sometimes ingredients, such as brown sugar, shredded cheeses, co… How to measure dry ingredients: When measuring flour, do not scoop the cup into your bowl, instead spoon the flour in. Liquid measuring cups measure volume where 1 cup of a liquid ingredient would be equal to 8 fluid ounces. But what they really mean is 1 cup of liquid = 8 fluid ounces. Glass: Glass cups are available in a wide range of sizes, the most common being 1 cup, 2 cups, and 4 cups. Because dry ingredients vary greatly in weight, you can’t rely on the same conversion. LIQUID MEASURE CONVERSION CHART. amzn_assoc_asins = "B076VSN7TR,B077BCSKFK,B07G3BNXR6,B07KCDCBFC"; Men, be aware that if you are gaining weight, you are at a higher risk of developing diabetes type 2…. To measure dry ingredients by volume, you can use measuring cups, measuring spoons, or a kitchen scale. Convert Grams to Cups. Measure Dry … Measuring dry ingredients. = 1 pound (lb.) Flour, another tricky ingredient, tends to pack down as it sits, so stir it in the bag before measuring. 2 cups = 16 fluid ounces = 1 pint. While both liquid and dry measuring cups have the same volume, each kind of cup is engineered to accurately measure their respective ingredients. A digital kitchen scale usually has a small flat platform on the top where you can set bowls filled with ingredients for measuring. All registered. As an Australian, I grew up learning and using the metric system which is based on weights. Here are some measurements for liquid ingredients: 8 fluid ounces (fl. Do not shake the cup to make level!Take the straight edge of a knife (not the cutting edge) and level off the ingredient. The liquid level should be right on the marking lines. Oxo -- and a few other manufacturers, but I think Oxo was the first -- has done a very ingenious liquid measuring cup. Can you use a liquid measuring cup to measure dry ingredients? Take a closer look at eye level to make sure that the lowest point of the gentle curve at the top of the milk reaches the appropriate fluid ounce marking. 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