Cooking and baking often require the use of different measurements to accurately prepare recipes. While there are many different units of measurement, most home cooks regularly use only a handful of them. These are some of the most common household measurements that every cook should know.
Cups
The cup is one of the most frequently used measurements in cooking. Cups are used to measure both liquid and dry ingredients. In the United States, a standard cup is equal to 8 fluid ounces or 16 tablespoons when measuring liquids. For dry ingredients, a cup is equal to about 4.9 to 5.6 ounces depending on the density of the ingredient. Some common ingredients and their approximate cup measurements include:
- 1 cup flour = 5 ounces
- 1 cup sugar = 7 ounces
- 1 cup brown sugar = 7 ounces
- 1 cup butter = 8 ounces/2 sticks
- 1 cup milk = 8 fluid ounces
When measuring cups, it’s important to use standard measuring cups with handles rather than mistaking mugs or drinking glasses for a cup measurement. Measuring cups often come in 1-cup, 1/2-cup, 1/3-cup, and 1/4-cup sizes.
Tablespoons and Teaspoons
Tablespoons (tbsp) and teaspoons (tsp) are also essential measurements required for many recipes. A tablespoon is equal to 3 teaspoons or 1/2 fluid ounce. Some common tablespoon and teaspoon equivalencies include:
| Measurement | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (tbsp) | 3 teaspoons (tsp) |
| 1/2 tablespoon | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| 1 teaspoon (tsp) | 1/3 tablespoon |
| 1/2 teaspoon | 1/6 tablespoon |
Measuring spoons often come in sets with 1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, and 1/4 teaspoon sizes.
Ounces
Ounces are a measurement of weight. In cooking, ounces are most often used to measure meat, cheese, pasta, rice, and other dense ingredients. There are 16 ounces in 1 pound. Some common ounce equivalencies include:
- 1 ounce = 28 grams
- 8 ounces = 1 cup
- 16 ounces = 1 pound
When a recipe calls for ounces, using a food scale is the most accurate way to measure the specified amount.
Quarts and Liters
Quarts and liters are larger volume measurements. There are 4 quarts in 1 gallon, and 1 liter is slightly larger than 1 quart. Some quart and liter equivalencies include:
| Measurement | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 quart | 2 pints or 4 cups |
| 1 liter | 1.06 quarts |
| 1 gallon | 4 quarts or 3.79 liters |
These larger measurements are often used for liquids like stocks, soups, and beverages. Measuring pitchers or containers usually show both quart and liter volumes.
Pinches, Dashes, and Drops
Very small amounts of ingredients may be measured in pinches, dashes, or drops. While not precisely standardized, these units give approximations for tiny amounts. Some guidelines include:
- 1 pinch = 1/8 teaspoon or less than 1/8 teaspoon
- 1 dash = about 1/16 teaspoon or a few drops
- 1 drop = as much liquid as comes out when gently squeezing a liquid out of its container one time
Pinches and dashes are typically used for spices, extracts, food coloring, and other highly concentrated flavorings where a small amount has a big impact.
Tips for Accurate Measuring
To get the most accurate results when cooking and baking, follow these tips for measuring ingredients properly:
- Use the right measuring tools – Don’t substitute mugs or random spoons for proper measuring cups and spoons.
- Level off – Lightly spoon dry ingredients like flour and sugar into a measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge.
- Liquid at eye level – Place liquid measuring cups on a flat surface and bend down to check the level is accurate.
- No overpacking – Don’t pack dry ingredients down or they may end up too dense when cooked or baked.
- Work in order – Follow the recipe and measure in the order ingredients are listed.
- Check conversions – Double check any measurement conversions needed by looking them up.
- Use a scale when needed – For very precise recipes, weigh some ingredients instead of measuring volumes.
Conclusion
Using accurate household cooking measurements is essential to achieving consistent, reliable results with recipes. The five core measurement units that every home cook should understand inside and out include cups, tablespoons and teaspoons, ounces, quarts and liters, and pinches/dashes/drops. Following standard equivalencies, using the appropriate measuring tools, and measuring meticulously will set you up for kitchen success.