How to Use Measuring Spoons and Cups

Most of us have measuring cups and spoons in our kitchens, but do we know how to use them? Measuring your ingredients carefully and correctly helps to produce a consistent outcome. Click any photo to enlarge it.


A glass liquid measure, top. Left to right, white plastic dry measures 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup and 1/4 cup. Measuring spoons, 1 tablespoon, one teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, and 1/4 teaspoon.Know the difference between liquid and dry measures, and use the appropriate one for each task. While they hold the same volume, they are used differently. Measurements are labeled on each measure.

One cup of apple juice.Use a liquid measure for liquids, such as water, milk or oil. Fill the cup to the appropriate line, place it on a level surface, and read it with your eye at the level of the liquid.

Leveling one quarter cup of cocoa powder with a spatula.Use a dry measure for powders, such as sugar, salt, and baking powder. Spoon or scoop the powder lightly into the cup. Run a knife or spatula across the top to level the surface and scrape any excess back into the jar or cannister.

One tablespoon of apple juice.Measure a liquid in a measuring spoon by filling it full.

A level teaspoon of baking powder.Use measuring spoons for dry ingredients by filling and then leveling with the straight edge of a spatula or knife. Many baking powder cans come with a built-in edge for leveling. In a pinch, you can also use the edge of the lid.

A heaping teaspoon of baking powder.Measure a "heaping" or "rounded" tablespoon, teaspoon, or (less frequently) cup. This quantity is not so precise, but it is generally a moderately sized, round mound, or heap of the dry ingredient in addition to that which fills the spoon.

A scant teaspoon of baking powder.Measure a "scant" cup or spoon by filling the measure not completely full, or by shaking or pouring a little bit out. Again, this is an imprecise measurement.

A total of 1 3/4 teaspoons.Add measurements if you don't have a measure that size. For instance, 1 3/4 teaspoons is 1 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon.

Notice:the information form:wiki