Cooking Basics: Measuring

 

DO NOT MEASURE ANY INGREDIENTS OVER THE MIXING BOWL.

One of the skills required for food preparation is measuring. Let's review some key points about measurements.

Measuring Liquid Ingredients

  • Use a liquid measuring cup to measure water, oil, fluid milk, juices and syrup.
  • Measure liquids in marked, clear containers.
  • Place the measuring cup on a flat surface. Check at eye level to make sure you are measuring the correct amount.

Measured Dry Ingredients

  • Measure the dry ingredients in the container so that you can smooth the ingredients off the top edge.
  • Use a dry measuring cup to measure ingredients such as flour, sugar, cornmeal, milk powder, and solid shortening.
  • Use a fork to sift or fluff dry ingredients such as flour before measuring.
  • Spoon dry ingredients into a dry measuring cup. Use the flat side of a knife to smooth out the ingredients.

Measurement Equivalents

  • 3 tsps = 1 tbsp
  • 4 tbsps = ¼ cup
  • 5 ⅓ tbsps = ⅓ cup
  • 8 tbsps = ½ cup
  • 10 ⅔ tbsps = ⅔ cup
  • 12 tbsps = ¾ cup
  • 16 tbsps = 1 cup
  • 16 oz = 1 lb
  • 2 tbsps = 1 fluid oz
  • 1 cup = 8 fluid oz
  • 1 cup = ½ pt
  • 2 cups = 1 pt
  • 4 cups = 1 qt
  • 4 qts = 1 gal