
Are liquid measuring cups the same as dry measuring cups?
Technically, yes. They both measure the same amount of volume. There is no liquid to dry measuring cup conversion. 1 cup in a dry measuring cup is the same as 1 cup in a liquid measuring cup. It’s still probably not wise to interchange them.
Do I need both liquid and dry measuring cups?
Ultimately, we think it’s worth keeping both, and here’s why! It’s true that if you measure a cup of rice with a dry measure and pour it into a liquid measuring cup, it will come right up to the one-cup mark. This also works if you measured a cup of water and then poured it into a dry measuring cup.
What are dry measures?
Dry measures are units of volume to measure bulk commodities that are not fluids and that were typically shipped and sold in standardized containers such as barrels.They have largely been replaced by the units used for measuring volumes in the metric system and liquid volumes the imperial system but are still used for some commodities in the US customary system.
What is the difference between a dry ounce and a liquid ounce?
In its simplest possible explanation, a fluid ounce (abbreviated as fl. oz.) is used to measure fluids while an ounce (abbreviated as oz.) is for dry measurements. This gives us the idea that a fluid ounce is a measurement of volume while the other is a measurement of weight.

What is the difference between liquid and dry measuring cups?
While liquid and dry measuring cups do hold the same volume, the difference is that each is specially designed to do a better job of measuring its respective ingredients. As an example, think about how flour is measured. If you learned how to measure flour the right way, you scoop the flour into the dry measuring cup until it spills over the top, ...
How to be exact in measuring?
All that said, the only way to be completely exact in measuring is to weigh your ingredients on a kitchen scale, so add one to your kitchen wish list. Here are our top picks for the best kitchen tools around, including a great kitchen scale.
Do you need separate measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients?
People often ask us if they really need separate measuring cups for wet and dry ingredients. If you are serious about baking, the answer is yes! Here's why. If you’ve ever found yourself battling kitchen clutter, you might have wondered if you really need separate measuring cups for wet and dry ingredients. It would be so convenient to be able ...
Can you use one measuring cup for all ingredients?
If you must use one type of cup for all kinds of ingredients, you can still be a successful cook; it will just be a little more challenging. This is especially true in baking, where proper measurements are crucial —a batch of cookies will look completely different if it’s made with just a little more or less than the specified amount of flour. One option to consider is a special adjustable measuring cup with a generous rim and markings for liquids on one side and markings for dry ingredients on the other side.
Can you use a cup for wet measurements?
Problems arise if you try to use cups intended for dry ingredients for wet measurements and vice versa. If you measured a cup of flour in a vessel designed for wet ingredients, there’d be no way to level it off since the gradations don’t reach the top of the cup.
What is the difference between dry and liquid measurements?
Many baking beginners wonder the same thing. You probably came to the conclusion that it’s not a big deal if you use the same measuring cup both for everything. The difference between dry and liquid measurements lies in weight and volume. That is why we measure dry ingredients (such as flour) differently from liquid ingredients (water, oil, milk).
What is the measurement of dry ingredients?
We usually measure dry ingredients in ounces including flour, sugar, rice, etc. It’s not even uncommon to see things like yogurt measured in ounces.
How Do We Measure Ingredients?
We measure dry ingredients in ounces, the same as liquid ones. But an ounce of liquid is not the same as an ounce of flour, for example. A recipe may indicate that you need an ounce of water or an ounce of flour. But you can’t simply use one measuring cup to measure both.
How many fluid ounces are in a cup of flour?
When a recipe uses fluid ounces, it is essential that you use them as well to measure the ingredients correctly. Otherwise, you may not be happy with the final result. Here’s an example to help you see the difference between ounces and fluid ounces. 1 cup of water. About 8 fluid ounces. 1 cup of flour.
Why is it important to use measuring cups?
Using appropriate measuring cups is crucial if you want to ensure the success of your recipe. For example, if you’re baking cookies, even a tablespoon of flour beyond the amount indicated in the recipe can result in a disaster. Well, they will still be edible but far from perfection that you strived to achieve.
How to measure flour in a cup?
1. Scoop the flour with your dry measuring cup until it spills over the cup. 2. Use a knife to level it off. It is a simple technique but many bakers make mistakes when measuring dry ingredients. This is because you can pack more flour into the same measuring cup if the flour is firmly packed.
What is a dry measuring cup?
Dry measuring cups are specially designed to measure dry ingredients such as sugar, flour, rice, etc. They are often made of stainless steel but can also be made of plastic. Dry measuring spoons. Dry measuring cups often come in sets and can be found anywhere. They also come in different sizes (¼, ⅓, ½, and 1 cup).
Is There a Tool that Will Measure Both Dry and Wet Ingredients Accurately?
Yes! A scale! Measuring by weight is not only the most accurate for measuring ingredients when baking, but also it measures both wet and dry! We’re not suggesting you get rid of your dry and wet measuring cups, but you will definitely use them a whole lot less once a scale is in the house. Amazing, we know.
Should I Use a Dry or Liquid Measuring Cup for Small Amounts of Dry and Liquid Ingredients?
Neither! Use measuring spoons. Fun fact: it is only when measuring small amounts of ingredients that the measuring tool is the same for both dry and wet ingredients.
Should I Use a Dry or Liquid Measuring Cup for Sticky Liquids?
A liquid measuring cup is preferable when measuring sticky ingredients like corn syrup, maple syrup or honey. And pro tip: grease the inside of the cup before adding your sticky ingredient to ensure the ingredient releases easily.
Should I Use a Dry or Liquid Measuring Cup for Nut/Seed Butters and Sour Cream/Yogurt?
We like a dry measuring cup for nut buters as well as solid dairy – we find it is easier to clean than a liquid one, and because such ingredients are pretty thick and solid, the likelihood that you will spill some on your journey to the mixing bowl is slim.
Can I Use a Liquid Measuring Cup for Dry Ingredients when Baking?
Again, no. Flour, for instance, needs to be spooned and leveled (or fluffed scooped, and leveled which some of us prefer). “Leveled” is the operative word, but you can’t “level” in a liquid measuring cup, as the markings stop short of the top of the cup. So, in order to level or flatten the top of the flour, you’d have to tap the cup on the counter to get the flour to settle. In short, you’d then be packing it which is a baking no-no! I mean we believe tapping is okay in a pinch, if you’re measuring granulated or brown sugar (in fact brown is usually packed) or even a nut, or seed or butter – but not flour.
What is the difference between liquid and dry measuring?
Technically, liquid and dry measures hold the same volume, but they are designed to measure their respective ingredients accurately. Liquid ingredients are poured in and filled to the appropriate lines. Dry ingredients are scooped in then levelled off.
How to measure liquid ingredients?
Liquid ingredients are best measured using a liquid measuring cup and placing it on a flat surface. Then pour the liquid in until you have reached your desired marking.
What are the two types of liquid measuring cups?
There are two types of liquid measurings cups that you can purchase, the beaker. and the angled measuring cups.
What is the metric system for measuring?
There are two systems used for measuring quantities - metric and imperial. In cooking the metric system uses kilograms (kg) and grams (g) for dry ingredients and litres (l) and millilitres (ml). The imperial system uses pounds (lb) and ounces (oz) for dry ingredients and fluid ounces (fl oz), quarts (qt), and gallons (gal). While a gill in the imperial system is the equivalent of 5 fl oz (150 ml) is now mainly used to measure alcoholic spirits.
Is it bad to use a liquid measuring cup?
Using liquid measuring cups for dry ingredients is also a bad idea as dry measuring cups are designed to be filled to the brim so the excess can be swept off which is difficult to do in a liquid measuring cup. Patting or shaking the cup would cause your ingredients to compact and you will be adding more than is necessary for your recipe. Ideally, the best weigh to measure your ingredients is by weight with a digital kitchen scale.
What is the difference between dry and wet measuring cups?
Both dry and wet measuring cups have the same volume , but they are made to accurately measure wet and dry ingredients. A wet measuring cup has a measurement that is placed below the top of the cup ...
How many cups are in a dry measuring cup?
On the other hand, dry measuring cups are often sold in sets or 4 cups or more. This type of measuring cup is designed to be filled to the brim. You do not need to worry about spilling the ingredients over to the side whenever you’re measuring sugar or flour.
What About Measuring Spoons?
Measuring spoons are typically used to measure both wet and dry ingredients. Measuring spoons are often made of plastic or metal and it come in sets of five or six spoons which includes: 1 teaspoon, 1 tablespoon, ¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, and even 1/8 teaspoon.
What is the best way to measure applesauce?
If you’re going to measure ingredients such as applesauce, peanut butter, or yogurt, a dry measuring cup is the tool that you should use. This is because it is easier to measure these ingredients straight up to the brim of the measuring cup. These type of ingredients are quite hard to measure perfectly using a liquid measuring cup. However, it is quite hard to clean a dry measuring cup that’s covered with peanut butter, right?
What is a wet measuring cup?
A wet measuring cup has a measurement that is placed below the top of the cup so that you can fill it to the correct measure without having to spill the ingredients. Wet measuring cups are often sold in cup augmentations like 1-cup or 2-cup measures all in one, or sometimes, they are sold as beakers. On the other hand, dry measuring cups are often ...
How to measure wet ingredients?
How To Measure Using a Wet Measuring Cup. In order to measure your wet ingredients in a wet measuring cup, you need to place the cup on a flat surface then add the liquid to your desired measure. See if it’s accurate by squatting down to eye level with the measuring cup. Wait for the liquid to stay still and make sure that it is at ...
Do you measure cups?
Most people probably take measuring cups for granted, especially if they have been cooking or baking for almost all their life. For those who are already experts, measuring ingredients using the proper tool is probably a no brainer. On the other hand, measuring ingredients is not something that everyone learns easily, ...
What are graduated measuring cups?
Graduated Measuring Cups. Measuring cups that resemble small pots. They are usually made of plastic or metal and come in sets of four or five (1 cup, 3/4 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, and 1/4 cup). They are excellent for measuring dry ingredients because they can easily be leveled off.
How to measure brown sugar?
Measuring Sugar. Most sugar can be measured in a graduated measuring cup. Simply spoon it in and level off with the straight edge of a knife. Most recipes usually call for certain amounts of packed brown sugar. To measure packed brown sugar, pack sugar down lightly with back of spoon, then level off.
Why is it important to measure flour correctly in low fat bread making?
It is important to measure flour correctly in low-fat bread making because when we reduce the fat (which tenderizes it), we don't want to dramatically increase the flour (which toughens it).
Can you measure flour in a canister?
In most recipes, flour is supposed to be measured straight from the canister or package (the flour needs to be airy, if it seems compact, stir it in the container before measuring it ). NEVER pack flour down into the measuring cup or tap it excessively. Lightly spoon flour into graduated measuring cup, and level off with straight edge of knife.
How many ounces is 1 cup of dry ingredients?
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.
How to level dry ingredients?
To level off dry ingredients, use a dinner knife and slide across the top of the measuring cup. It insures the exact amount of the ingredient without packing it down.
Why Do I Need A Measurement Conversion Chart?
While it is a fun hobby and passion for many (myself included!) accurate measurements ensure that your baked goods will rise, have the correct texture or perfect crumb and end over overly salty!
