Most of your cooking measurements can be done with these basic kitchen measurement tools.
Remember that liquid ingredients and dry ingredients should always be measured with the proper tools (i.e. measure liquids in a liquid measuring cup, measure dry ingredients in dry measuring cups).
A kitchen scale can be used when ingredients need to be weighed instead of measured by cups, etc. This is ideal for more exact recipes, or when using recipes that measure in grams.
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Liquid measuring cup
Kitchen scale
When you’re following a recipe, it’s pretty important to understand those cooking abbreviations. Many recipes will use shorthand when writing out recipes, and if you don’t know what they mean, you could end up making a few mistakes.
Standard/Imperial Measurement Abbreviations
Tbsp = Tablespoon (also TB, Tbl)
tsp = Teaspoon
Oz = Ounce
fl. Oz = Fluid ounce
c = Cup
qt = Quart
pt = Pint
gal = Gallon
lb = Pound
Metric Measurement Abbreviations
mL = Milliliter
g = grams
kg = kilogram
l = liter
Dry ingredients and liquid ingredients should be treated differently when measuring. Measuring cups and spoon sets are generally intended for dry ingredients, while liquid measuring cups are (obviously) intended for liquid ingredients. Using the right measuring tools will ensure exact measurements.
When measuring dry ingredients, you should fill the cup to the brim, and then scrape the excess off the top to get the most accurate amount. This cannot be done with a liquid measuring cup, which is why it should not be used.
While you will get a more exact liquid measurement with the liquid measuring cup, when a recipe calls for small amounts of liquid, sometimes you will need to use measuring spoons instead.
These tips are most important when making recipes that truly require exact measurements.
Dry Measurements Conversion Chart
3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon = 1/16 cup
6 teaspoons = 2 tablespoons = ⅛ cup
12 teaspoons = 4 tablespoons = ¼ cup
24 teaspoons = 8 tablespoons = ½ cup
36 teaspoons = 12 tablespoons = ¾ cup
48 teaspoons = 16 tablespoons = 1 cup
Oven Temperatures
120 c = 250 F
160 c = 320 F
180 c = 350 F
205 c = 400 F
220 c = 425 F
Baking in grams
1 cup Flour = 140 grams
1 cup sugar = 150 grams
1 cup powdered sugar = 160 grams
1 cup heavy cream = 235 grams
Volume
1 milliliter = ⅕ teaspoon
5 ml = 1 teaspoon
15 ml = 1 tablespoon
240 ml = 1 cup
Find measuring items (measuring spoons, jugs, cups and scales) around your house and test them using the conversion charts above. eg. pour 15ml into a teaspoon and see whether it is the same amount.
Are they accurate?