Do you know the difference between a dry measuring cup and a liquid measuring cup? Use this simple guide to learn how to measure different ingredients in measuring cup dry versus liquid.
This is a simple way to sharpen your skills in the kitchen. You might be surprised how different your measurements can add up!
Do you know? There is indeed a difference between ounces (they measure weight) and fluid ounces (they measure volume). Even though I grew up in the kitchen with my family, I never fully understood the concept until later.
Small, but important measurements like these can make an incredible impact in your baking! That’s why I’m always researching new guides to help you answer those questions behind the scenes in the kitchen so you always have a place to turn.
Today, we will learn about dry measuring cup and liquid measuring cup. Don’t miss my FREE print measurement conversion guide for a handy chart!
You’ll learn where and when to use each, as well as the best techniques for measuring different ingredients! Even if you’ve been a baker all your life, there are tips and tricks here that might come in handy. Cooking tends to be easier with measurements, but baking is not.
Learn a little about ounces, cups, weights and conversions in this simple guide! I will even share my favorite measuring tools. Use the Table of Contents drop-down to navigate this post with ease.
Dry versus liquid in Ounce
1 cup is equal to 8 ounces. This is one of those measurements that most of us know well, right?
However, remember that this really means 1 cup of liquid = 8 fluid ounces. Did you know that things change when we are talking about dry ingredients? When it comes to dry ingredients, you can’t use the same conversions.
Even more confusing? Dry ingredients will have different weights. Melted dough and candies will have different weights based on the 1-cup measurement.
Are you confused yet? Consider weighing each ingredient on a scale, if a recipe calls for dry ingredients in ounces. Use a liquid measuring cup if a recipe calls for liquid (wet ingredients) in ounces!
When to use a dry measuring cup?
Use dry measuring cups for ingredients like sugar, flour, nuts, chocolate chips, and even items like sour cream, peanut butter, yogurt, apple sauce, and even honey! (Though these last pieces appear to be looser, their thick nature makes a rated measuring cup a better fit.)
When measuring dry ingredients, always scoop ingredients into your dry measuring cup (or scoop lightly from the container) and then level with a flat tool on top.
The dry measuring cup can only hold an exact amount of each ingredient. That’s why you’ll always want to level them to create a flat edge.
When to use a liquid measuring cup
Wet measuring cups are designed to hold ingredients at the measuring level below the mouth of the cup. That’s how you fill the liquid cup and transfer to the mixing bowl without spilling.
Use a liquid measuring cup for your wet ingredients. That includes water, oil, vinegar, juice and more!
Liquid measuring cups usually have handles and are usually manufactured of clear glass or plastic. That’s how you can view the fluid measurement from one eye to ensure accuracy.
To use the liquid measuring cup, place it on your tabletop. Add liquid slowly to the required line. To make sure the measurement is correct, bend down to eye level and double check!
The last part is very important – always stoop and check the fluid gauge at eye level. You’d be surprised how those lines can be deceptive from the top down.
Advice
- Dry measuring cup and liquid measuring cup are two types of measuring devices. It totally matters which one you use!
- The measuring spoon is a versatile measuring tool, used for both wet and dry ingredients.
- Remember not to pack the powder! Measure the dough the correct way, by placing the spoon lightly into your measuring cup and then equalizing.
- You should never pack dry ingredients unless they specifically specify, which rarely happens.
- However, brown sugar is the exception and should always be packaged (unless otherwise noted).
- Struggling with sticky ingredients like honey and peanut butter? Use the sticky ingredient measuring cup, shown below!
frequently asked Questions
While you can “estimate” this way, it is not an exact measurement. The amount of ingredients can be reduced by up to 25%. That’s a very significant change when it comes to baking!
These measuring cups are not interchangeable. Although they have the same mass, the measurement systems are different and can greatly affect the results of your recipe.
The source
