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Depending on the recipe, ounces can be a measurement of volume or weight. Fluid ounces are a measurement of volume, whereas dry ounces are a measurement of weight. As long as the ingredient is measured carefully, dry or liquid measuring cups should give you a simple and accurate calculation. For the most precise reading, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredient.

Things You Should Know

  • 1 ounce is equal to 1/8 cup.[1]
  • 1 ounce is also equal to 2 tablespoons.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Measuring Dry Ounces

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  1. Dry and liquid ounces are slightly different measurements. While dry ounces are a measurement of weight, liquid ounces are a measurement of volume. For solids, choose a dry measuring cup that uses ounces or something that can be easily converted to ounces.
  2. You will be better able to put the measuring cup into the container if it has a large, open mouth. If the ingredient is not currently in an open-mouthed jar or bag, pour it into a bowl before you measure it.[2]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Ounces
    Use a measuring cup that marks ounces or that can be easily converted into ounces (like cups). As you lift the measuring cup out of the ingredient, let it overflow from the top. You can even the measurement out later on.[3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Ounces
    Scrape the back of the knife over the top of the measuring cup to even out your measurement. Level the ingredient off over the bowl or container so it can catch anything that falls off the top of the measuring cup.[4]
    • Any utensil with a straight, flat edge (like a spatula) can be used as an alternative to a knife.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Calculating Fluid Ounces

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  1. The measuring cup used will work best if it's for fluid ounces if measuring a liquid. Dry cups won't give as accurate of a reading because they are designed to measure weight instead of volume, but you can still try it if that's all you have![5]
    • One dry measuring cup equals 8 fluid ounces.
  2. Choose a measuring cup that measures in ounces or can be easily converted to it. Lay the cup on as even of a surface as possible, like a table.
    • Avoid holding the cup in your hand while measuring, as the reading will be slightly off.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Ounces
    Fill the measuring cup until it reaches slightly underneath the level you are hoping to reach. Squat down until you are about eye level with the line to check your measurement, as looking from above can give you a warped measurement.[6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Ounces
    While measuring liquid ounces, you may notice that the top of the surface is not even and may curve along the edges. This curve is called the meniscus. For the most accurate reading, the bottom (not the top) of the meniscus should reach the desired line.[7]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Using a Kitchen Scale

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Ounces
    After you have leveled off the cup, it should be accurate. But if you want a more precise measurement, place the cup on a kitchen scale that can measure in ounces. Compare the scale's reading to your initial measurement to determine how accurate your measuring cup is.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Ounces
    Place the empty measuring cup on the scale before you fill it with the ingredient. This will allow you to get the exact measurement of the ingredient in ounces. If you have a digital scale, hit the "on" or "clear" button to zero out the weight.[8]
    • If you have an older, mechanical scale, turn the knob back to the zero mark after placing the measuring cup on it.
    • For balance scales, set the pointer to the center mark.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Ounces
    Lift the measuring cup off of the scale and add the ingredient you want to measure. Adjust the ingredient amount by adding or removing until it reaches the desired amount of ounces.
    • Make sure the scale is set to ounces before measuring your ingredient.
  4. Use different measuring cups to keep the ingredients separate. Remember to zero out each cup before recording the ounce measurement for the most precise reading.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is 1 oz the same as 1 fl oz?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Not necessarily. An ounce can be either a measure of weight or a measure of volume (like a cup or a milliliter). A fluid ounce (fl oz) is a volume measurement, usually used for measuring liquids. However, sometimes people will simply say or write “ounce/oz” without the "fluid/fl" when they’re talking about fluid ounces. So, check the context to figure out which is more likely. For instance, 1 oz of milk is likely a fluid ounce, while 1 oz of garlic would probably be a weight measurement.
  • Question
    How many ounces are in a measuring cup?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    A single cup is 8 fluid ounces. If your measuring cup is bigger, it will hold more ounces (e.g., a 2-cup measuring cup can hold 16 fluid ounces).
  • Question
    How many ounces is a cup of flour?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    By weight, a cup of all-purpose flour is about 4 ½ oz. Cake or pastry flour is a little lighter, so a cup would be closer to 4 oz.
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about measuring ounces, check out our in-depth interview with Alex Hong.

About This Article

Alex Hong
Co-authored by:
Executive Chef & Restaurant Owner
This article was co-authored by Alex Hong. Alex Hong is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Sorrel, a New American restaurant in San Francisco. He has been working in restaurants for over 12 years. Alex is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in the kitchens of Jean-Georges and Quince, both Michelin-starred restaurants. This article has been viewed 266,781 times.
4 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: January 13, 2024
Views: 266,781
Article SummaryX

To measure ounces, select either a liquid or dry measuring cup. If you’re measuring a liquid, place the measuring cup on a flat surface and pour the liquid into the cup. Be sure to bend down to view the measurements on the side of the cup. Make sure the liquid reaches the right measurement. For a dry ingredient, use the measuring cup to scoop out the ingredient. If the cup is overflowing, scrape a knife across the top to level it.

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