How to Use Measuring Spoons and Cups

Co-authored by Jessica Banh

Last Updated: May 3, 2024 References

Many recipes require measuring cups and spoons so you can include precise amounts of various ingredients. These are quick and easy to use once you know the basic abbreviations, terminology, and techniques. Purchase measuring cups and spoons from a cooking store or supermarket. Once you are used to the different measurements, using the measuring cups and spoons will allow you to quickly and accurately measure your ingredients.

And if you don't have a measuring spoon and cup on hand, we'll show you how to find the same measurements with items from around your kitchen; just check "Tips" at the end of the article!

Things You Should Know

16 tablespoons is equal to 1 cup.
1 small spoon (like the kind used to stir coffee or tea) is equal to 1 teaspoon.
1 large spoon (like the kind used for cereal) is equal to 1 tablespoon.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Measuring with Spoons

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1
Understand the different abbreviations for tablespoons and teaspoons. Many recipes abbreviate measurements to make the text quicker and easier to read. However, if you’re not used to the abbreviations, they can be confusing. If you don’t know understand a measurement, use the information below or search online for the meaning of the abbreviation.^{[1]
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- Tbsp / T = tablespoon
- Tsp / t = teaspoon
2
Distinguish between a heaped, rounded, and scant spoon. Pile as many dry goods as you can on the spoon to achieve a heaped spoon. Create a rounded hump on top of the spoon to achieve a rounded spoon. Fill the spoon just below the brim to make a scant spoon.^{[2]
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- These measurements are generally used for dry goods. Liquid measurements are always a level spoon.
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Most measuring spoons sets will come with ¼ tsp, ½ tsp, ¾ tsp, 1 tsp, and 1 tbsp. So, for instance, if a recipe asks for 1 1/2 teaspoons, measure 1 teaspoon into the bowl and then add 1/2 teaspoon. ^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Cups

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Use dry cups for dry goods and wet cups for measuring liquids. Dry measuring cups are designed to be filled to the top of the cup, whereas wet cups have a measuring line below the brim of the cup. This helps to prevent the liquids from spilling over the edge of the cup when they are transferred to the bowl. Fill each type of cup to their unique measuring line. Check the bottom of the measuring cup for a label if you are unsure if you have a wet or dry measuring cup.^{[4]
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- Place the cup on a flat surface when measuring liquids to ensure an accurate measurement.
- If you are using a jug with cup lines, use this for both wet and dry ingredients. Pour the liquid so that the bottom of the meniscus is at the measuring line.
- Cups are often abbreviated as "C" and most measuring cup sets will contain ¼ C, ⅓ C, ½ C, and 1 C.
- Note that a US cup is 240 mL, whereas a UK cup is 250 mL. If your recipe is written in America, assume that it is a US cup. It is safe to presume that recipes written in Europe and the rest of the world use UK cup measurements.^{[5]
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2
Push the ingredients down if the recipe requires a packed cup. Use the back of a spoon to push the dry goods down into the cup. Add more dry goods into the cup and press them down once again. Continue to repeat this process until the cup can’t hold any more dry goods.^{[6]
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- This measurement is often used for brown sugar.
- If the recipe doesn’t say that the cup should be packed, do not tap, press, or shake dry goods.
If the recipe asks for a regular cup or a level cup, this indicates that you need to sweep off any dry goods that sit above the cup. Hold the cup over the bag of dry goods, so that any excess falls back into the bag.^{[7]
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The Takeaway: Measuring with Spoons and Cups

Use teaspoons (tsp) and tablespoons (tbsp) for small amounts of liquid and dry ingredients. You typically fill them so the ingredient is even with the top of the spoon. Fill dry measuring cups (c) to the brim and liquid measuring cups to the measuring line on the side of the glass.

Community Q&A

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Question

What is 1/8 of a teaspoon?

Community Answer

Less than a pinch. It is harder to find a set of measuring spoons that include a 1/8 teaspoon, so use the 1/4 teaspoon and fill it only halfway.

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What utensils do I use to measure rice?

Ollieoxenfree

Community Answer

Use a dry measuring cup to measure rice.

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How many spoons is 30 grams?

Lori Miller

Community Answer

A gram is a weight measure, whereas a teaspoon or tablespoon is a volume measure. You'll have to weigh your ingredient.

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Tips

Use a dessert spoon to measure 2 teaspoons if you don’t have measuring spoons. Identify a dessert spoon by its oval bowl, as opposed to a soup spoon that has a rounded bowl.^{[8]
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There are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon and 16 tablespoons in 1 cup.

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Warnings

Accuracy in baking is paramount, since everything is a fine balance of moisture and fat. Due to that, measurements in grams are usually recommended for baking.

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