The kitchen is full of measurements. From teaspoons and tablespoons to cups, ounces, and pounds, we use standardized units to quantify ingredients and follow recipes. Knowing the basic kitchen measurements helps you accurately portion ingredients for cooking and baking success. In this article, we’ll go over the common measurements used in the kitchen and tips for measuring ingredients properly.
Standard Kitchen Measurements
There are several standard systems of measurement used in kitchen recipes:
Volume Measurements
Volume measurements quantify the space an ingredient takes up. Common volume measurements include:
| Teaspoon (tsp) | = 1/3 tablespoon | = 4.93 milliliters | ||
| Tablespoon (Tbsp) | = 3 teaspoons | = 14.79 milliliters | ||
| Fluid Ounce (fl oz) | = 2 tablespoons | = 29.57 milliliters | ||
| Cup | = 16 tablespoons | = 8 fluid ounces | = 236.59 milliliters | |
| Pint (pt) | = 2 cups | = 16 fluid ounces | = 473.18 milliliters | |
| Quart (qt) | = 2 pints | = 4 cups | = 32 fluid ounces | = 946.36 milliliters |
| Gallon (gal) | = 4 quarts | = 128 fluid ounces | = 3785.41 milliliters |
The most common volume measurements in everyday cooking are teaspoons, tablespoons, and cups. Measuring spoons and liquid measuring cups make portioning ingredients by volume easy.
Weight Measurements
Weight measurements quantify the mass of an ingredient. The most common weight units are:
| Ounce (oz) | = 28.35 grams | |
| Pound (lb) | = 16 ounces | = 453.59 grams |
A food scale is used to measure ingredients by weight. Weight measurements are more precise than volume, especially for dry ingredients that can settle and compact in the bag or container.
Pan Size Measurements
Recipes often specify pan sizes, especially for baked goods. Some common pan size measurements are:
| Loaf pan | = 9×5 inches |
| Cake pan (round) | = 8 or 9 inches in diameter |
| Pie pan | = 9 or 10 inches in diameter |
| Sheet pan | = 18×13 inches (half sheet) or 18×26 inches (full sheet) |
Having bakeware in these standard sizes ensures your recipes turn out as intended.
Other Common Kitchen Measurements
In addition to volume, weight, and pan sizes, some other kitchen measurements include:
| Pinch | = 1/16 teaspoon | ||
| Dash | = 1/8 teaspoon | ||
| Dry quart | = 2 dry pints | = 1.101 liters | |
| Stick of butter | = 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons | = 4 ounces | = 113 grams |
Recipes may use subjective terms like a pinch or dash for very small amounts. There are also some specialty volume measurements just for dry goods.
Tips for Accurate Measurement
To ensure your recipes turn out right, it’s important to measure ingredients properly. Here are some tips:
Use the Right Tools
Use measuring cups and spoons that are sized specifically for recipes. Do not use regular utensils or mugs which may not be accurate.
Level off
When using dry measuring cups, spoon the ingredient into the cup and level it off using the flat edge of a knife or spatula. Do not tap or pack it down.
Measure liquids at eye level
Place the liquid measuring cup on a flat surface and bend down to check the measurement at eye level. The liquid should be right at the measurement line with no meniscus.
Weigh sticky ingredients
Ingredients like honey, molasses, or peanut butter are hard to measure accurately by volume. Use a scale for the most precision.
Follow recipe instructions
Pay attention to whether a recipe calls for packed, loose, or sifted ingredients. This will affect the measurement.
Use standard sizes
When a recipe calls for a specific pan size or loaf shape, use those standards for the expected results.
Metric Conversion
While recipes in the U.S. use volume and weight measurements like cups and ounces, most of the rest of the world uses the metric system. Here are some common metric conversions:
| 1 teaspoon | = 5 milliliters | |
| 1 tablespoon | = 15 milliliters | |
| 1 fluid ounce | = 30 milliliters | |
| 1 cup | = 240 milliliters | |
| 1 liter | = 1000 milliliters | = 4.2 cups |
| 1 ounce | = 28 grams | |
| 1 pound | = 454 grams |
Many recipes provide both U.S. customary and metric conversions for convenience. You can also find metric conversion calculators online to switch any recipe.
Conclusion
The kitchen uses many standardized measurements for consistency and accuracy. Volume measurements like cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons quantify liquid and dry ingredients. Weight measurements such as ounces and pounds provide precision for ingredients like meat, cheese, and flour. Pan sizes also follow typical standards. To measure properly, use the right tools and techniques. Knowing the basic kitchen measurements helps ensure your baked goods, dishes, and cocktails turn out perfectly every time.