Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Estimate by means of size equations
• Method 2 of 3: Using a kitchen scale
• Method 3 of 3: Using tablespoons and teaspoons
• Tips

Measuring cups are indispensable in the kitchen. You need them to measure the volume of liquids. Fortunately, if you don't have a measuring cup, there are other easy ways to determine the amount of liquid you need.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Estimate by means of size equations

1. Use an object as a reference point. If you don't have a measuring cup at your disposal for a while, it can be helpful to have some visual references in mind for determining the correct amounts. Here are some great examples to remember:
   • A teaspoon is about the size of a fingertip
   • The content of a tablespoon is about the size of an ice cube
   • 1/4 cup is about the size of a large egg
   • 1/2 cup is about the size of a tennis ball
   • A full cup is about the size of a large apple or a firm fist.
2. Find a cup or glass that you can use to pour the liquid into. You could even use your hands if you put them together in the shape of a cup. However, this method is not very suitable for sticky liquids.It's best to use a clear glass so you can see the amounts clearly.
   • For example, when you measure a quarter of a glass, it can be useful to use a narrow high glass that exactly fits an egg. For a half-full or full glass, it is better to take a slightly wider glass.
3. Place your glass on a flat surface and bring yourself to eye level. This will allow you to see more clearly the amount of liquid you pour in. Slowly pour the liquid into the glass.
   • When you think you have the right amount, stop and compare it to the size of your visual aid.
   • Adjust the amount if necessary.
4. Take a good look at the amount of liquid in the glass and save it in your memory. This makes future estimates easier, as you now have a reference point. It is best to always use the same cup or glass, so that the ratio between the quantities remains the same.

Method 2 of 3: Using a kitchen scale

1. You can also use a kitchen scale to weigh the correct amounts of liquid. An ordinary kitchen scale is well suited for this. Use the weight of water as a standard starting point.
   • Most liquids, such as milk or orange juice, have about the same density as water. However, keep in mind that some liquids can be relatively heavier (such as honey or syrup). Weighing with a kitchen scale is therefore not very suitable for these types of liquids.
   • To provide greater accuracy, some kitchen scales have the option to pre-select different liquids such as milk. The scale then calculates the volume based on the density of the selected liquid. If you have such a scale, make sure it is set to the correct liquid.
2. Calculate the weight of your liquid. If you are using a regular scale, you must calculate the correct weight for the liquid to be used. Remember that 100 grams of liquid exactly equals 100 grams of water. This principle also applies to liters (1 milliliter of water weighs 1 gram).
   • Use this as your most important rule of weighing liquids. For example, if you need half a glass of water, it should weigh 125 grams.
3. Choose a glass, cup or cup to measure your liquid in. Put this on the scale and make sure it is in the middle of the scale.
   • Do not pour any liquid into the glass yet. It is important that it is still empty at this stage, because you must first set the scale so that it does not count the weight of the glass.
4. Calibrate your scale so that it does not weigh the weight of your glass during weighing. Look for the "tare" or "zero" button on your scale.
   • When you press this button, the weight of the glass on the scale should be displayed as zero. This ensures that the measurement of your liquid is accurate.
5. Pour the liquid into your glass. Do this slowly, pausing to check the weight. Stop pouring as soon as your scale indicates the weight you need. If you have poured too much, drain it down the sink.
6. Also, immediately weigh any other liquids you need for your recipe. If you are using a regular scale and plan to mix certain liquids, you can do that in the same glass. Leave the glass on the scale and calculate the new amount you need by adding the amounts of both liquids together. Pour the new liquid into the glass until you have the correct combined amount.
   • Keep in mind that if you are using a kitchen scale that can measure different types of liquid, you must change the settings before weighing a new liquid.
   • If you first weigh water and then want to weigh milk, for example, put your glass of water aside for a while, select the milk option on your scale and weigh again with another glass.

Method 3 of 3: Using tablespoons and teaspoons

1. Calculate how many tablespoons of something you need. An easy way to do this is to remember that one cup equals 16 tablespoons. This way you can easily calculate how many tablespoons you need.
   • For example, when you need half a cup, you need 8 tablespoons of liquid.
2. Use a tablespoon to measure the amount of liquid you need. Put it over the glass so it doesn't matter if you spill a bit. Slowly and carefully pour the liquid onto the spoon so that no extra liquid ends up in the glass.
   • Pour the spoons into the glass one at a time until you have reached the required amount.
3. If necessary, also use a teaspoon to obtain the exact amount. Some recipes require very carefully weighed quantities. In such a case, you can use a teaspoon.
   • One teaspoon is equal to 4.7 ml.
4. Remember the amount of liquid in the glass. This will help develop your ability to estimate quantities.
   • If you use a glass or plastic cup, you can mark the correct amount on the outside with a (waterproof) felt-tip pen. That way you don't have to calculate the required amount of tablespoons again in the future. For example, if you measured out a quarter cup (4 tablespoons), write "1/4" next to the line you made on the outside.

Tips

• Foreign recipes can differ in size system. For example, the standard 'cup' for England, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and South Africa is 250 ml.
• If you are using an English recipe, you may find that an "imperial cup" is used as the unit of measure. An imperial cup is somewhat larger than a standard cup of 16 tablespoons. This means you should measure out 19 tablespoons, instead of 16.
• If the quantities in the recipe are all stated in cups, for example two cups of flour, half a cup of sugar, one cup of milk, then it is best to use one cup yourself! In any case, it is useful to use the same cup or glass for the entire recipe. The only thing that can happen is that the total amount becomes a little more or less, but the ratio between the ingredients used remains correct.