Measuring cups: sizes and how to use them
Standard set: 1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 cup
plus spoons: 1 Tbsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1/4 tsp
Converter
Other cup standards
US cups: 1 · nutrition-label cups (240 mL): 0.986 · metric cups (250 mL): 0.946 · UK fluid ounces: 8.33
A standard US dry measuring set has four cups: 1, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 cup. Some sets add 2/3 and 3/4 cup. With the basic four plus measuring spoons you can hit any amount in a US recipe, sometimes by combining two scoops, such as 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup for 3/4 cup.
Liquid measuring cups are a separate tool: clear glass or plastic with a spout and printed lines, most often in 1-, 2- and 4-cup sizes. They leave space above the top line so you can carry a full measure without spilling, which is also why they are hard to level for flour.
How to fill a liquid measuring cup
- Set the cup on a flat counter instead of holding it.
- Pour to just below the line you need.
- Bend down so your eye is level with the line, then top off.
How to fill a dry measuring cup
- Flour and powdered sugar: fluff the flour, spoon it into the cup until it mounds, then sweep the top flat with the back of a knife. Do not tap or shake the cup.
- Brown sugar: press it firmly into the cup so it holds the shape of the cup when turned out.
- Granulated sugar, rice and oats: scoop and level.
- Honey and peanut butter: lightly grease the cup first so they slide out.
These methods match the weights in the grams in a cup chart.
Measuring spoons
A spoon set usually has 1 Tbsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 tsp and 1/4 tsp, and many add 1/8 tsp and 1/2 Tbsp. Fill and level them the same way as dry cups. Silverware spoons vary in size, so keep them out of baking, especially for baking soda and salt. See spoons in a cup for the conversions.
Questions
What sizes do measuring cups come in?
A standard US set has 1, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 cup; some sets add 2/3 and 3/4 cup. Liquid measuring cups usually come in 1-, 2- and 4-cup sizes.
Do I need separate liquid and dry measuring cups?
It helps. They hold the same volume, but a dry cup can be leveled and a liquid cup can be filled to a line without spilling.
How do I measure 2/3 cup without a 2/3 cup measure?
Fill the 1/3 cup twice.
Is a coffee cup the same as a measuring cup?
No. Coffee makers usually count a cup as 5 to 6 fl oz, depending on the brand, while a measuring cup is 8 fl oz. Use a measuring cup for recipes.
Sources: US customary units: NIST Handbook 44. How we calculate.