Measuring cups are considered essential pantry tools, particularly because they are useful for measuring liquids. Fortunately, if you find yourself in the situation of not having one on hand, there are other simple ways to determine how much liquid you need.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make an Estimate Using Comparative Measurements
Step 1. Use an object as a yardstick
If you feel lost without a measuring tool, it can be helpful to have a visual aid to keep in mind as a reference point for measuring the correct amount. Here are some useful references:
- A teaspoon (5 ml) corresponds approximately to the size of the tip of a finger;
- One tablespoon (15 ml) is equivalent to an ice cube;
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) roughly corresponds to a large egg;
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) is the equivalent of a tennis ball;
- One cup (250ml) is the size of a baseball, apple or punch.
Step 2. Choose a suitable container to pour the liquid into
The hands would be the ideal container, as they can be held in a cup taking a round shape, however they are not suitable for sticky liquids. Try to choose a transparent container and try to imagine inside it the visual reference recommended previously.
For example, if you want to measure 1/4 cup (or 60ml of liquid), it might be helpful to use a tall glass that an egg can fit into; a large glass may be more appropriate for measuring 1/2 cup or a full cup (120 or 250 ml)
Step 3. Place the bowl on a flat surface and position it so that you have it in front of your eyes
It will help you to clearly see the amount of liquid you are pouring. Finally slowly pour the liquid into the container.
- When you think you have reached the required amount, stop and compare it to the size of your visual reference.
- Make any necessary adjustments to the amount in the bowl if necessary.
Step 4. Observe the amount of liquid in the container and try to memorize it
It will make future measurements easier, as it will provide you with a reference point. It may be helpful to continue using the same vessel for some future measurements (e.g. a tall glass to measure 1/4 cup or 60ml of liquid).
Method 2 of 3: Using a Kitchen Scale
Step 1. Use a kitchen scale to measure the right amount of liquid
In principle, it is possible to weigh the liquid in question on a common kitchen scale, using water as a yardstick for density.
- Most liquids, such as milk and orange juice, have the same density as water. However, remember that some may be denser (e.g. honey and syrup), so the measurement may not be accurate.
- For greater accuracy, some kitchen scales offer the possibility of selecting different liquids, including milk, and then calculate the volume based on the density of the liquid in question. If you have such a scale, make sure it is set up correctly.
Step 2. Calculate the weight of the liquid
If you use a common kitchen scale, you will need to determine the correct weight of your liquid. In this regard, it should be remembered that one milliliter of water corresponds exactly to one gram of water.
Use this information as a reference when measuring liquids. For example, if you need 1/2 cup of water, remember that it should weigh 125 grams
Step 3. Choose a glass or container in which to measure liquids
Place it on the scale, making sure it is positioned in the center.
Do not pour the liquid into the container yet. It is important that the container is empty at this point, as you will need to set up the scale to calculate it as a tare
Step 4. Calculate the tare weight to exclude the container from the measurement
Look for the "tare" or "zero" key on the scale.
Once the button is pressed, the weight of the container should be zero on the scale: this will ensure you have a correct measurement of the liquid
Step 5. Pour the liquid into the container
Do this slowly, taking breaks to control the weight. Stop pouring as soon as the scale indicates the weight or volume you need. If you exceed the desired amount, pour the excess into the sink.
Step 6. Measure any other liquids you need for your recipe
If you are using a common scale and intend to mix different liquids together, you can measure them inside the same container. Leave it on the scale and calculate the new amount you need by mixing the two liquids together. Pour the new liquid into the container until you reach the desired total amount.
- Keep in mind that if you are using a kitchen scale that provides options for measuring different liquids, you will need to change the settings and start the measurement again.
- For example, if you are weighing water and want to switch to milk, remove the water container, choose the option for milk on the scale and start a new measurement with another container.
Method 3 of 3: Using Spoons and Teaspoons
Step 1. Determine how many spoons you need
An easy way to do this is to remember that one cup equals 16 tablespoons. This can be a simple yardstick for calculating how many spoons you need.
For example, if you need 1/2 cup, you will need to calculate 8 tablespoons of liquid
Step 2. Use a spoon to measure the amount of liquid you need
To avoid disasters, measure the liquid over a container, pour it slowly but firmly to avoid spilling too much, and fill the spoon.
Transfer the liquid inside the container and repeat the operation until you have reached the required quantity
Step 3. Use a teaspoon to adjust the volume of the liquid
Some recipes may need more precise measurements; if so, you can use a teaspoon to get exactly the amount you need.
One teaspoon corresponds to 5 ml
Step 4. Memorize the amount of liquid present in the container
It will help you develop the ability to estimate quantities.
If you are using a glass or plastic container, you could alternatively mark the measurement with a marker on the outside. This way you won't have to re-measure the amount of spoons you need in the future. For example, if you measured 1/4 cup (i.e. 4 tablespoons or 60 ml), you can write this figure directly on the container
Advice
- If you are using an old English recipe, remember that it could use the imperial cup as a reference, which is larger than ordinary cups and measures approximately 300 ml. This means that you will need to measure 19 tablespoons, instead of 16.
- Recipes from other countries may also vary slightly in size. The standard cup for the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and South Africa is 250 ml.
- If the recipe is expressed entirely in cups (e.g. 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 cup of milk, and more), you can directly use this measuring tool for your measurements. For any recipe that requires different parts or quantities of the same measuring instrument you can use only one container for all the ingredients; the only risk is that the final result is higher or lower than what is indicated in the recipe.
