How to Measure Wet and Dry Ingredients Like A Pro

Our favorite tips and tricks for measuring ingredients accurately.

Whether you’re a novice baker or an established cook, knowing how to measure ingredients accurately is crucial to making delicious and consistent recipes. When measuring ingredients, there are two basic types: dry and wet. Measuring them correctly can make a big difference in the outcome of your dish. Here are our most helpful tips on accurately measuring dry and wet ingredients.

Dry Ingredients

Dry ingredients include flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and spices. Measuring dry ingredients accurately is essential, as even slight variations in amounts can affect the outcome of your recipe. Here are some tips on measuring dry ingredients:

1. Use the Correct Measuring Tools

When measuring dry ingredients, use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for dry ingredients. These tools are usually made of metal or plastic and have flat edges that allow you to level off the top of the ingredient.

2. Use the Spoon-and-Sweep Method

Using a spoon to measure flour, fill the measuring cup, and then level it off with a straight edge. Do not pack the flour into the measuring cup, as this can result in more than is called for in the recipe. This method is also suitable for measuring powdered sugar and cocoa powder.

3. Weigh Your Ingredients

Using a kitchen scale to measure dry ingredients is the most accurate method, as it accounts for variations in density. Weigh the dry ingredients using a digital scale and add or remove until the desired weight is achieved.

Wet Ingredients

Wet ingredients include water, milk, oil, and eggs. Measuring wet ingredients accurately is crucial as it affects the texture and consistency of your dish. One common phenomenon that can make measuring liquids challenging is the meniscus. The meniscus is the curved surface of a liquid that forms when it comes into contact with a container. This curve is why you measure dry and wet ingredients differently. Here are some tips on measuring wet ingredients accurately:

1. Use a Clear Measuring Cup

A clear measuring cup is essential when measuring liquid ingredients. It allows you to see the level of the liquid and the meniscus.

2. Fill On A Flat Surface

Before measuring, place the measuring cup on a flat surface to ensure it is level. This will make it easier to see the level of the liquid and the meniscus.

3. Pour Slowly

When pouring the liquid into the measuring cup, pour slowly and steadily to avoid splashing or spilling. Stop pouring when the liquid level reaches the desired amount.

4. Read the measurement at the bottom of the meniscus

To get an accurate measurement, read the measurement at the bottom of the meniscus. The bottom of the meniscus is the lowest point of the curve.

5. Use a Scale

Measuring wet ingredients by weight is also accurate. Weigh the wet ingredient using a kitchen scale and adjust until the desired weight is achieved.

Measuring ingredients accurately is essential to cooking and baking. Be sure to use the correct measuring tools, spoon-and-sweep method, or weigh your ingredients when possible. When measuring wet ingredients, be sure to keep the meniscus in mind. By following these tips, you can ensure your dishes turn out perfectly every time.

Let us know if there are any other baking basics you’d like to learn more about!

About Ciara Kehoe

Ciara is a writer and food photographer living in Pennsylvania. Her love of writing and food began from a young age and has continued to blossom as she’s worked with a variety of food and recipe companies. Everyday, she’s inspired to learn more in the health and wellness industry to become the best version of herself, and to help others along the way.