Utensils & kitchen tools · Measuring tool
Measuring cups
A nested set of cups in fixed volumes for measuring dry and liquid ingredients by volume.
Useful to have · No power needed
Photo: Estabiano, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0-1.0)
What it is
A set of cups, typically ¼, ⅓, ½ and 1 cup, used to measure ingredients level to the brim. Common in North American recipes. A US cup is about 240 ml, a metric cup 250 ml. Dry cups are filled and levelled; liquid volumes are easier in a measuring jug.
What it’s for: Measuring ingredients by volume as written in cup-based recipes.
How to use it
- Spoon flour lightly into the cup rather than scooping, which packs it down.
- Level off with a knife.
- Pack brown sugar firmly if the recipe says 'packed'.
- For sticky ingredients, oil the cup first.
Good to know
- Tasks
- measuring flour, sugar and rice, measuring oats and grains, portioning batters
- Materials
- stainless steel, plastic
- Care and cleaning
- Wash and dry; keep nested.
- Limitations
- Less accurate than weighing, since flour and other dry goods pack differently.
If you don’t have one
- Kitchen scale — Convert cup amounts to grams for accuracy.
- Measuring jug — For liquid cups.
Equipment guide
How it works: Each cup holds a standard volume when levelled. Dry ingredients vary in density depending on how they are filled (a cup of flour scooped straight from the bag weighs noticeably more than one spooned in), so weighing is more accurate.
| Material | Good | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Durable, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, does not hold smells. | Can scratch non-stick pans; conducts heat, so all-metal handles get hot. |
| Food-grade plastic (polypropylene, nylon) | Light, cheap, gentle on non-stick surfaces. | Melts or warps on contact with hot pans; scratches harbour residue; can stain and hold smells. |
- US cup (about 240 ml)
- US recipes.
- Metric cup (250 ml)
- Australia, New Zealand, Canada and others.
- Indian recipes
- Often use a 200–250 ml cup; check the recipe.
Buying guidance
Starting out: A stainless set of ¼, ⅓, ½ and 1 cup that matches the recipes you use; a scale is more reliable.
- Volume marked in ml as well as cups
- Flat rims for levelling
- Stainless (does not warp)
No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.
Techniques:BakingMise en place
Related tools
Recipes that use it
No recipe in the catalogue lists it yet.