Spoons, cups and scales – does it really matter?

Accurate measuring matters in EVERY kitchen

Ever wondered why your favourite cake sometimes turns out perfectly fluffy, but other times it’s a bit of a flop? The secret often lies in how you measure your ingredients. Baking, in particular, is a science where even a slight deviation in measurements (for som ingredients) can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, airy one. Using the right tools—measuring spoons, cups, and especially digital scales—eliminates the guesswork from your recipes and helps you achieve consistent, delicious results every time. Okay, so if your recipe states a tablespoon of flour, it won’t be as big a deal as a tablespoon of something as powerful as baking soda or salt.

The Problem with Cups and Spoons for measurement

Not all cups and spoons were created equal.

You would think measuring spoons and cups were the same everywhere. Sadly, they’re not! Did you know that an Australian tablespoon measures 20ml, while an American tablespoon measures only 15ml, and a UK tablespoon measures 18ml? Even measuring cups aren’t standardised: a metric cup in Australia is 250ml, but in the US, it’s 237ml, and in the UK, 284ml. If you’re following a recipe from overseas, these differences can throw your results off. That’s why it’s important to use the right tools for the recipe’s origin—or better yet, switch to weighing your ingredients for complete accuracy.

To make matters worse, I have observed a lack of consistency in the quality of kitchenware products sold in various shops throughout Australia. Measuring equipment being manufactured globally often results in sellers unknowingly stocking products with varying standards, even on the same shelf.

Weighing vs. Measuring volume: Why Scales Win every Time

Measuring by weight is simply more accurate. A gram is a gram, regardless of where you are in the world, while the term “cup” can mean different things depending on the country and the way you fill it. For instance, scooping flour with a cup can pack it down, resulting in 20–30% more flour than if you spoon it and level it off. This discrepancy can significantly affect the texture and taste of your baked goods. Digital kitchen scales enable you to measure directly into your bowl, saving on cleanup and ensuring consistent results every time.

Tips for Measuring like a Pro

• Always check the origin of your recipe and use matching measuring tools.
• For dry ingredients, spoon them into cups and level off—never scoop and pack them, then weigh and record the measurements (for next tiem you make the recipe). Or grab our free guide below.
• For liquids by volume, check measurements at eye level for accuracy.
• Invest in a set of digital kitchen scales that measure in 1g increments for the ultimate in precision.
• Use the “tare” function to zero out your bowl before adding each new ingredient.
• Stick to one set of spoons and cups for consistency, and make sure they’re to Australian standards if you’re cooking Aussie recipes.

How to get recipe quantities right

When a recipe specifies weight measurements, having accurate scales that can handle the quantities involved is essential. To ensure we can accurately measure everything from small amounts of saffron to larger quantities of water, sugar, and flour, we use a range of different scales. The TM6 Thermomix we use has built-in scales that weigh from in 1g increments, which is incredibly convenient when cooking Thermomix-specific recipes.

For optimal results when cooking with recipes that use measurements like spoons or cups, it is recommended to use measurements from the same country or region. It is even better if the measurements come from the same country or region as the recipe.

Perhaps you’ve come across a recipe that only requires one measure (like cups), the good news is that it doesn’t matter what size cup you use, as it won’t affect the ratio between the ingredients.

Small measures, big results

Some of the ingredients usually added in small quantities (i.e., a teaspoon or a tablespoon) are important.  Why?  Because ingredients added in small amounts are often powerful, they can create significant results.   For example, salt, baking soda, baking powder and so on.

The recipes that we create from scratch or significantly redevelop are always in grams. This includes the liquids, such as water, milk, cream, etc.  This avoids the problems with different measuring standards.

Why I dislike measuring cups

During my years of teaching at Chisholm, a government education facility with large classes, I would have all 16 students take one cup of flour and bring it to a central bench for weighing. You would be amazed at the varied results we would get. Some students would scoop and flatten the flour, others would sift or pack it, and some would even have their ingredients piled up. The problem is that volume measurements are influenced by too many variables. In contrast, we have access to a very accurate method for measuring weight—the electronic scale.

Another issue with certain measuring jugs is where they actually stick the measurements. One common issue with certain measuring jugs, especially those purchased from discount stores, is the inaccuracy of the measurement markings. Our testing has shown that these markings can often be unreliable.

Bakers conversion guide

We’ve created this handy free guide to download to help you easily convert your recipes (in Australia).

What measuring tools I use for cooking?

• To enhance the precision of your creations, I recommend you use a kitchen scale that can gauge in 1g increments. If such a device isn’t part of your arsenal yet, it’s definitely worth considering. Transitioning your recipes to gram-based measurements can significantly boost accuracy.
• My preferred tools for measuring are stainless steel spoons and cups because they last and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Moreover, I recommend using the same set consistently to maintain uniformity, an aspect highly valued by chefs.
• In my kitchen, I adhere to Australian Standards, converting new recipes to meet these guidelines as necessary. Our six-page conversion chart makes this job easy.
• I prefer oval stainless steel measuring spoons, which facilitate effortless scooping from jar tops without creating a mess. It’s so frustrating when you can’t fit a round tablespoon measure in the top of a jar.
• Unless the recipe indicates otherwise, I stick to flat, unpacked measurements, weighing every possible ingredient. To ensure repeatability or enable modifications in future, I make it a practice to note down the measurements used directly onto the recipe.

When creating my own recipes, I ensure that any ingredient that can be measured by weight is measured in grams. For ingredients with very low weights, such as saffron, I use digital (gold) scales. Weighing ingredients makes sense because it guarantees consistency regardless of the country you are in. You see, 10 grams is 10 grams anywhere in the world. Teaspoons, which are typically 5mls, are relatively consistent worldwide. However, measurements such as tablespoons and cups can vary from country to country.

Suppose I’m trialling a recipe from one of my many cookbooks.  I have a library, you know. ???😜🤪🤣 I note where the chef is from and find the page that tells me what standard they’re using.  Then I make adjustments so that I can repeat the recipe with ease and consistency.

The teaspoons found in cutlery sets and used for eating can vary significantly in capacity. I don’t recommend using them for measuring ingredients such as salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.

Here are a few of my favourite things…  (When the dog bites, when the bees sting, when I’m feeling sad – wait, that’s not right.  Did that make you think of that song too? 🤣🤣🤣)

• Oval Measuring Spoons  (oval spoons fit through jar lids more easily)
• Measuring Cups (I love stainless, but plastic is ok too)
• Measuring Scales (I have two sets, drug or gold scales and scales that weigh in 1g increments)
• No matter what set you own, ensure they’re all of the same standards

We use all these items in our cooking school. We’ve had them for just over twelve years, and they’re all in nearly new condition.  We also have a large-scale set in a permanent position (in the weighing area), and a few Avanti scales for students to move to their benches.  They measure in 1g increments (convenient) and measure up to 5 kg.

The Hidden Benefits: Saving Money and Reducing Waste

Precise measuring doesn’t just improve your cooking—it’s also kinder to your wallet. By using only what you need, you avoid wasting expensive ingredients like vanilla extract, almond flour, or saffron. Plus, when you scale recipes up or down (for a party or a quiet dinner), accurate measuring ensures the flavour and texture stay just right

Frequently Asked Questions

Better baking with accurate measurement

So, if you want to bake successfully, take note of what the recipe author means by ingredient quantities, and consider adopting a standard set of measuring tools, such as spoons and cups, for your baking. Even better, take notes (in grams) when you bake so that you can repeat a great recipe another day.

Have you ever noticed a difference in your baking when you switch from cups to scales? I’d love to hear your stories or tips—leave a comment below! And if you found this helpful, check out my Conversion Chart or browse more tips in our Facebook group. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more kitchen wisdom, and join our friendly community on Facebook.

Happy baking 🙂