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Measure Ingredients Without a Scale: Reliable Equivalence Table Using Everyday Items

Measure Ingredients Without a Scale: Reliable Equivalence Table Using Everyday Items

Need to weigh ingredients for your recipe but lack a kitchen scale or measuring cups? No problem. As a home cook with years of experience, I've relied on this simple, proven method using everyday items like a mustard jar, coffee mug, and tablespoon.

Follow this equivalence table for precise measurements every time:

Measure Ingredients Without a Scale: Reliable Equivalence Table Using Everyday Items

Equivalence Table

One level tablespoon (filled to the brim):

  • 1 cl of oil
  • 15 g flour
  • 15 g caster sugar
  • 16 g of salt

A small mustard jar holds:

  • 15 cl of liquid
  • 130 g of flour
  • 140 g of semolina
  • 180 g caster sugar
  • 200 g uncooked rice

A standard coffee mug equals:

  • 2 mustard jars
  • 30 cl of liquid
  • 300 g of flour
  • 500 g caster sugar

Now you can confidently measure 100 g of rice, 200 g, 250 g, or 500 g of flour—no scale required. This practical hack ensures consistent results in your cooking and baking. For even greater precision, consider investing in a kitchen scale later.