Introduction: How to Measure Flour

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It's long been said that ingredients for baking should be weighed for best results. That's all well and good, but I have measuring cups, not a scale. So what's the big deal?

The big deal is a major difference in the texture, density and overall success of your baked goods!

But relax! You don't need a scale for perfect brownies! You just need to follow these simple steps.

If you do enough baking that you finally decide you want to get a scale, I highly recommend this one. (not pictured). It's affordable, and nearly indestructible.  Believe me, I bought it to replace the one in the picture, and have put mine through the paces!





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Step 1: How Much Does It Weigh?

A cup of all-purpose flour, properly measured, should weigh 120 grams. The flour measured incorrectly by dipping the measuring cup into the flour can weigh anywhere from 150-160 grams. Try it out!

That's like 30% more flour than the recipe needs!

A cookie or cake made with flour measured this way will be tough and dry. Sauces will be too thick, and pie crusts crumbly and dry.

Step 2: What Should I Do?

To measure the flour correctly, lightly spoon flour into a one-cup measuring cup. Don't shake the cup or pack down the flour.





Step 3: Fill 'er Up!

Keep spooning in the flour until it mounds over the cup.

Step 4: Level It Off

Use the flat side of a table knife to level the flour and remove the excess.

Step 5: Check Your Success!

How do we know this has worked?

Check the weight!

As we said, a properly measured cup of flour should weigh 120 grams.

Check out how much extra flour is left over from the originally scooped cup

It's important to remember that not all flour is created equal.

  • One cup of white flour weighs 120 grams.
  • One cup of whole wheat flour weighs 140 grams.
  • One cup of bread flour weighs 130 grams.
  • One cup of cake flour weighs 114 grams.

Use this technique for success in measuring all of your dried goods - but remember, their weights may vary.