Measuring ingredients accurately is an important part of baking and cooking. When a recipe calls for 60 grams of butter, using a kitchen scale provides the most precise measurement. However, there are times when you may need to measure butter without a scale on hand. This article will provide several methods for measuring approximately 60 grams of butter without a scale, along with tips for accuracy.
Why accurate measurements matter in baking
Baking is a science that requires the right proportions of ingredients to produce the desired chemical reactions. Recipes are carefully formulated, with each ingredient measured by weight or volume to achieve an optimal balance. Too much or too little of one ingredient can throw the whole recipe off.
For example, 60 grams of butter will contain a certain ratio of fat, milk solids, and water. Adding significantly more or less butter than called for can change the texture, rise, moisture level, or flavor of baked goods. Measuring by sight or volume cups is less accurate than weighing, since one person’s “medium onion” may differ from another’s. When baking, precision is key.
Challenges of measuring butter without scales
When you lack a kitchen scale, measuring butter becomes trickier. Variations in butter density, shape, and packaging make visual estimation challenging. Here are some factors that contribute to inconsistency:
- Brands and batches: The water content and density of butter varies between brands, batches, and even sticks.
- Temperature: Butter straight from the fridge is harder and denser than softened butter.
- Shape: A stick of butter may be narrowly rectangular or wider and flatter, throwing off visual judgement.
- Lines: Some wrappers have measurement lines that are unreliable.
- Packaging: Commercial wrappers vary in size, while DIY wrappers like parchment paper offer no guides.
These inconsistencies mean volume measurements in cups or tablespoons cannot accurately equal a specified weight in grams. Fortunately, with a few handy tricks, you can still get close without scales.
Method 1: Look at the wrapper
If using a new stick of butter wrapped in parchment paper or foil, check the wrapping for weight information.
In the United States, each stick of commercially packaged butter contains 4 ounces or 113 grams. One tablespoon of butter is generally estimated as 14 grams. So you can calculate:
- A whole stick = 4 ounces = 113 grams
- 1 tablespoon = 14 grams
- 60 grams = approx 4.3 tablespoons
To measure 60 grams without scales:
- Unwrap the butter and note the total weight on the packaging.
- Divide the total weight by 113 grams per stick.
- Multiply that number of sticks by 4.3 tablespoons.
- Measure the rounded tablespoons of butter needed.
For example, if the wrapper says the stick is 226 grams total, dividing by 113 grams per stick gives you 2 sticks. 2 sticks multiplied by 4.3 tablespoons is 8.6 tablespoons or approx 9 tablespoons for 60 grams.
This method depends on the accuracy of the packaging, and wrappers with measurement lines tend to be less precise. But for a general 60 gram measure, it works in a pinch.
Method 2: Slice off a tablespoon
If you don’t know the total weight of the butter, you can still estimate 60 grams by slicing off single tablespoons.
Here’s a simple approach:
- Start with chilled, firmly packed butter.
- Cut a standard 1 tablespoon piece. Level it off.
- Weigh the 1 tablespoon on a kitchen scale if available. If not, estimate 14 grams.
- Calculate how many tablespoons you need for 60 grams. For 14 grams per tablespoon, you’ll need about 4.3 tablespoons.
- Cut off that amount of butter.
This method requires some guesswork for the weight of a single tablespoon if you lack scales. But it offers a DIY approach to gauging 60 grams when the packaging is no help.
Aim for consistency in cutting even tablespoons. Work quickly so the butter doesn’t soften too much. And level off each piece, as a heaping spoonful weighs more than a flat one.
Method 3: Look up visual guides
Various charts offer visual depictions of different weights of butter. These can guide your measurement when scales are not an option.
To use a visual guide:
- Find a butter weight reference chart, like the images below.
- Note the size and shape of 60 gram and 1 tablespoon servings.
- Cut off a piece of butter that matches those depictions.
The accuracy depends on the quality of the chart and your precision in cutting butter of the same dimensions. When in doubt, err on the side of slightly over 60 grams to avoid too little butter in a recipe.
Here are some example reference images:
Method 4: Measure volume, adjust amount
When lacking other options, you can measure butter by volume in spoons or cups. However, aim high to account for density differences.
Here are volume options to target 60 grams:
- 5 level tablespoons
- 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons
- 3.5 fluid ounces
The typical conversions are:
- 1 tablespoon = 14 grams
- 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons = 56 grams
- 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons = 28 grams
But these assume solidly packed butter with minimal air pockets. Scooping directly from a dish or tub can contain more air than densely cut cubes or slices.
Add 2 teaspoons or an extra 0.5 ounce to bump up the weight if using volume measures. Then pat down the butter firmly to compact it and push out air bubbles.
Tips for improved accuracy
Whichever butter measurement method you use sans scales, accuracy depends greatly on technique. Here are some tips to hone your skills:
- Chill butter well before cutting – colder butter holds its shape better.
- Work quickly to prevent butter from softening.
- Cut off pieces in one quick motion for clean edges.
- Level off the top of spoons or cups for flat surfaces.
- Pat down scooped butter to compact it tightly.
- When in doubt, add a little extra butter to ensure sufficient fat in a recipe.
Practice measuring 60 gram butter portions using various methods. Over time, you will get better at eyeballing weights and volumes. Investing in a kitchen scale provides the most precision. But with patience and practice, you can develop the skills to measure butter reasonably well without one.
Butter Measurement Conversion Table
For easy reference, here are some common butter measurement conversions in grams, tablespoons, cups, and ounces:
| Grams | Tablespoons | Cups | Ounces |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28g | 2 Tbsp | 1/8 cup | 1 ounce |
| 56g | 4 Tbsp | 1/4 cup | 2 ounces |
| 85g | 6 Tbsp | 3/8 cup | 3 ounces |
| 113g | 8 Tbsp | 1/2 cup | 4 ounces |
| 170g | 12 Tbsp | 3/4 cup | 6 ounces |
| 226g | 16 Tbsp | 1 cup | 8 ounces |
Conclusion
Accurately measuring butter without scales takes some finesse. But by learning proper technique, consulting visual guides, and converting volumes generously, you can achieve a close approximation of 60 grams. Just remember to chill, slice, and pack the butter firmly. With practice, your butter measuring skills will become more refined. Soon enough, you’ll be able to eyeball that perfect 60 gram portion every time.
