How do I measure 1 6 of a cup?

Quick Answer

To measure 1/6 of a cup, you’ll need to divide 1 cup into 6 equal parts. The easiest way is to use a measuring cup marked with 1/4, 1/3, and 1/2 cup measurements. To get 1/6 of a cup, fill the cup to the 1/3 mark (which is the same as 2/6), then remove one of those parts by pouring or scooping out 1/6. You’ll be left with exactly 1/6 cup remaining in the cup.

Measuring 1/6 Cup Using a Regular Measuring Cup

If you don’t have a specially marked measuring cup, you can still divide a regular 1 cup measuring cup into 6 equal parts to get 1/6 cup. Here are the steps:

1. Fill the 1 cup measuring cup to the top line.
2. Mark the halfway point by making a small scratch or placing a piece of tape at the 1/2 cup line.
3. Divide the lower half of the cup into thirds by making two more small marks at equal intervals between the 1/2 mark and the bottom of the cup.
4. The space between the bottom and the first mark is 1/6 cup. Fill the cup to that lowest mark to measure 1/6 cup.

This divides the cup into 6 equal segments. The bottom segment, from the bottom of the cup up to the first mark, is 1/6 of the total volume.

Using Measuring Spoons

You can also measure 1/6 cup using measuring spoons, though it will take a few steps:

1. Start by measuring 2 tablespoons, which equals 1/8 cup.
2. Next, measure another 2 tablespoons.
3. Lastly, measure 1 more tablespoon.

2 tablespoons = 1/8 cup
2 tablespoons = 1/8 cup
1 tablespoon = 1/24 cup

Total = 1/8 cup + 1/8 cup + 1/24 cup = 3/24 cup = 1/6 cup

So 2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon = 1/6 cup

Using a Scale for Greater Precision

For the most accurate results, you can measure 1/6 cup by weighing the amount on a food scale:

1. Place an empty bowl on the scale and press tare to zero it out.
2. Measure out 1 cup of the ingredient you want to divide (such as flour, sugar, etc).
3. Weigh the 1 cup quantity and note the weight in grams.
4. Divide the weight by 6. The result is the weight of 1/6 cup for that ingredient.
5. Place the empty bowl back on the scale, tare to zero it out, and add the ingredient until the displayed weight equals your calculated 1/6 cup weight.

For example:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour weighs 120 grams
• 120 grams divided by 6 equals 20 grams
• So to measure 1/6 cup flour, weigh out 20 grams on the scale

This method is very precise since it uses the actual weight of the ingredient rather than volume which can vary.

When Accuracy Matters Most

Getting an exact 1/6 cup measurement is most important for baking recipes where the proportions impact the chemistry and therefore the end result. A few examples:

• Measuring flour for cakes, cookies, breads, pizza dough, etc.
• Measuring milk or water for making custards and puddings
• Measuring granulated sugar or brown sugar for cookies
• Measuring leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda

In recipes where you combine lots of ingredients and there is room for adjustment (like soups, stews, etc), being precise down to the teaspoon isn’t as crucial. But for baked goods, every teaspoon makes a difference!

Tips for Measuring 1/6 Cup Accurately

Follow these tips whenever you need to carefully measure fractional cup amounts:

• Use measuring cups and spoons that are made to precise sizes, not improvised kitchen utensils.
• Measure over a surface rather than holding the cup over your mixing bowl. This allows you to level off the top.
• When measuring dry ingredients like flour, spoon it into the cup and level with a straight edge like the back of a knife.
• When measuring liquids, place the cup on the counter and pour to the line. Bend down to check the accuracy at eye level.
• For sticky ingredients like honey or molasses, spray the measuring cup with nonstick spray first to help it slide right out.
• When dividing a cup into fractions by eye, double check by spooning it back into a properly measured 1/6 cup measuring cup.

Being careful about the details will help ensure your baked goods turn out just right. That 1/6 cup matters more than you might think!

How Much Does 1/6 Cup Equal?

Here are some key equivalents for 1/6 cup:

• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons
• About 33 milliliters
• Approximately 10 teaspoons
• Around 5 fluid ounces
• 1/3 of 1/2 cup

So if you’re substituting 1/6 cup in a recipe, those measurements can be handy shortcuts.

You can also scale the fraction up or down for larger or smaller amounts. For example:

• 1/3 cup = 2/6 cup = double 1/6 cup
• 1/12 cup = half of 1/6 cup
• 2/3 cup = 4/6 cup = quadruple 1/6 cup

Common Uses for 1/6 Cup

Here are some examples of when you’ll need to measure 1/6 cup in cooking and baking:

• Ingredients for 6-cupcake recipes or 6-muffin recipes
• One portion of a 6-serving recipe
• One-sixth of a typical 1-cup spice measurement like cinnamon or nutmeg
• Dividing a single egg evenly between 6 portions
• Portioning out icing or glaze into sixths for layer cakes or cupcakes
• Measuring butter, shortening or oil when making a single batch of 6 cookies

Any time you are dividing a recipe into 6 equal parts, each portion will be 1/6 of the whole. Mastering that 1/6 cup measurement will ensure baking success!

Converting Between Fractions and Decimals

When reading recipes, you’ll see fractional cup measurements written sometimes as fractions (1/6) and sometimes as decimals (.166). Here’s how to convert between the two:

• 1/6 = .166 (repeating decimal)
• To convert a fraction to decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator
• To convert a decimal to fraction, write over the decimal as the numerator and the number 1 as the denominator

So 1/6 cup = 1 divided by 6 = 0.166 cup.

And 0.25 cup = 0.25/1 = 1/4 cup.

Understanding the relationship between fractions and decimals makes adjusting recipe sizes even easier.

Sample Recipes Using 1/6 Cup Measurements

To see 1/6 cup measurements in action, here are a couple sample single-serving recipes:

Mini Coffee Cake

Dry ingredients:

• 1/6 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/6 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Wet ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)

Combine the dry ingredients. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and vanilla and stir just until combined. Spread into a small ramekin sprayed with nonstick spray. Top with brown sugar. Bake at 350°F for 13-15 minutes until set. Let cool 5 minutes before inverting onto a plate. Enjoy!

Mini Banana Bread

Dry ingredients:

• 1/6 cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch baking soda
• Pinch salt

Wet ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon mashed ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/2 tablespoon milk

Mix flour, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, mix banana, brown sugar, melted butter and milk. Add wet to dry and stir just until combined. Pour into a small greased ramekin. Microwave on high 1-2 minutes until set. Let cool slightly before unmolding. Enjoy warm!

The Takeaway on Measuring 1/6 Cup

Whether you’re baking muffins, whipping up a spice blend, or dividing a recipe precisely, getting an accurate 1/6 cup measurement is key. Use a measuring cup marked with common fractions, divide the 1 cup measure into sixths, portion with measuring spoons, or weigh it out on a scale. And remember the equivalents like 2 Tbsp plus 2 tsp. With the proper tools and a few easy techniques, you’ll be a master at measuring 1/6 cup for recipes perfectly every time!