When baking or cooking, you’ll often need to measure dry ingredients like flour, sugar, or baking mixes. Recipes may call for measurements in cups, ounces, grams, or tablespoons. Knowing how to convert between these units is essential for accurate ingredient amounts and successful recipes.
One common measurement question is: how many tablespoons (tbsp) are in an ounce of a dry mix? The short answer is: there are approximately 2 tablespoons (TBSP) in 1 ounce (oz) of a dry mix or ingredient. But let’s take a deeper look at why this conversion works and how to precisely measure dry mixes by weight versus volume.
Key Definitions
Before diving into the tablespoon to ounce conversion, it’s helpful to define some key measurement terms:
Ounce (oz): A unit of weight. 1 ounce equals 28 grams. Ounce measurements are commonly used for dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking mixes, etc.
Tablespoon (tbsp): A unit of volume. 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons or 1⁄2 fluid ounce. Most measuring spoons are designed to measure a level tablespoon of dry ingredients.
Dry mixes: Ingredients like flour, sugar, baking mixes, cake mixes, etc. that contain minimal moisture content. Dry mixes are measured differently compared to liquids.
Why the Conversion Works
Now that we have defined the main units, let’s look at why there are approximately 2 tablespoons (TBSP) in 1 ounce (oz) of a dry mix:
1) Density of dry mixes: The density of most common baking dry mixes like flour, sugar, or baking powder is around 0.5 oz per 1 tbsp. This means if you precisely measure 1 tbsp of a mix, it will weigh approximately 0.5 oz on a kitchen scale.
2) Definition of an ounce: Since there are 28 grams in 1 ounce, and a level tablespoon of a dry mix weighs around 14 grams, then 2 level tablespoons (28 grams total) make up 1 full ounce.
3) Standard kitchen measuring spoons: Most measuring spoons in the U.S. are designed to measure a rounded, heaping tablespoon. 2 heaping tablespoons of a dry mix will exceed 1 ounce in weight. But 2 level tablespoons will come closer to 1 precise ounce.
So in summary, the accepted conversion is:
2 level tablespoons (TBSP) = 1 ounce (oz) of a dry mix
This ratio will work for most baking recipes and measuring needs. But for complete accuracy, measuring dry mixes by weight (with a kitchen scale) is ideal.
Measuring Dry Ingredients By Weight vs Volume
While the standard tablespoon to ounce conversion is approximately 2:1, using weight measurements is actually much more precise than using volume (spooning) for dry ingredients. Here’s why:
Volume measurements can vary: How much a tablespoon or cup of flour weighs can vary greatly depending on factors like:
* How the flour is scooped and leveled
* Humidity or dryness of the flour
* How the flour is settled into the measuring cup
* Variations in flour brands and grind sizes
This means 1 cup of flour can weigh anywhere from 4 to 5+ ounces.
Weight is consistent: When you measure flour, sugar, or mixes by weight using a digital kitchen scale, you eliminate the guesswork. The measurements will be highly accurate down to the gram, ensuring your baked good recipes turn out right each time.
Weight works for all serving sizes: Measuring dry mixes by weight makes it easy to scale recipe ingredient amounts up or down. No matter if you double or halve a recipe, the weight conversions remain precise.
Converting Spoon Volumes to Grams
To weigh dry mix ingredients instead of using spoons, use these reliable weight conversions:
- 1 tablespoon (TBSP) = 14 grams
- 1/4 cup = 32 grams
- 1/3 cup = 48 grams
- 1/2 cup = 64 grams
- 2/3 cup = 96 grams
- 3/4 cup = 112 grams
- 1 cup = 128 grams
So for example, if a recipe calls for 1/4 cup (4 TBSP) of flour, you can accurately measure it as 32 grams on a kitchen scale instead of trying to level spoonfuls.
Measuring Dry vs. Liquid Ingredients
While weighing is best for dry mixes, liquid ingredients like milk, water, oil, etc. should always be measured by volume using measuring cups or spoons.
This is because weight and volume do not have a set conversion ratio for liquids. 1 cup of water weighs 8 ounces, but 1 cup of oil weighs around 7 ounces since oil is less dense.
So be sure to always use liquid measuring cups (with spouts) for liquids, and measuring spoons for small amounts like teaspoons.
Tips for Precise Dry Ingredient Measuring
To measure dry baking mixes as accurately as possible, whether by weight or with spoons, follow these best practices:
- Use the right utensils: Dry measuring cups for spooning, metal or plastic leveled tablespoons, and liquid cups with pouring spouts.
- Don’t pack: Lightly spoon flour or mixes into measuring cups, then level off excess.
- Dip and sweep: For brown sugar, packed tightly into the cup then swept level.
- Weigh multiple times: Check the weight a few times on a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy.
- Trust your eyes: Look at the measurement markings carefully when leveling off ingredients.
- Work in batches: Measure large volumes in multiple smaller batches for precision.
- Wipe away excess: Use a flat edge to scrape off any excess ingredient from the top.
With practice and the right techniques, you’ll be able to measure dry mixes within just a gram or two of accuracy.
Sample Recipes Using Dry Measurements
To see tables converting teaspoon and tablespoon measurements of common baking ingredients to weights in grams and ounces, check out these guides:
Here are some sample recipes that rely on accurate dry ingredient measurements:
Classic Sugar Cookies
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups (288g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (4g) baking powder
- 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
Using a kitchen scale provides the most accurate flour measurement. Measuring cups could vary from 260-320g for 2 1/4 cups depending on how the flour is scooped and leveled.
Blueberry Muffins
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (272g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (66g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp (10g) baking powder
- 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
For smaller ingredient amounts like sugar and baking powder, weighing in grams provides precision. Volume measurements by the teaspoon could vary.
Banana Bread
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups (224g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (4g) baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) salt
Again, flour and sugar amounts are most accurate by weight in grams. Teaspoons of baking soda and salt can vary slightly if measured by volume.
Why Accuracy Matters
You might be wondering why being precise with dry ingredient measurements actually makes a difference. Here are some reasons why accuracy is important:
- Ensures recipes turn out as expected. The batter or dough will have the proper consistency.
- Avoids sunken, dense baked goods by using the right flour ratios.
- Allows recreating consistent results each time a recipe is made.
- Prevents a strange texture or flavor if too much baking powder or salt is added.
- Helps troubleshoot recipe failures by eliminating measurement variability.
So while a tablespoon or two over or under may seem trivial, precise dry ingredient amounts really are key for baking success!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about measuring dry mix ingredients:
Why are dry mixes measured differently than liquids?
Dry mixes contain minimal moisture so their weight versus volume ratios remain consistent. Liquids can vary in density, so their weight to volume conversion is not standard.
What are some examples of dry mixes?
Flour, sugar, baking mixes, cake mixes, baking soda, baking powder, drink mixes, pudding mixes, powdered extracts, gelatin mixes, and any powdered or granulated ingredient used in cooking or baking.
Is a cup of flour always equal to 4 ounces?
No. Depending on factors like flour settling, grind size, and humidity a cup can weigh anywhere from 4-5+ ounces. Weighing flour by grams or ounces is much more precise.
When should you avoid weighing ingredients?
For liquid ingredients like milk, oil, water, honey, maple syrup, etc. Use liquid measuring cups or spoons to measure by volume instead of weight.
Can you measure dry mixes in milliliters instead of grams?
Yes, but grams provide a more standardized weight measurement. There is not a set milliliter to gram conversion since milliliters are volume.
Conclusion
While the standard conversion is 2 tablespoons (TBSP) per 1 ounce (oz) for dry mixes, weighing ingredients by grams provides the most accuracy and consistency. Measuring precisely ensures your baked goods turn out perfectly every time.
So invest in a kitchen scale, use proper leveling techniques, and don’t be afraid to measure dry ingredients like flour and sugar by weight instead of volume. Your muffins, cookies, cakes and breads will thank you!