How To Measure 3/8 Cup

You've probably had this problem once or twice—you're baking your favorite cookies, and the recipe suddenly calls out for an additional 3/8 of a cup of flour. It should be easy to measure out this volume, but unfortunately, your measuring cups only have the four standard volumes. You might wonder how to measure 3/8 of a cup accurately without the right measuring cup? We've found the best conversion for you!

If you have a set of measuring spoons on hand, you can measure 3/8 cups by measuring out 1/4-cup plus(+) 2 tablespoons. This is because 1/8-cup can be converted to 2 tablespoons using a measuring spoon. Alternatively, you can also measure out 3/8 cups by measuring out 6 tablespoons of your ingredients.

There are many different ways to measure 3/8 cups when cooking, particularly between wet and dry ingredients. Some amounts used in cooking are not covered by the standard measuring cups so we've researched all the possible ways for us to get the right volume when cooking. Keep on reading so we can show you how to measure out your ingredients using different methods.

Different kitchen measuring cups on the kitchen table, How To Measure 3/8 Cup

How To Measure 3/8 Cup

A set of measuring cups is one of the most important baking tools. These graded cups measure a specific amount of dry ingredients or liquid used for cooking. These cups provide an accurate measurement of parts needed to make the recipe without going through the trouble of weighing them.

A stainless steel measuring cup for the kitchen

Most measuring cups that are readily available for dry ingredients only have four sizes in their basic set: 1/4-cup, 1/3-cup, 1/2-cup, and 1-cup. These four cups should be enough to help you measure dry ingredients for any recipe. However, some recipes may require an amount that isn't easily measured out using the standard cups.

One volume that is not available in the standard set is the 1/8-cup size. If your recipe calls out for 3/8 cups of an ingredient, there are two ways how you can measure that amount.

By volume, 1/8-cup is also the same amount as 2 tablespoons. Doubling the amount of 1/8-cup (or 2/8 cups) is equivalent to 1/4-cup using the standard size measuring cup.

If we need to measure out 3/8 cups of dry ingredient, we can do this by measuring out 1/4-cup and adding 2 tablespoons to complete the 3/8 cups measurement. Alternatively, you can also measure out 6 tablespoons of the dry ingredient to measure out 3/8 cups.

What Are The Different Conversions For Measuring?

Converting some measurement amounts can be a little confusing, but thankfully, we've sorted out different conversions to make it easier for you. This quick conversion chart can be used for both wet and dry ingredients. You will also need to use properly graded measuring spoons to make sure that the amount is accurate.

If you are missing some measuring cups and spoons but you still need to measure out a specific amount, you can use this conversion chart to help you get the right amount from your ingredients.

Conversion chart

1 dash - 1/16 teaspoon

1 pinch - 1/8 teaspoon

1/2 tablespoons - 1 1/2 teaspoons

1 tablespoon - 3 teaspoons or 1/2 fluid ounces

1/16 cup - 1 tablespoon

1/8 cup - 2 tablespoons or 1 fluid ounce

1/4 cup - 4 tablespoons or 2 fluid ounces

1/3 cup - 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon or 2 2/3 fluid ouces

3/8 cup - 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons or 6 tablespoons

1/2 cup - 8 tablespoons or 4 fluid ounces

2/3 cup - 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons or 5 1/3 fluid ounces

5/8 cup - 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons

3/4 cup - 12 tablespoons or 6 fluid ounces

7/8 cup - 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons

1 cup - 16 tablespoons or 48 teaspoons or 8 fluid ounces

8 fl. oz. - 1 cup or 1/2 pint

1 pint - 2 cups or 16 fluid ounces

1 quart - 4 cups or 2 pints or 32 fluid ounces

1 gallon - 16 cups or 8 pints or 4 quarts

What's The Difference Between Dry And Wet Measurements?

People sometimes wonder what the difference is between a dry measuring cup and a wet measuring cup. If they are meant to hold and measure the same volume, why is there a need to get two different sets for measuring? Shouldn't one just be enough?

Glass kitchen measuring cups on a white background

The main difference between a dry and liquid measuring cup lies in the ingredient you are supposed to measure. Dry measuring cups are typically filled to the brim and leveled off to measure accurately.

Liquid measuring cups, on the other hand, have different markings on the side of the cup to measure the exact amount of wet ingredient, and it should be read from the side.

You cannot interchange the two different measuring cups because doing so will give you an inaccurate amount for your recipe. This is also one of the reasons why two different sets are specific for the type of ingredient you will be using.

When baking or cooking, dry measuring cups are used for all solid, dry, or moist ingredients such as flour, sugar, nuts, small fruits, etc. Liquid measuring cups are meant to be used for liquid ingredients such as water, oil, yogurt, juice, and any other liquid ingredient.

What Kind of Cups Should I Use?

Measuring cups on top of a table

As we have discussed earlier, wet and dry ingredients require two different sets of measuring cups to give us the right amount we need when cooking. For this reason, you should get a separate set of dry measuring cups and another set of liquid measuring cups.

Some liquid measuring cups can go as big as 8 cups or 2 quarts, but the standard typically has 1-cup as the biggest size.

Dry measuring cups

Dry measuring cups are usually sold in nested sets of four standard pieces. They come in four different sizes: 1-cup, 1/2-cup, 1/3-cup, and 1/4-cup for a basic set. Some sets that have more pieces will include one extra cup that can measure out 1/8-cup of your ingredients.

These measuring cups are usually made using different materials. You can find them made from stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain. The more popular ones are stainless steel or plastic because they are durable and it is easy to clean.

When buying dry measuring cups for your use, it would be best to get a 5-piece set so that it already includes a 1/8-cup size. It is also wise to get a set of measuring spoons to get started on your cooking and baking.

Get these dry measuring cups on Amazon.

Liquid measuring cups

Pastry chef putting milk into a measuring cup

Most standard liquid measuring cups you will see on the market can measure up to a cup of liquid, and this is usually enough to measure out ingredients in the kitchen. However, some cooks who do bigger batches when cooking find it easier to use bigger sizes which is why you might be able to find a liquid measuring cup that can measure as much as 8 cups of liquid.

Typically, liquid measuring cups are made of clear glass or plastic with a handle. They also have a spout to help you pour out the liquid without spilling. Liquid measuring cups also have measurement lines or marks on the outside of the cup because the liquid has to be viewed from the side at eye level to measure it accurately.

When buying liquid measuring cups, consider getting a 2-cup glass version. This is because glass measuring cups can also handle hot liquids better than their plastic counterpart. You can even stick it in the microwave if you need to heat up your liquid ingredient quickly; it doesn't absorb food odors.

Check out this glass measuring cup on Amazon.

Measuring spoons

Aside from measuring cups, it is also important to have measuring spoons as an alternative to measuring out your recipe ingredients. Fortunately, measuring spoons can be used for both wet and dry ingredients, and you don't have to buy two different sets.

Measuring spoons are a must-have for any kitchen because this is the easiest way to measure small amounts needed for cooking. In order to measure different amounts and quantities, measuring spoons come in sets that are typically nested together. They are also made up of different materials, but it is best to get ones made from stainless steel or plastic.

See these measuring spoons on Amazon.

Adjustable measuring cup

If you don't have enough space in your kitchen to keep all these different measuring cups, you can consider using an adjustable measuring cup. Typically made of plastic, you can use these cups for both wet and dry ingredients.

You adjust the base of the cup to rotate the body and to raise the bottom to measure a smaller amount of your ingredients. There are different measurement markings all over the cup demarcating the amount depending on the ingredient you are measuring.

Check out this adjustable measuring cup on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

Different kitchen measuring cups on the kitchen table

Measuring out 3/8 cups is easy if you have standard measuring cups and spoons. With the help of a conversion table, you should be able to measure out your dry or wet ingredients accurately without getting a brand new set of measuring equipment. This should make measuring and cooking easy and hassle-free.

Looking to learn more about how much your kitchen equipment can hold? We've got some articles that might interest you:

How Big Is A Rice Cooker Cup?

How Big Is A Bundt Pan? [How Many Cups It Can Hold]

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