What Are Dry Measuring Cups Used For?

Different ingredients call for different measuring methods. Liquid ingredients measure slightly differently than dry ingredients; dry measuring cups are intended to help with that difference.

Liquid Measuring Cups

Measuring cups used for various liquids are shaped like normal measuring cups. However, there is usually a line beneath the actual rim of the measuring cup that signifies a full cup; users should fill only to that line to prevent spillage. (See Reference 1)

Dry Measuring Cups

Dry measuring cups are the normal type of measuring cups. They simply tell how much quantity the cup will hold when filled completely. (See Reference 1)

Dry Ingredients

Use dry measuring cups for all sorts of dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, rice, oats or beans.

Liquid Ingredients

Use dry measuring cups for liquid ingredients; however, be careful of the ease with which a dry measuring cup will spill liquid. For large quantities of liquid, use liquid measuring cups.

Difference Between Dry and Liquid Measures

One pint of dry material is equal to 1.1636 pints of liquid; one gallon of dry material is also equivalent to 1.1636 gallons of liquid. (See Reference 2)

References

• Chow.com; Difference Between Wet and Dry Measuring Cups
• GoodCooking.com; Measure Converter