Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between dry and liquid ounces?
A fluid ounce (fl oz) measures volume, while a weight ounce (oz) measures mass. For water they are nearly equal, but for denser ingredients like flour or sugar, they differ significantly.
How many grams are in a cup of flour?
Approximately 120–130 grams, depending on how it is measured. This wide variance is why professional bakers always weigh by grams rather than volume for dry ingredients.
What is a "stick" of butter?
In the US, a standard stick of butter weighs 113.4 grams (4 ounces or 1/4 pound) and equals 8 tablespoons or 1/2 cup.
What is a "scruple" in cooking weight?
A Scruple is a historical Apothecary unit equal to 1.296 grams. It is no longer used in cooking but is found in old pharmaceutical and baking manuscripts.
When is a Troy ounce used in cooking?
The Troy ounce is not used directly in commercial cooking. However, it is the unit used when purchasing high-value edible commodities like saffron or gold leaf for confectionery.