How to Measure Liquid

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Whether you're baking a dessert or conducting a science experiment, measuring liquids accurately is important. Luckily, there's a way to do it quickly and easily. Choose the right kind of measuring device, keep it eye level when you measure, and record your measurements based on where the bottom of the meniscus falls.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Measuring Cups and Spoons

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  1. Get a standard liquid measuring cup that has a pouring spout and at least 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of space above the red measuring lines. These features will make pouring easier and spilling less likely. When pouring liquid into the measuring cup, bend down and look at it straight on instead of down at an angle so that your measurement is accurate. [1]
  2. You can also purchase an angled measuring cup, which allows you to get an accurate measurement without bending down. Look down into the angled measuring cup as you pour in order to ensure that you measure the right amount. [2]
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  3. To measure small amounts of liquid, use standard measuring spoons. Hold the spoon level in the air straight across from your eyes. Carefully trickle the liquid into the measuring spoon until it reaches the rim. [3]
  4. When you pour liquid into your measuring cup, the liquid will appear higher near the glass walls of the cup than towards the middle. The surface of the liquid is called the meniscus. Pour liquid in until the bottom of the meniscus is perfectly level with the graduation line. [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using a Graduated Cylinder

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  1. Graduated cylinders are tall, thin glass tubes that are most commonly used to measure volume during science experiments. Hold the cylinder securely on a flat surface before using your other hand to pour so that you don't knock over the cylinder and spill the liquid. [5]
    • You could also use beakers that are labeled with milliliters or ounces to get an accurate measurement.
  2. When measuring with a graduated cylinder, it's best to bring it up to eye level, rather than bending down, so that the risk of knocking the cylinder over is smaller. This is especially important if you're measuring chemicals. [6]
  3. To read the measurement, determine which horizontal line on the cylinder is closest to the meniscus, or lowest point in the surface of the water. [7]
    • The surface of the liquid dips like this because the molecules in the water are more attracted to the glass than they are to each other.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Measuring Liquid Medications

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  1. Whether you're measuring out and administering over-the-counter liquid medication or prescription medication, it's important to first read any instruction that's provided. Prescription labels typically include direct instruction on how much to take and how often. Over-the-counter medication labels include a lot of important information, including what it's used for, how to use it, and what's in it. [8]
  2. When measuring and administering over-the-counter medications, you can typically determine dosage by age or weight. Weight is much more accurate, so step on the scale to find out how much medication is needed. [9]
    • Some medications determine dosage based on age or time alone. If this is the case, simply take the recommended amount for your particular age and/or don't take another dose until the instructions specify that it's safe to do so.
  3. Many over-the-counter liquid medications come with a measuring device, which is nearly always better to use than other measuring tools. Don't measure your medication with household measuring devices, such as a standard liquid measuring cup, unless you've misplaced the device that came with the medication. [10]
    • Measuring with a household device may work just fine, but the one that came with your medicine is the safest bet because it was made specifically for administering it.
    • Some types of measuring devices that may come with your medication include measuring cups, dosing spoons, droppers, and syringes. [11]
  4. Similar to when you're measuring liquids for cooking or for science experiments, you'll need to be eye level in order to get an accurate measurement. If the medication comes with a measuring cup or any other measuring device with a flat bottom, set it on a flat surface and bend down when you pour the medication in. Otherwise, hold the device up at eye level when you pour. [12]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the most accurate way to measure liquid?
    Marrow Private Chefs
    Private Chefs
    Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collaborative comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience.
    Marrow Private Chefs
    Private Chefs
    Expert Answer
    If you don't want to use measuring cups, try repurposing some food packaging you have at home. Yogurt, sour cream, and salad dressings usually come in containers that are measured in fluid ounces, so you can wash one out and measure with that.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about measuring liquid, check out our in-depth interview with Jessie Antonellis-John .

      References

      1. ↑ http://startcooking.com/measuring-liquids
      2. ↑ http://startcooking.com/measuring-liquids
      3. ↑ http://www.cooksinfo.com/measuring-spoons
      4. ↑ http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/03/how-to-measure-wet-dry-ingredients-for-baking-accurately-best-method.html
      5. ↑ https://sciencing.com/measure-liquids-using-graduated-cylinder-7514485.html
      6. ↑ https://sciencing.com/measure-liquids-using-graduated-cylinder-7514485.html
      7. ↑ https://sciencing.com/measure-liquids-using-graduated-cylinder-7514485.html
      8. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/Using-Liquid-Medicines.aspx
      9. ↑ https://www.consumermedsafety.org/over-the-counter-medicines/measuring-the-dose-of-liquid-medicines/measuring-the-dose-of-liquid-medicines
      1. ↑ https://www.consumermedsafety.org/over-the-counter-medicines/measuring-the-dose-of-liquid-medicines/measuring-the-dose-of-liquid-medicines
      2. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/Using-Liquid-Medicines.aspx
      3. ↑ https://www.consumermedsafety.org/over-the-counter-medicines/measuring-the-dose-of-liquid-medicines/measuring-the-dose-of-liquid-medicines

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To measure liquid with a measuring cup, bend down so you are at eye level with the cup. Pour your liquid into the measuring cup, watching the level of the liquid the whole time. You can also purchase an angled measuring cup, which allows you to accurately measure liquids without having to bend down. If you’re pouring into a measuring spoon, hold the spoon at your eye level while you’re pouring. To measure liquid medications, use the measuring device that came with the medication, and hold it at your eye level as you measure out the medicine. Keep reading if you want to learn how to measure liquid in a graduated cylinder!

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