How to Measure Flour Accurately

Learn how to measure flour using the “spoon and sweep” method for the most success while baking! Because no one wants to waste time and ingredients on a baking fail.

“Baking is a science”, as the saying goes. And it’s true! If you change the proportions of ingredients, sometimes even just a little, things don’t turn out as well. And how you measure flour for your recipe will definitely affect how it turns out.

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make in baking recipes is measuring flour incorrectly, which adds too much flour to your recipes, and can result in dry, dense or tough baked goods. Luckily, it’s a super easy fix! And once you’re in the know you won’t make this simple mistake again.

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Does it really matter how you measure flour?

100% yes, it matters! Take a look at the photos below. Both images are of 1 cup of flour, the only difference is how it was measured. And look at how different the weight is! 30 grams extra flour can actually make a BIG difference in whatever you’re making— cookies will be cakey and won’t spread, cakes will be dry and dense, bread will be tough, etc.

Don’t measure flour this way

In the photo above on the left, the flour was measured by dipping the measuring cup directly into the canister, scooping out the flour, and leveling off the top. It came out to 155 grams, which is almost 1/3 cup additional flour!

Why this method doesn’t work: Flour actually settles and compacts over time. As it sits, the flour particles settle and pack together, leading to a denser and more compact measurement when scooped directly from the bag or container.

Use the “spoon and sweep” method to measure flour

Also called the “spoon and level” method (I use both names on this site, but they are the same!). 

1. Fluff the flour. Use a spoon or measuring cup to fluff and loosen it up inside the container or package. I usually give it 4-5 good “fluffs”.
2. Spoon flour into measuring cup. Add flour to your measuring cup one spoonful at a time.
3. Fill until measuring cup is overflowing. Continue until the flour is mounded over the rim of the measuring cup.
4. Sweep the top. Use a flat edge like the back of a knife to sweep across the top of the measuring cup, letting the excess flour fall back into your flour bag or jar.

Why this method works: Regardless of how long the flour in your container has been sitting (and compacting), fluffing it up incorporates air back into the flour, and then using this spoon and sweep method will give you consistent results every time you use it.

Note: Use this method of measuring flour for all kinds of wheat flour— all-purpose flour, bread flour, cake flour, etc.

Use a digital scale for the most accuracy

Looking for an easy way to take your baking up a notch and get even more consistent results? Use a digital baking scale! The MOST accurate way to measure ingredients is by weight in grams, instead of using volume measurements via measuring cups.

Learn more about weight vs volume measurements here! There you’ll find lots of great nerdy baking info.

You’re ready to get baking!

Now that you know how to measure flour like a pro (and what NOT to do), you are set up for all sorts of baking success. Next time you’re in the kitchen, just remember to “spoon and sweep” and see if it makes a difference!