Measuring $1 \frac{1}{3}$ cups is a common point of confusion for home cooks because this mixed fraction requires combining a whole unit with a fractional unit. Understanding the simple, accurate method, along with practical alternatives, helps ensure consistent results in the kitchen. This guide provides the straightforward approach to measuring $1 \frac{1}{3}$ cups and offers solutions for when the correct tools are unavailable.
The Two-Step Standard Method
The most accurate way to measure $1 \frac{1}{3}$ cups is to treat the mixed number as two separate measurements: one full cup and one one-third cup. This process requires using the correct type of measuring cup for the ingredient being used. Dry ingredients, such as flour or sugar, should be measured using dry measuring cups, which are designed to be filled and then leveled off with a straight edge for precision.
Liquid ingredients, like water or milk, require a liquid measuring cup, which is typically clear glass or plastic with a spout for pouring. The first step is to measure one full cup of the ingredient using the appropriate tool. The second step involves measuring the remaining one-third cup separately, ensuring the correct technique is applied for either a dry or liquid measure. Using the correct cup type is important because the headspace in a liquid cup or the leveling technique for a dry cup significantly impacts the final volume.
Locating the $\frac{1}{3}$ Mark on a 1-Cup Measure
While the two-step method is standard, many cooks prefer to use a single, larger liquid measuring cup that has fractional markings. A standard 1-cup liquid measure often includes lines for $\frac{1}{4}$, $\frac{1}{3}$, $\frac{1}{2}$, $\frac{2}{3}$, and $\frac{3}{4}$ cups. The $\frac{1}{3}$ cup line is visually located between the $\frac{1}{4}$ and $\frac{1}{2}$ cup marks, positioned slightly higher than the $\frac{1}{4}$ line.
To measure $1 \frac{1}{3}$ cups in a larger container, such as a 2-cup liquid measure, you would first pour the liquid until it reaches the 1-cup line. Then, you would continue pouring until the liquid level aligns with the $\frac{1}{3}$ mark above the 1-cup line, which is equivalent to the $1 \frac{1}{3}$ cup total. For liquids, accuracy depends on reading the measurement at the bottom of the meniscus, which is the slight curve formed by the liquid’s surface tension against the container walls. To eliminate parallax error, the eye must be level with the measurement line to ensure the reading is taken from the lowest point of the concave curve.
Quick Conversion Alternatives
When a dedicated $\frac{1}{3}$ cup measure is unavailable, a precise conversion using tablespoons offers a reliable alternative. One-third of a cup is exactly equivalent to 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon. This conversion is particularly useful for measuring smaller quantities of liquids or dry ingredients when only a standard set of measuring spoons is accessible.
For dry ingredients, such as all-purpose flour, using a kitchen scale provides the highest level of accuracy, bypassing the inconsistencies of volume measurement entirely. One-third cup of all-purpose flour is approximately 40 grams. A scale is the preferred method for baking, especially when precision is important.