Method 1: Measuring Spoons
One of the most straightforward ways to measure grams without a scale is to use measuring spoons. Tablespoons and teaspoons are widely available in most kitchens. You can use these spoons to measure the grams of your ingredients. For example, one tablespoon of sugar weighs around 12.5 grams.
Method 1.1: Conversion Table
If you don’t know the weight of the ingredient per tablespoon or teaspoon, you can find a conversion table online. These tables will show you how many grams are in a tablespoon or teaspoon of different ingredients.
Method 2: Water Displacement
Water displacement is a simple method to measure the weight of small objects. Fill a measuring cup with water, and note the water level. Then, add the object you want to weigh to the water. The water level will rise, and you can measure the weight of the object based on the amount of water displaced. One milliliter of water weighs one gram.
Method 2.1: Make a DIY Balance Scale
You can also make a DIY balance scale with two cups and a ruler. Place the ruler across the top of one cup, and then place the second cup on the other end of the ruler. Add the ingredient you want to measure to one cup and add water to the other cup until the water level matches the ingredient’s weight. For example, if you want to measure 10 grams of flour, add flour to one cup and water to the other cup until the water level rises to 10 milliliters.
Method 3: Estimation
Estimating the weight of an ingredient is not always precise, but it can be a good option when you don’t have a scale. You can use common objects as a reference point to estimate the weight of an ingredient. For example, one teaspoon of salt weighs approximately as much as a dime.
Method 3.1: Use Your Hand
You can also use your hand to estimate the weight of an ingredient. For example, one tablespoon of butter is about the size of your thumb.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a regular measuring cup to measure grams?
A: Yes, you can use a measuring cup to measure grams, but keep in mind that the measurement will not be as precise as using a scale.
Q: How can I measure grams of liquid ingredients?
A: You can use a measuring cup to measure liquid ingredients like milk or oil.
Q: Can I use a food scale app to measure grams?
A: Yes, you can use a food scale app on your phone to measure grams. These apps use your phone’s accelerometer to measure the weight of the ingredient.
Conclusion
Measuring grams without a scale is not impossible. You can use measuring spoons, water displacement, estimation, and DIY balance scales to measure the weight of your ingredients. Keep in mind that these methods are not as precise as using a scale, but they can work in a pinch.