Flour measurement question?

[Toots]

I have a recipe I want to try and it calls for 1 lb 8 oz of flour - is that 3 cups of flour? I'm trying to figure out how many cups I need (dry measure)
???

[JoeV]

Originally Posted by Toots

I have a recipe I want to try and it calls for 1 lb 8 oz of flour - is that 3 cups of flour? I'm trying to figure out how many cups I need (dry measure)
???

My bread flour weighs approximately 5 ounces per cup. That being said, your recipe would be 4 1/2 to 5 cups of flour ( 1# 8 oz = 24 oz.) If it's all purpose flour you can add another 1/2 cup.

Joe

[AllenOK]

Whenever I encounter a measurement in weight, I always weigh that item. I have a cheap digital kitchen scale. You can get analog kitchen scales even cheaper.

[Katie E]

Sifted or unsifted measurement?

Unsifted flour weighs 5 ounces per cup.

Sifted flour is 4 1/2 ounces.

Choose your poison.

I've been cooking by weight for over 10 years and find it to be the most accurate way.

[Toots]

OY! Glad I asked ....thanks, I'll get a cheap scale.

[Russellkhan]

Originally Posted by Toots

OY! Glad I asked ....thanks, I'll get a cheap scale.

You'll be glad you did. It's not only more accurate, it's much more convenient, too.

[Katie E]

Originally Posted by Russellkhan

You'll be glad you did. It's not only more accurate, it's much more convenient, too.

Sorry, Russell. I hit "edit" instead of "quote," so you'll see your post has been edited. Not edited at all. Just me being dumb.

Anyway...Amen, to getting a scale. It's so much more convenient. Far fewer measuring tools, etc. are dirtied and it's also more efficient. I wouldn't trade my scale for anything.

[Michael in FtW]

Here's enough info to drive ya' nuts, Toot!

Starting with measuring technique ... assuming AP flour and 1 cup:

1) If you scoop out of the bag (using the measuring cup) and scrape it off on the side of the bag it's about 5+ oz

2) If you scoop out of a cannister (using the measuring cup) and scrape level with a straight edge, about 5 oz

3) If you scoop the flour out of bag/cannister with a spoon and spoon into the measuring cup and level with a straight edge - 4.5 - 4.7 oz

4) If you scoop the flour out of bag/cannister with a spoon and sprinkle it into the measuring cup and level with a straight edge - 4.0 - 4.5 oz

5) If you sift the flour into the measuring cup - 3-3.5 oz

6) If you shake, bump or thump the cup to level it - it will weigh more than if you don't.

There is also a difference between regions. AP flour in Canada and the Northern US regional flours tend to weight more than National US brands which weigh more than Southen US regional brands. Shirley Corriher mentions this in her book Cookwise.

The type of flour also makes a difference in weight per unit volume.

Glad I could help simplify this for you!

[B'sgirl]

I buy bags of gluten free flour for my son that are about 1.6oz per bag. It usually ends up being about 3 cups per bag, but it can very depending on the flour type. It's really close though.

[Katie E]

Originally Posted by Michael in FtW

Here's enough info to drive ya' nuts, Toot!

Starting with measuring technique ... assuming AP flour and 1 cup:

1) If you scoop out of the bag (using the measuring cup) and scrape it off on the side of the bag it's about 5+ oz

2) If you scoop out of a cannister (using the measuring cup) and scrape level with a straight edge, about 5 oz

3) If you scoop the flour out of bag/cannister with a spoon and spoon into the measuring cup and level with a straight edge - 4.5 - 4.7 oz

4) If you scoop the flour out of bag/cannister with a spoon and sprinkle it into the measuring cup and level with a straight edge - 4.0 - 4.5 oz

5) If you sift the flour into the measuring cup - 3-3.5 oz

6) If you shake, bump or thump the cup to level it - it will weigh more than if you don't.

There is also a difference between regions. AP flour in Canada and the Northern US regional flours tend to weight more than National US brands which weigh more than Southen US regional brands. Shirley Corriher mentions this in her book Cookwise.

The type of flour also makes a difference in weight per unit volume.

Glad I could help simplify this for you!

The whole thing also depends on humidity levels, too. That's why I rely on weighing my flour.