Spoon & Level vs. Scooped vs. Packed
If you aren't using a scale, the method you use to fill your measuring cup is more important than the cup itself.
Spoon and Level (The Standard)
Gently spoon the ingredient into the cup until it overflows, then level it off with the back of a knife. Do not shake or tap the cup. This method results in the most consistent volume.
Dip and Sweep / Scooped
Dipping the cup directly into the bag. This often "packs" the flour, resulting in up to 20% more flour than a recipe intends. We do not recommend this unless the recipe specifies it.
Packed
Mostly used for brown sugar. Press the ingredient firmly into the cup until it holds its shape when inverted. Our weight converters default to "firmly packed" density for brown sugar.
Pro Tip: Just use a Scale
"A cup of flour can weigh anywhere from 120g to 160g depending on who measures it. A scale always measures 140g as 140g."