Cup Weights vs. Spooned Weights
In standard recipes, a cup of flour can range from 110g to 160g depending on how it was put into the cup.
- Spooned / Spooned-and-Swept: The standard baking method. Flour is spooned lightly into the measuring cup, then swept level. 1 cup of AP flour spooned is 120 grams.
- Packed: Scooping directly from the bag packs the flour tightly. 1 cup of packed AP flour can weigh 150 grams or more, representing a 25% error!
Why Weight is Essential
By using a digital kitchen scale and converting recipes to weights, you eliminate the variations caused by humidity, flour compaction, and scoop size. Professional bakers always compile their formulas in percentages and absolute weights (grams) rather than volumetric scoops.