Accuracy Matters: How to Measure 3/4 Teaspoon While Cooking

how to measure 3/4 teaspoon

Baking is a real science. Everything comes down to being precise in your measurement. So, for many beginners who don’t have a lot of experience, things can get confusing quickly — especially when it comes to figuring out teaspoon measurements.

While a lot of cooking tools include a set of different-sized measuring spoons, it’s almost impossible to find one that measures ¾ of a teaspoon. Therefore, if you’re wondering how to measure ¾ of a teaspoon, here is a baking lesson for your next sweet recipe.

Why Do Recipes Call For 3/4 Teaspoon?

Teaspoon

When it comes to imperial measurements, things can get confusing real fast. Most recipes keep things simple, by calling for either a full tablespoon or teaspoon of something. Hence why manufacturers make measuring spoons with this capacity.

However, certain recipes require smaller quantities of certain ingredients. This is usually the case with leveners like baking powder and baking soda. For example, baking powder is a dry acid base that becomes active when it comes in contact with liquids like water or milk.

The acid reacts by releasing carbon dioxide that causes things like muffins and cakes to rise.

This reaction is instantaneous and it requires very little baking powder to occur. In fact, adding too much baking powder is counterproductive. The chemical reactions can cause the batter to taste bitter.

It can also make the dough rise too much, before collapsing. This in turn gives your cake a coarse, unpleasant texture, with a tender center that falls apart when you expose it to cool air.

Something similar occurs when you add too much baking soda. Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a type of crystalline salt. But, unlike baking powder, it reacts when it comes in contact with acids such as vinegar, citrus juice, or sour cream. When this occurs, it releases carbon dioxide which causes the batter to expand and moisten.

However, when you add too much baking soda, you alter the flavor profile of your baked goods. Cakes end up tasting too soapy, while also having a tender, open crumb. Not only that, but if your recipe calls for cocoa powder, too much baking soda can cause it to adopt a reddish tinge.

This is why most recipes ask for about ¾ of a teaspoon of these leveners. This amount is usually enough to cause the desired chemical reaction, without altering the taste and texture of your baked goods.

How Much Is 3/4 Teaspoon?

How Much

Even though a lot of recipes call for ¾ teaspoon, it’s very rare to find a measuring spoon with this capacity. So, how much is ¾ of a teaspoon?

The answer to this question requires other measuring spoons and some math. In essence, ¾ of a teaspoon is just half a teaspoon plus one-quarter teaspoon. Therefore to get the right amount, just use a ¼ of a tablespoon to make ¾ teaspoon.

However, if you’re going to do this with a teaspoon, the rules are different. In that instance, ¾ of a teaspoon amounts to one-quarter less than a full teaspoon. Therefore, to accurately measure it, you simply don’t fill up the teaspoon all the way.

Another way to do this is with a ¼ teaspoon. ¾ of a teaspoon is ¼ of a teaspoon times 3. Therefore, simply add ¼ of a teaspoon three times, and presto! Your cake is complete and ready for the oven.

How to Measure 3/4 of a Teaspoon: 3 Ways

Measure

Figuring out measurements is easy when you have measuring spoons on hand. However, if you don’t have them, how do you measure ¾ of a teaspoon then? In that instance, you will need to get creative.

1. Measuring Using Milliliters

Let’s face it. The most convenient way to measure anything is by using a food scale. Food scales are much more accurate than cups or spoon measurements. Hence why every professional chef will use the metric system instead of imperial, because it’s much more accurate.

While milliliters are reserved for measuring liquids you can use them to measure dry goods too. Therefore, if you have a food scale, ¾ of a teaspoon is 3.69ml on the scale.

2. Measuring Using Grams

Those that use the metric system use milliliters to measure liquids and grams to measure dry goods. But the beauty of the metric system is that milliliters and grams are virtually the same. This means that 100ml will equal 100g regardless of whether you are measuring liquids or dry goods. Therefore ¾ of a teaspoon also equals 3.69g.

3. Measuring Using Your Fingers

If you don’t have a scale or measuring spoon, you can do your baking old school—with your fingers. Experienced chefs can sense exactly how much they should add when they pinch dry goods. But if you’re an amateur, you need a bit more guidance. Simply pinch a bit of whatever dry good your recipe calls for and add it six times.

However, keep in mind that this method is very inaccurate since everyone will grab a different amount. Therefore if you’re wondering how to measure ¾ teaspoon accurately, you should use one of the previous methods.

Nicole Middleton
Nicole calls herself a typical millennial girl and thrives on her share of social media, celebrity gossip, and all things viral content. She’s a big fan of pop music and plays the guitar as a hobby.