How to Measure 100 ml Without a Measuring Cup

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, a standard U.S. teaspoon is approximately 5 ml, making it a foundational tool for makeshift measuring. This principle is key when you need to know how to measure 100 ml without a measuring cup, proving that common kitchen items can be surprisingly effective for achieving the right volume.

Quick Summary

This guide provides practical methods for approximating 100 ml using household items. It covers conversions for tablespoons and teaspoons, using visual cues from common beverage containers, and leveraging a kitchen scale. Perfect for kitchen emergencies.

Key Points

Spoon Conversion: A metric tablespoon is 15 ml, so about 7 tablespoons approximates 100 ml.
Teaspoon Method: Using a 5 ml metric teaspoon, 20 level teaspoons will give you 100 ml.
Digital Scale Accuracy: A kitchen scale is the most accurate method for water, as 100 ml is equivalent to 100 grams.
Create Your Own Tool: You can mark a clear container using a known measurement, like a digital scale measurement, for future use.
Use What You Have: A 500 ml plastic water bottle can be divided into 5 equal parts to approximate 100 ml.

Measuring with Household Tools

In a kitchen emergency, your standard flatware and other common items can be your best friends for approximating liquid volume. By understanding basic conversions, you can get a measurement that is close enough for many cooking and baking applications.

Using Spoons for Liquid Measurement

One of the most accessible methods is to use standard cutlery spoons, although it's crucial to understand their approximate volumes. A metric tablespoon is 15 ml, and a metric teaspoon is 5 ml. This means you can calculate your way to 100 ml with some simple math.

Method with Tablespoons: Since a standard metric tablespoon is about 15 ml, you will need approximately 6.5 to 7 tablespoons to reach 100 ml. For better accuracy, measure out 6 level tablespoons, which gives you 90 ml, and then add another heaped tablespoon for the final 10 ml. For the most precise result, use a standard measuring spoon for tablespoons and level it off carefully for each scoop.
Method with Teaspoons: A metric teaspoon is 5 ml, so you would need 20 teaspoons to equal 100 ml. This is a more tedious method but offers a higher degree of precision if you're careful with your pours. For best results, use a level pour for each teaspoon.

Using a Kitchen Scale

For the highest accuracy, especially with liquid ingredients like water, a kitchen scale is the best option. The density of water is approximately 1 gram per 1 milliliter.

Method with a Kitchen Scale: Place an empty, lightweight container on your digital kitchen scale and press the 'tare' or 'zero' button to reset the weight to zero. Slowly pour your liquid into the container until the scale reads exactly 100 grams. This provides an almost perfect measurement for water or any liquid with a similar density. This is especially useful for baking, where accuracy is more critical.

Visual Estimations with Other Containers

For situations where extreme precision isn't necessary, you can use visual comparisons with other known volumes. This is a common practice for experienced cooks, but it requires some initial calibration.

Comparison of DIY Measuring Techniques


Method	Accuracy	Best For	Pros	Cons
Tablespoon Counting	Good Approximation	Liquids for cooking, sauces	Readily available, no special equipment	Time-consuming, depends on spoon size
Kitchen Scale	Very Accurate	Liquids for baking, precise recipes	Highly reliable for water and similar liquids	Requires a functioning kitchen scale
Visual Estimation	Low to Moderate	Less precise recipes, general cooking	Quick and no tools needed	Subjective, accuracy depends on experience

Creating Your Own Measurement Tool

If you find yourself frequently needing to measure without a proper cup, consider making your own simple graduated tool. This can be done with any clear, clean, straight-sided container and a permanent marker.

First, use a reliable measuring method, such as a digital scale, to measure out 100 ml of water into your empty container. Mark the water line with a permanent marker. This homemade tool can then be used repeatedly for future needs. For added convenience, you can also mark off smaller increments, like 50 ml, by measuring that volume separately. This is a great tip for meal prepping or for recipes you use often.

Conclusion

Even without a measuring cup, a variety of everyday household items can help you accurately measure 100 ml. For the most precise results, a digital kitchen scale is the gold standard for liquids like water, as 100 ml is equivalent to 100 grams. For a quick and reliable approximation, counting out about seven tablespoons is an effective alternative. Making your own marked container is also an excellent, reusable strategy. By using these methods, you can confidently proceed with your recipe and achieve consistent results, proving that resourcefulness is a key ingredient in any kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

You need approximately 6.5 to 7 standard metric tablespoons to measure 100 ml. Since a metric tablespoon is 15 ml, 6 tablespoons give you 90 ml, with an extra half tablespoon needed for 100 ml.

For water, 100 ml is equivalent to 100 grams. This is because water has a density of 1 gram per milliliter, making a kitchen scale a highly accurate tool for this measurement.

For a rough estimate, a standard 500 ml plastic water bottle can be used. By dividing the contents into five equal visual portions, each portion will be approximately 100 ml.

The most accurate method for liquids like water is using a digital kitchen scale. Tare the scale with an empty container and add liquid until it reads 100 grams.

Yes, volume measurements can vary significantly for dry ingredients due to density and how they are packed. The 100 ml to 100 gram conversion is only reliable for water and other liquids with a similar density.

You need 20 metric teaspoons for 100 ml, as a metric teaspoon is 5 ml.

You can use a clear container and a reliable measuring method, like a kitchen scale, to mark the container at the 100 ml level with a permanent marker.