Yes—you can measure ingredients using all sorts of unexpected household items. While not as precise as a proper measuring cup, things like shot glasses, yogurt containers, and baby bottles often have known volume capacities or markings that make them surprisingly useful in the kitchen.
Here’s how to use these odd but effective tools when your regular measuring gear is missing.
🍻 Shot Glass
Standard volume: 1.5 oz (or 3 tablespoons)
Shot glasses are great for measuring:
- Vanilla extract
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
Use 2 shot glasses for about 1/4 cup (3 oz). Just note: not all shot glasses are the same size, so check the bottom or measure once with water to be sure.
🍿 Yogurt Cup
Standard volume: 4 oz (typically)
Most single-serve yogurt cups = 1/2 cup. You can use them to scoop dry ingredients like sugar or flour, or repurpose them for liquids in a pinch.
Use 2 yogurt cups to estimate 1 cup. Clean and dry well if you’re reusing for dry goods.
🧣 Baby Bottle
Standard volume: Varies; common sizes include 4 oz, 6 oz, and 8 oz
Most baby bottles have measurement lines in both fluid ounces and milliliters, making them excellent tools for precise liquid measurements.
Perfect for:
- Milk or cream
- Water
- Broth
Tip: Use the ml side for more precise conversions (e.g., 118 mL = 1/2 cup).
💚 Other Odd But Useful Measuring Items
| Item | Typical Volume | Rough Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Applesauce cup | 4 oz | 1/2 cup |
| Soda can | 12 oz | 1.5 cups |
| Mason jar (pint) | 16 oz | 2 cups |
| Tuna can | 5 oz | ~2/3 cup |
| Ice cube tray compartment | ~1 oz | 2 tbsp |
Always clean thoroughly, and test volume with water if you’re unsure.
Final Thoughts
When you’re short on tools, resourcefulness wins. Everyday items like shot glasses and baby bottles can step in as backup measuring devices—and in some cases, they’re even easier to use than traditional cups.
Just double-check volume markings when possible, and you’ll be back to cooking (or baking) without missing a beat.
Also read:
- 11 Creative Ways to Measure Without Measuring Cups or Spoons
- How to Measure 1/3 Cups Without a Measuring Cup
- Kitchen Measurement Conversion Chart (Printable)
Anne James—lovingly known as Jelly Grandma—is a professional canner, seasoned home cook, and lifelong preserver of traditional Southern skills. With over 55 years of hands-on experience in canning, gardening, cooking, and quilting, Anne brings generations of wisdom to every guide she writes.
Featured in both local media and by national brands like Hershey, Anne now shares her knowledge through PreservingSweetness.com and her YouTube channel, helping others rediscover the “old ways” of living well and making things from scratch.