We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why trust us?

We tested and found the best and most accurate liquid and dry measuring cups on the market.

One of the most important factors in following a recipe is using the correct measurements. While many may think that any measuring cup will do, there’s a difference between liquid and dry measuring cups, and some are more accurate than others. Liquid measuring cups are designed with handles and pour spouts to measure — you guessed it — liquids, while dry measuring cups are best for ingredients like flour, sugar and rice as you can fill the cups and level them off. It's best to use measuring cups for their intended purpose to get the most accurate (and mess-free!) results.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliance Lab, we test all sorts of tools, gadgets and appliances, like air fryers and toaster ovens, so you can shop and cook with confidence. For measuring cups, our Lab experts examined more than 40 different liquid and dry sets and after careful evaluation, narrowed down the list to test about 30. For the liquid measuring cups, we evaluated them based on their measurement markings, ease of use and accuracy by weighing water on our laboratory scale and collecting data points of each. For the dry measuring cups, we scooped a total of 50 cups of sugar to assess their ease of use and precision. We also considered how sturdy each type of measuring cup was, whether they were dishwasher safe and how versatile their material was.

Here are the best and most accurate liquid and dry measuring cups of 2021, according to our results:

These OXO measuring cups are stackable and won't take up much room in your cabinets or countertops. In testing, our Lab experts found that they had accurate measurement readings across the board and scored an overall 5 out of 5 in performance. The set of three features standard cup markings as well as ounces and milliliters. The red lettering makes it easy to read, and the angled measurements on the inside of each cup also lets you easily read from above. The plastic cups are lightweight with a comfortable rubber handle and have an oval rime and pointed spout — perfect for pouring into narrow openings.

Set includes: 1-Cup, 2-Cup and 4-Cup versions

This 8-piece stainless steel, medium weight set was the top performer in our tests for dry measuring cups, scoring 4.5 out of 5 and had the most accurate reading out of all dry measuring cup sets tested. The rubber handle makes for a comfortable hold, and scooping is a breeze. The handles also feature clear and large printed measurement markings so you don't have to wonder if you have the correct spoon or cup when baking cookies. Each cup and spoon is magnetized which helps for a neat and organized stack. 

Set includes: ¼-Tsp, ½ -Tsp, 1-Tsp, 1-Tbsp, 1-Cup, ½ -Cup, ⅓-Cup, ¼-Cup and 1-Cup versions

KitchenAid is another trusted brand known for their products' performance, and their classic measuring cup set isn't any different. With an overall 4 out of 5 score for performance, this set scored the second highest out of the dry measuring cups we tested. We were surprised how easy they were to use for scooping and pouring thanks to their lightweight and rounded design. They're made of plastic, feature rubber tipped handles and come with an easy-to-detach plastic ring to keep all four cups in one place. The low price point is great if you don't want to invest too much into your cookware without sacrificing quality. 

Set includes: ¼-Cup, ⅓-Cup, ½ -Cup and 1-Cup versions

These measuring cups may be ones that you are very familiar with, as they are classic and have been around since 1925. The clear durable Pyrex glass makes it easy to see fluids, and the bright red print makes it a breeze to read the ounce, cup or milliliter markings. The curved spout makes pouring easy, and you don't have to worry about stains with the non-porous tempered glass that can be used in the microwave or oven. This set scored an overall 4.4 out of 5 in performance and scored a perfect score in measurement testing. What we love the most about this set is it comes with an assortment of sizes, ranging from 1-Cup to 8-Cup version. It's a favorite in the Kitchen Appliances Lab for recipe testing and getting the yield of large batches. 

Set includes: 1-Cup, 2-Cup, 4-Cup and 8-Cup versions

Squeeze and pour to get every last bit out, it's that simple. These easily stackable set of three fit perfectly inside of one another, great for storage and saving space. The lightweight silicone cups have a flat and sound base that gives the cup structure, yet the body is easy to squeeze when ready to pour, even into narrow spaces. When testing, we loved how easy it was to pour into various sized bowls without worrying about spillage, which is why it scored a perfect 5-star rating in our pouring test. The cups can also be used in the microwave, great for melting ingredients without dirtying additional dishes. The nonslip honeycomb pattern dissipates heat when used with hot liquids so you don’t have to worry about burning yourself.

Set includes: ½-Cup, 1-Cup, 2-Cup versions

While this might look like the perfect vessel to hold your lemonade, this isn't your average pitcher. This measuring cup holds up to 8 cups of water and features metric and standard cup markings, which are imprinted into the container. When measuring the cups' accuracy it scored a 5 out of 5 stars, but the downside is it only measures full cup markings. This cup withstands hot temperatures up to 375°F and can be used in the microwave. We loved how the comfortable handle is and that it gives you better control when pouring liquids. It also stays cool to the touch even when carrying hot liquids.

These stainless steel heavy duty cups from King Arthur Baking Company are durable and didn't bend at all during testing, which is why they earned a perfect score for sturdiness. They have extra long handles for a comfortable hold and made scooping and pouring a breeze. The set includes seven pieces, including in-between measurements that most dry measuring sets don't. The set also nests perfectly inside one another for storage.

 Set includes: ⅛-Cup, ¼-Cup, ⅓-Cup, ½-Cup, ⅔-Cup, ¾-Cup, and 1-Cup versions

Best known for their bundt pans, Nordic Ware has now incorporated the iconic bundt shapes into their measuring cups. When we first laid eyes on these, we couldn't get over just how cute they were and even more impressed later to see they performed well too, earning a perfect score for sturdiness. According to the brand, the smooth plastic makes it easy to clean and can withstand high heat. The set also features a ¾ cup which most sets do not offer. The set of six comes in colors like storm grey and sea grass.

Set includes: ¼-Cup, ⅓ -Cup, ½ -Cup, ⅔-Cup, ¾- Cup, 1-Cup versions

All Clad, the brand best known for their iconic cookware, makes measuring cups that are reminiscent of the pots and pans. Each measuring cup in the 8-piece set is heavy duty, just like their cookware, and each is constructed of stainless steel. The cups also feature a slight dip in the riveted handle, which makes for a more sturdy grip. The crisp edges of the cup makes leveling easy, and the larger cups have additional measuring marking on the inside which is convenient when you don’t want to use more than one.

Set includes: ¼-Tsp, ½ -Tsp, 1-Tsp, 1-Tbsp, 1-Cup, ½ -Cup, ⅓ -Cup, ¼-Cup and 1-Cup versions

Type: When looking for measuring cups, make sure to buy the appropriate ones. Dry and liquid ingredients aren’t measured the same way and require specific cups. For instance, if you measure your sugar in a liquid measuring cup, you can end up yielding more than you need since you can't level it off, which can alter the outcome of your recipe.

Size: For liquid, 2-cup versions are your best bet if you don't want a set.

Material: If you are someone who often uses melted butters or chocolates in your recipes, you should look for cups that are heat resistant like the Pyrex, OXO or Cambro. Plastic measuring cups are great if you are looking for something lightweight and easy to pour.

Measurement markings: Measurement marking should be easy to read and clear. You should also look for cups that have at least the basic markings 1-Cup, ½-Cup, ⅓-Cup and ¼-Cup.