Are you wondering how to measure 1/8 teaspoon if you don’t own a measuring spoon of that size? You don’t own a measuring spoon to measure any other measurement. Here’s how it works.
My grandmother used to measure a teaspoon of something in her hand when she needed it. My mother had measuring spoons, and she taught me how to use them. But I almost never used them myself. She just measured her hand. Over time, I was able to learn their “eyeball estimations.”
You’ll be thinking, “That can’t possibly be right!” I know you will. Before I wrote this, I double-checked the measurements against actual measuring spoons. Mom was correct.

How to Measure Without a Measuring Spoon
1/8 teaspoon | 1 pinch using your thumb, index and middle finger |
1/4 teaspoon | 2 of the above pinches OR cup your hand like you were holding water in it; pour a mound into the center of your hand about the size of a nickel |
1/2 teaspoon | a mound about the size of a quarter in your cupped hand |
1 teaspoon | a mound about 1/4-inch all around larger than a quarter in your cupped hand OR an “eating” teaspoon about half full |
1 tablespoon | fill a soup spoon so it is very slightly rounded up OR turn a 12-ounce pop or beer can upside down (wash it!) – that depression in the bottom holds exactly 1 tablespoon |
Even if these are not your regular uses, it is worth printing this guide and keeping it handy in case you ever lose a measuring cup, or it takes a while to get another one. Or you’re in a metric nation!
That’s it on how do I make 1/4 teaspoon.