Pinch, Dash & Smidgen Converter
Convert imprecise cooking measurements to standard teaspoon amounts.
Results
Old cookbooks and family recipes are full of imprecise measurements like 'a pinch of salt' or 'a dash of pepper'. These actually have standardized definitions: a smidgen is 1/32 teaspoon, a pinch is 1/16 teaspoon, a dash is 1/8 teaspoon and a tad is 1/4 teaspoon. Specialty measuring spoon sets even include these sizes for precise baking.
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Frequently asked questions
A pinch is 1/16 of a teaspoon (about 0.31 ml). It is roughly what you can pick up between your thumb and two fingers. For table salt, a pinch weighs about 0.36 grams.
A dash (1/8 tsp) is twice as much as a pinch (1/16 tsp). A pinch is what you pick up with fingers, a dash is a quick shake from a jar.
A smidgen is 1/32 of a teaspoon - the smallest named cooking measurement. It is about what you can pick up between your thumb and one finger. Specialty measuring spoon sets include this size.
There are 16 pinches in 1 teaspoon. Since a pinch = 1/16 tsp, you would need 16 pinches to make a full teaspoon.
A dollop is approximately 1 heaping tablespoon (about 3 teaspoons). It is commonly used for sour cream, whipped cream, yogurt and similar thick ingredients.