Accurate Weighing and Measuring

To test a digital scale if you don’t have a special calibration weight you can use coins: (Make sure to use new, shiny coins. Worn coins will weigh less).
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A U.S. nickel (5-cent coin for non-Americans) weighs exactly 5.00 grams and a U.S. cent (since 1983) weighs exactly 2.50 grams.
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U.S. Cents 1981 and before weigh 3.11 grams. (In 1982 solid bronze U.S. cents were replaced with copper plated zinc U.S. cents. In 1982 both metal types of U.S. cents were made.)
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Canadian coins are lighter. A Canadian 5-cent coin weighs 3.95 grams since 2000. A Canadian 1-cent coin weights 2.35 grams since 2000. Before 2000 coin weights changed several times due to changes in metal content.
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If you live in another country, check out your government mint web site or coin collectors web sites for gram weights of your local coins.


According to Cook’s Illustrated, these are the most accurate measuring spoons and cups they have tested (from 3 reviews in 2008, 2011 and 2012). - For Volume Measuring of U.S. recipes - These are U.S. size measuring cups and measuring spoons:
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-Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons Set - Model Number 74-7002
-OXO Good Grips Measuring Spoons - Model Number 76081
-Wilton Scoop-It Measuring Spoons - Model Number 2103-325
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-Amco Houseworks Professional Performance 4-Piece (dry) Stainless-steel Measuring Cup Set - Model Number 864
-OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Soft Handled Measuring Cup Set - Model 76181
-Zyliss Perfect Pour Measuring Cup Set - model number: 13620
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-Pyrex 2-Cup (liquid) Measuring Cup - Model Number 6001075