Scaling recipes is easier with weight measurements (grams or ounces) because weight is consistent, unlike volume which can vary based on ingredient packing. This consistency simplifies the multiplication or division needed to adjust ingredient quantities.
When a recipe lists ingredients by volume (e.g., cups, tablespoons), the actual amount of the ingredient can vary significantly depending on how tightly it's packed. For example, a cup of flour can weigh different amounts depending on whether it's spooned and leveled or scooped directly from the bag. This inconsistency makes scaling inaccurate.
Weight measurements, on the other hand, are much more precise. A gram of flour is always a gram of flour, regardless of how it's handled. This consistency allows for accurate scaling. If you need to double a recipe, you simply multiply the weight of each ingredient by two. If you need to halve it, you divide by two. This direct proportionality makes the arithmetic straightforward and reliable. Metric units (grams) are particularly convenient because they are based on a decimal system, further simplifying calculations. Ounces, while still a weight measurement, may require conversion if scaling significantly.
Invest in a kitchen scale! Even a basic digital scale will dramatically improve the accuracy and consistency of your baking and cooking, especially when scaling recipes or working with delicate ingredients.