A dry measuring cup is a kitchen tool used to measure solid ingredients like flour, sugar, and rice. These cups typically come in various sizes, such as 1 cup, ½ cup, and ⅓ cup, allowing for precise measurements in cooking and baking. They are usually made of plastic, glass, or metal and often have a handle for easy pouring. To use a dry measuring cup, fill it to the top with the ingredient and then level it off with a straight edge, like a knife. This ensures an accurate measurement, which is crucial for recipes. Dry measuring cups differ from liquid measuring cups, which are designed for measuring liquids like water and milk.