Measuring

Use glass or plastic measuring cups with a spout for measuring liquids. Be sure to look from the side of the cup when it is on a flat surface.

Use metal or plastic cups, usually sold in 1 cup through 1/4 or 1/8 cup sizes, for your dry measurements.

When you measure flour, lightly spoon the flour into a measuring cup. 
Level off the flour with a straight edge. (We use a Popsicle stick) 
Be sure not to tap or shake the measuring cup.

For brown sugar, pack the sugar firmly  into the cup until the sugar holds it's shape when it is removed from the cup.