The size of a dietary portion can be estimated using the hand of an adult.
|
Food
|
Hand Measure
|
|
1 - 2 ounces of pretzels or nuts
|
cupped hand (with fingers)
|
|
3 ounces of cooked fish, poultry or meat
|
palm of the hand (without fingers)
|
|
1 cup
|
clenched fist
|
|
1 ounce of cheese or meat
|
length of the thumb
|
|
1 tablespoon
|
distal half of the thumb from interphalangeal (IP) joint to tip
|
|
1 teaspoon
|
distal index finger from distal PIP to tip
|
where:
• 1 cup = 8 ounces
• 1 tablespoon = 0.5 ounces
• 1 teaspoon = 0.333 tablespoon = 0.167 ounces
• 1 ounce US liquid measure = 29.57 mL
• 1 ounce US avdp = 28.349 grams
Limitation:
• The hand and fingers vary in size for different individuals and with age.
