Cooking Conversion Guide: Cups, Tablespoons, and More

Introduction

Cooking and baking require precise measurements, but recipes from different countries use different units. This guide will help you convert between common cooking measurements.

Volume Conversions

US Measurements

• 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons
• 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 0.5 fluid ounces
• 1 teaspoon = 0.167 fluid ounces
• 1 pint = 2 cups = 16 fluid ounces
• 1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups
• 1 gallon = 4 quarts = 16 cups

Metric Measurements

• 1 milliliter (mL) = 0.001 liters
• 1 liter = 1,000 milliliters
• 1 cup (metric) = 250 milliliters

Common Cooking Conversions

US to Metric

• 1 teaspoon = 4.93 milliliters ≈ 5 mL
• 1 tablespoon = 14.79 milliliters ≈ 15 mL
• 1 cup = 236.59 milliliters ≈ 240 mL
• 1 pint = 473.18 milliliters ≈ 473 mL
• 1 quart = 946.35 milliliters ≈ 946 mL
• 1 gallon = 3.785 liters

Weight Conversions for Baking

Baking often requires weight measurements for accuracy:

• 1 ounce = 28.35 grams
• 1 pound = 453.59 grams ≈ 454 grams
• 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds

Common Ingredient Weights

• 1 cup all-purpose flour ≈ 120-125 grams
• 1 cup granulated sugar ≈ 200 grams
• 1 cup brown sugar ≈ 220 grams (packed)
• 1 cup butter = 227 grams (2 sticks)
• 1 cup milk ≈ 240 grams

Temperature Conversions

Oven Temperatures

• 250°F = 120°C (Very slow)
• 300°F = 150°C (Slow)
• 325°F = 165°C (Moderately slow)
• 350°F = 175°C (Moderate)
• 375°F = 190°C (Moderately hot)
• 400°F = 200°C (Hot)
• 425°F = 220°C (Very hot)
• 450°F = 230°C (Extremely hot)

Tips for Accurate Cooking Conversions

1. Use measuring cups and spoons: Don't estimate with regular cups and spoons
2. Level off dry ingredients: Use a knife to level flour and sugar
3. Pack brown sugar: Brown sugar should be packed into the measuring cup
4. Measure liquids at eye level: Check liquid measurements at eye level for accuracy
5. Weigh for baking: For best results in baking, use a kitchen scale

Common Recipe Conversion Scenarios

Converting a US Recipe to Metric

Example: A recipe calls for 2 cups of flour

• 2 cups × 120 grams/cup = 240 grams of flour

Converting a Metric Recipe to US

Example: A recipe calls for 500 grams of flour

• 500 grams ÷ 120 grams/cup ≈ 4.17 cups (or 4 cups + 2 tablespoons)

Quick Reference Chart

Conclusion

Mastering cooking conversions opens up a world of recipes from different countries. Whether you're following a French recipe in metric or a US recipe in cups, our conversion tools make it easy to get accurate measurements every time.