4 min read
Following a recipe from another country? The "cup" measurement is not universal โ a US cup, metric cup, and imperial cup are all different sizes. Here is how to convert accurately for perfect baking results.
Not All Cups Are Equal
1 US cup = 236.6 ml
1 Metric cup = 250 ml
1 Imperial cup = 284 ml
Most American recipes use US customary cups. Australian and some European recipes use the metric cup (250 ml). The imperial cup is rarely used in modern recipes.
Quick Conversion Chart (US Cups)
| US Cups | Millilitres | Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|
| ยผ cup | 59 ml | 4 tbsp |
| โ cup | 79 ml | 5โ tbsp |
| ยฝ cup | 118 ml | 8 tbsp |
| โ cup | 158 ml | 10โ tbsp |
| ยพ cup | 177 ml | 12 tbsp |
| 1 cup | 237 ml | 16 tbsp |
| 2 cups | 473 ml | 32 tbsp |
Baking Tips for Metric Conversions
- โถ Liquids: Use a measuring jug for ml โ measuring cups are less precise for liquids
- โถ Flour: 1 cup of flour โ 125g (but varies by how tightly packed)
- โถ Sugar: 1 cup of sugar โ 200g (granulated) or 220g (packed brown)
- โถ Butter: 1 cup = 227g = 2 sticks (US)
- โถ When in doubt: Weigh ingredients in grams for the most accurate baking
Why Professional Bakers Use Weight
Volume measurements (cups) are inconsistent because how you scoop affects the amount. A "cup of flour" can vary by 30% between cooks. That is why professional recipes use grams โ it is always exact regardless of technique.
๐ Try our free volume converter
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