Cooking measurements vary around the world, with some countries using volume-based measurements (cups, tablespoons) and others using weight-based measurements (grams, ounces). Understanding these conversions is essential for successfully following recipes from different sources.
Common Volume-Based Cooking Units
Cup (cup): A standard measuring cup in the US is 8 fluid ounces or about 237 milliliters. In Australia, it's 250 ml, and in the UK, it's typically 284 ml.
Tablespoon (tbsp): In the US, a tablespoon is 1/16 of a cup or about 14.8 ml. In Australia, it's 20 ml, and in the UK, it's 15 ml.
Teaspoon (tsp): In the US and the UK, a teaspoon is 1/3 of a tablespoon or about 4.9 ml. In Australia, it's 5 ml.
Fluid Ounce (fl oz): A US fluid ounce is about 29.6 ml, while a UK fluid ounce is about 28.4 ml.
Pint (pt): A US pint is 16 US fluid ounces (473 ml), while a UK pint is 20 UK fluid ounces (568 ml).
Quart (qt): A US quart is 32 US fluid ounces (946 ml), while a UK quart is 40 UK fluid ounces (1136 ml).
Gallon (gal): A US gallon is 128 US fluid ounces (3.8 liters), while a UK gallon is 160 UK fluid ounces (4.5 liters).
US Standard to Metric Conversions
US Standard
Metric Equivalent
1/4 teaspoon
1.2 ml
1/2 teaspoon
2.5 ml
1 teaspoon
5 ml
1 tablespoon
15 ml
1/4 cup
60 ml
1/3 cup
80 ml
1/2 cup
120 ml
2/3 cup
160 ml
3/4 cup
180 ml
1 cup
240 ml
1 pint (2 cups)
475 ml
1 quart (4 cups)
950 ml
1 gallon (16 cups)
3.8 liters
Common Weight-Based Cooking Units
Ounce (oz): A weight unit used in the US and UK, equal to approximately 28.35 grams.
Pound (lb): Equal to 16 ounces or approximately 454 grams.
Gram (g): The basic unit of mass in the metric system.
Kilogram (kg): Equal to 1,000 grams.
Common Ingredient Conversions
Ingredient
1 Cup Volume Equivalent
1 Cup Weight Equivalent
All-purpose flour
16 tablespoons
120-125 grams
Granulated sugar
16 tablespoons
200 grams
Brown sugar (packed)
16 tablespoons
220 grams
Confectioners' sugar
16 tablespoons
120 grams
Butter
16 tablespoons / 2 sticks
227 grams
Rice (uncooked)
16 tablespoons
185 grams
Milk
16 tablespoons
240 grams
Water
16 tablespoons
240 grams
Salt
16 tablespoons
288 grams
Honey
16 tablespoons
340 grams
Cooking Measurement Tips
For precise baking, measuring ingredients by weight (grams or ounces) is more accurate than using volume measurements.
When measuring dry ingredients like flour, spoon them into the measuring cup and level off with a straight edge for consistency.
When measuring sticky ingredients like honey or molasses, lightly coat your measuring cup with oil first for easier pouring.
Remember that "1 cup" can mean different volumes in different countries' recipes.
For the most accuracy, use the measurement system specified in the original recipe rather than converting.
Temperature Conversion for Cooking
Oven temperatures are commonly given in Fahrenheit (°F) in the US and in Celsius (°C) elsewhere. Quick conversions:
