American baking is all about cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons—but if you're following a recipe from another country or using a digital scale, you need to know how to convert. This is the ultimate USA cooking measurement converter guide. Learn how to convert US cups to mL, US ounces to grams, and US gallons to liters for perfect baking every time.
US Volume Measurements
| US Unit | Metric Equivalent | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (tsp) | 5 mL | Small amounts, spices |
| 1 tablespoon (tbsp) | 15 mL | Medium amounts, oil |
| 1 fluid ounce (fl oz) | 29.57 mL | Liquid ingredients |
| 1 cup (c) | 236.59 mL | Standard measurement |
| 1 pint (pt) | 473.18 mL | Large liquid amounts |
| 1 quart (qt) | 946.35 mL | Very large amounts |
Key Conversion Relationships
- 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
- 16 tablespoons = 1 cup
- 8 fluid ounces = 1 cup
- 2 cups = 1 pint
- 2 pints = 1 quart
- 4 quarts = 1 gallon
Weight vs. Volume
One of the biggest mistakes in baking is using volume measurements for dry ingredients. Here's why:
| Ingredient | 1 Cup (Volume) | Weight (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 120-125 grams |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 200-220 grams |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1 cup | 220-240 grams |
| Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | 227 grams (8 oz) |
| Milk | 1 cup | 240 grams |
Baking Tips for Success
- Use weight for dry ingredients: Digital scales give more accurate results
- Level off dry ingredients: Use the flat edge of a knife to level cups
- Don't pack flour: Spoon flour into the cup, don't tap or pack it
- Use proper measuring cups: Liquid measuring cups have spouts, dry measuring cups are level
Converting International Recipes
European recipes often use grams and milliliters. Here's how to adapt:
- Flour: 100g ≈ 0.83 cups
- Sugar: 100g ≈ 0.5 cups
- Butter: 100g ≈ 7 tablespoons
- Milk: 100mL ≈ 0.42 cups
Quick Tips
- Memorize basics: 3 tsp = 1 tbsp, 16 tbsp = 1 cup
- Use our converters: For precise results, use UnitFig's volume converter and weight converter
- Invest in a scale: Digital kitchen scales are affordable and improve baking results
Related Tools
FAQ
Are US cups different from metric cups?
Yes! A US cup is 236.59mL, while a metric cup is 250mL. Always use the correct measurement for your recipe.
Can I use a regular cup for measuring?
For baking, it's best to use proper measuring cups. Regular drinking cups vary in size and will give inconsistent results.
What's the difference between fluid ounces and ounces?
Fluid ounces measure volume (liquids), while ounces measure weight (solids). They are different units.