Cooking Measurement Converter

Convert between common cooking and baking measurements.


Cooking Measurement Guide

Accurate measurements are crucial in cooking and baking. While cooking often allows for flexibility, baking is a science that requires precision. This converter helps you adapt recipes from different sources and scale ingredients up or down.

US Volume Measurements

UnitEquivalents
1 tablespoon3 teaspoons = 15 ml
1 fluid ounce2 tablespoons = 30 ml
1 cup16 tablespoons = 8 fl oz = 237 ml
1 pint2 cups = 16 fl oz = 473 ml
1 quart4 cups = 32 fl oz = 946 ml
1 gallon4 quarts = 128 fl oz = 3.79 L

Small Measurements

For very small quantities, cooking uses informal measurements:

  • Pinch: About 1/16 teaspoon, or what fits between thumb and forefinger
  • Dash: About 1/8 teaspoon, or a quick shake from a container
  • Drop: Approximately 0.05 ml, often used for liquid flavorings

US vs. Metric

Many international recipes use metric measurements. Understanding both systems helps you cook recipes from around the world:

  • 1 cup (US) = 236.6 ml (often rounded to 240 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon = 4.93 ml (often rounded to 5 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon = 14.79 ml (often rounded to 15 ml)
Note: UK and Australian cups differ from US cups. A UK/Australian tablespoon is 20 ml, not 15 ml. Always check the recipe's origin when converting.

Tips for Accurate Measuring

  • Use liquid measuring cups (with pour spout) for liquids
  • Use dry measuring cups (flat top) for dry ingredients
  • Level off dry ingredients with a straight edge
  • Don't pack flour; spoon it into the cup
  • Brown sugar should be packed firmly
Quick Conversions
  • 3 tsp = 1 tbsp
  • 4 tbsp = 1/4 cup
  • 8 tbsp = 1/2 cup
  • 16 tbsp = 1 cup
  • 2 cups = 1 pint
  • 4 cups = 1 quart
Common Substitutions
  • 1/4 cup = 4 tbsp
  • 1/3 cup = 5 tbsp + 1 tsp
  • 1/2 cup = 8 tbsp
  • 2/3 cup = 10 tbsp + 2 tsp
  • 3/4 cup = 12 tbsp
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