Cooking calculator

Cooking Unit Converter, Cups, Tbsp, Oz, Grams & Liters

Convert between cups, tablespoons, teaspoons, fluid ounces, grams, and liters for any cooking or baking recipe.

Published by · Reviewed against primary-source formulas

Converted Value

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Result

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Conversion used

How CalcMesh converts cooking units

We convert between US customary and metric measures using exact definitions: 1 US cup equals 236.588 millilitres, 1 ounce equals 28.35 grams, and 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons. Weight-to-volume conversions also depend on ingredient density, which we account for where known.

According to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, these customary-to-metric factors are fixed, so our conversions are exact for volume and mass; the density assumptions we use are documented in our methodology.

Common Cooking Conversions

Volume Quick Reference

Measure Equivalent
1 cup16 tbsp / 48 tsp / 8 fl oz / 236.6 ml
1 tbsp3 tsp / 0.5 fl oz / 14.8 ml
1 fl oz2 tbsp / 29.6 ml
1 liter4.23 cups / 33.8 fl oz

Weight Quick Reference

Measure Equivalent
1 oz28.35 g
1 lb16 oz / 453.6 g
1 kg2.205 lbs / 35.27 oz
100 g3.527 oz

US vs Metric Measuring Tips

  • Dry vs liquid cups: For liquids, use a glass measuring cup at eye level. For dry ingredients, use nested measuring cups and level with a straight edge.
  • Flour measuring: Spoon flour into the cup and level off. Scooping directly from the bag packs the flour and can add up to 20% more.
  • Use a scale: For baking, a digital kitchen scale is the most accurate tool, especially when converting between US and metric recipes.

Methodology & Assumptions

This calculator implements standard formulas drawn from primary-source authorities. Values are point-in-time estimates; consult a licensed professional for high-stakes decisions. See the per-input definitions and source citations below.

How this works

Computations are deterministic and run client-side, no inputs leave your browser. Formulas are derived from standard published formulas for the calculator's domain (mortgage, taxes, energy, conversions, etc.). When the underlying agency publishes updated rates or thresholds we refresh defaults and update the page's lastmod timestamp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tablespoons are in a cup?
There are 16 tablespoons in one US cup. This is useful to remember when you need to measure smaller amounts or when a recipe calls for a fraction of a cup. For example, 1/4 cup equals 4 tablespoons, and 1/2 cup equals 8 tablespoons.
What is the difference between US and metric cups?
A US cup is 236.588 ml, while a metric cup (used in Australia) is 250 ml, and an Imperial cup (UK, Canada) is 284 ml. Most American recipes use US cups. When following recipes from other countries, check which measurement system they use to avoid errors.
How do I convert between weight and volume for cooking?
Weight and volume are not directly interchangeable because different ingredients have different densities. For example, 1 cup of flour weighs about 125 grams, while 1 cup of sugar weighs about 200 grams, and 1 cup of water weighs about 236 grams. For precise baking, it is best to use a kitchen scale.
Why do professional bakers prefer weight measurements?
Weight measurements (grams, ounces) are more precise and consistent than volume measurements (cups, tablespoons). How you scoop flour, for instance, can vary the amount by up to 20%. Using a scale eliminates this variability, leading to more reliable and repeatable results in baking.

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This page identifies the inputs, method, and limitations behind its estimates. Calculator outputs are not professional advice and should be checked against the relevant primary source for a consequential decision. This calculator's formula and defaults are drawn from standard published sources for its domain, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.

Inputs, defaults, and authoritative sources
Input Default Source / authority
All inputs Domain-typical defaults Editorial methodology, CalcMesh 2026