Cooking Measurements and Conversions

Cooking Measurements and Conversions

Cooking Measurements and Conversions Guide

• Measurements and Conversions Guide
• Cooking Equivalents and Measures
• Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
• Guide to Common Cooking Measurements

The Cooking Measurements and Conversions: ~ an Overview

Cooking measurements, equivalents, and conversions can be perplexing at times, but they don’t have to be!

I’m explaining all the fundamentals of measuring and converting in the kitchen, such as how to convert metric to standard, common cooking measurements and equivalents, and more.

Recipes use Volume or Weight (Mass) measurements.

When ingredients must be weighed rather than measured in cups, etc., a kitchen scale can be used. This is ideal for more precise recipes or when measuring in grams use;

• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Liquid measuring cup
• Kitchen scale

Measurement Guide for Common Cooking

Volume measurements in recipes commonly use teaspoons, tablespoons, and cups. The ounce and the pound are the two most commonly used weight measurement units in cooking.

Do not mix up “weight” and “volume” measurements, such as the ounce of weight and the fluid ounce.

Weight is measured using a scale, whereas volume is measured using the appropriate dry or liquid measuring cup.

(However, measuring spoons can be used for both dry and liquid measurements.)

The followings are some common cooking measurements and their equivalents.

Cooking Measurements & Cooking Conversions

Cooking Measurements Abbreviations

It’s important to comprehend those cooking abbreviations when following a recipe.

When writing out recipes, many (including mine) will use shorthand, and if you don’t know what it means, you might make a few mistakes.

Kitchen Measurement Abbreviations (Standard and Metric)

Abbreviation	Measurement
Tbsp	Tablespoon
Tsp	Teaspoon
Oz	Ounce
Fl. Oz	Fluid ounce
C	Cup
Qt	Quart
Pt	Pint
Gal	Gallon
Lb	Pound
Ml	Milliliter
G	Grams
Kg	Kilogram
L	Liter

Measuring Liquid Ingredients vs. Dry Ingredients

When measuring, dry and liquid ingredients should be handled differently; measuring cups and spoon sets are typically used for dry ingredients, whereas liquid measuring cups are used for liquid ingredients.

Exact measurements can be obtained by using the proper measuring tools.

• To get the most accurate amount of dry ingredients, fill the cup to the brim and then scrape the excess off the top (scoop and level method). This cannot be done with a liquid measuring cup, which is why it should not be used.
• While a liquid measuring cup will provide a more precise liquid measurement, when a recipe calls for small amounts of liquid, measuring spoons should be used instead.
• These suggestions are especially useful when preparing recipes that require precise measurements (like baking recipes).

Fluid Ounces vs. Ounces

Using ounces vs fluid ounces comes down to liquid vs dry ingredients. Ounces are used to measure weight, whereas fluid ounces measure volume.

The weight of dry ingredients is measured in ounces, while the volume of liquid ingredients is measured in fluid ounces (by volume). So just because a recipe calls for 8 ounces of flour doesn’t mean you need 1 cup.

Most American recipes (using the standard/imperial system) will list dry ingredients in cups/tablespoons/etc. rather than ounces. Remember this when measuring your ingredients!

Conversions and Equivalents in the Kitchen

Understanding basic cooking measurements and cooking conversions is essential kitchen knowledge.

When you’re following a recipe, you need to understand what everything means. And sometimes you can’t find that darn tablespoon to measure out your ingredients, so you wing it. But if you know that 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons, you can measure with confidence!

Simply follow these kitchen conversion charts, and you’ll have them memorized in no time, just like those multiplication charts from school.

Dry Measurements Conversion Chart

Teaspoons	Tablespoons	Cups
3 tsp	1 tbsp	1/16 c
6 tsp	2 tbsp	1/8 c
12 tsp	4 tbsp	1/4 c
24 tsp	8 tbsp	1/2 c
36 tsp	12 tbsp	3/4 c
48 tsp	16 tbsp	1 c

Liquid Measurements Conversion Chart

Fluid Ounces	Cups	Pints	Quarts	Gallons
8 fl. oz	1 c	1/2 pt	1/4 qt	1/16 gal
16 fl. oz	2 c	1 pt	1/2 qt	1/8 gal
32 fl. oz	4 c	2 pt	1 qt	1/4 gal
64 fl. oz	8 c	4 pt	2 qt	1/2 gal
128 fl. oz	16 c	8 pt	4 qt	1 gal

Butter Measurements Chart

Sticks	Cups	Tablespoons	Ounces	Grams
1/2 stick	1/4 c	4 tbsp	2 oz	57.5 g
1 stick	1/2 c	8 tbsp	4 oz	115 g
2 sticks	1 c	16 tbsp	8 oz	230 g

Metric Cooking Measurement vs Standard/Imperial Cooking Measurements

In the United States, we use the Imperial, or “Standard,” measurement system. As a result, our recipes are written in teaspoons, tablespoons, cups, pounds, and so on. But we’re in a bit of a bind because the rest of the world (for the most part) uses the metric system. In general, recipes are measured in grams and milliliters.

So what happens if you want to use a recipe that calls for metric cooking measurements but only knows (or has tools for) imperial cooking measurements? That is where cooking conversion tables come in handy!

These charts will help you get it right whether you’re measuring for volume or weight, or converting oven temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa).

Metric to US Cooking Conversions

These charts will help you quickly convert metric measurements to standard/imperial measurements (including oven temperatures!).

Oven Temperatures Conversion

(Degrees) Celsius	(Degrees) Fahrenheit
120 C	250 F
160 C	320 F
180 C	350 F
205 C	400 F
220 C	425 F

Liquid Measurements (Volume)

Metric	Standard
1 mL	1/5 tsp
5 mL	1 tsp
15 mL	1 tbsp
240 mL	1 c (8 fl. oz)
1 liter	34 fl. oz

Dry Measurements (Weight)

Metric	Standard
1 g	.035 oz
100 g	3.5 oz
500 g	17.7 oz (1.1 lb)
1 kg	35 oz

US to Metric Cooking Conversions

Standard	Metric
1/5 tsp	1 ml
1 tsp	5 ml
1 tbsp	15 ml
1 fl. oz	30 ml
1 c	237 ml
1 pt	473 ml
1 qt	.95 l
1 gal	3.8 l
1 oz	28 g
1 lb	454 g

What Is the Equivalent of 1 Cup? What Does 1 Cup Equal?

I think knowing what 1 cup equals is useful because, even if you’re short on kitchen measuring tools, most people will have a 1 cup measurement.

If you have that, you can go a long way! It’s also useful for cooking conversions like halving or doubling recipes.

Remember that 1 cup equals these various measurements, so everything in this chart is equivalent!

• 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
• 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
• 1 cup = 48 teaspoons
• 1 cup = ½ pint
• 1 cup = ¼ quart
• 1 cup = 1/16 gallon
• 1 cup = 240 ml

Conversions for Baking Pans ~ Baking Pan Conversions

Sometimes you come across a fantastic cake recipe designed for a specific type of baking pan…

However, you do not have that type or size of the cake, or you prefer to make a different style of cake. Not to worry!

You can adapt the recipe to fit another type of baking pan by determining how much cake batter goes into each cake pan. (The cups indicate how much batter will fit into the pan.)

• 9-inch round cake pan = 12 cups
• 10-inch tube pan =16 cups
• 10-inch bundt pan = 12 cups
• 9-inch springform pan = 10 cups
• 9 x 5 inch loaf pan = 8 cups
• 9-inch square pan = 8 cups

Baking Measurements That Everyone Uses (Conversions)

Remember how I explained the distinction between ounces and fluid ounces earlier?

Here are some statistics to back up the significance of that tip. 8 fluid ounces of liquid is frequently equal to 1 cup, but 8 ounces (weight) of a dry ingredient is rarely equal to 1 cup.

Baking in Ounces

Measurement/Ingredient	Ounces
1 c. all-purpose flour	4.5 oz
1 c. granulated sugar	7.1 oz
1 c. unsifted powdered sugar	4.4 oz
1 c. packed brown sugar	7.75 oz
1 c. rolled oats	3 oz
1 c. vegetable oil	7.7 oz
1 c. milk	8 oz.
1 c. heavy cream	8.4 oz
1 c. butter	8 oz.
1 large egg (white + yolk)	1.7 oz

Baking in Grams

Measurement/Ingredient	Grams
1 c. all-purpose flour	127 g
1 c. granulated sugar	200 g
1 c. unsifted powdered sugar	125 g
1 c. packed brown sugar	220 g
1 c. rolled oats	85 g
1 c. vegetable oil	218 g
1 c. milk	227 g
1 c. heavy cream	238 g
1 c. butter	227 g
1 large egg (white + yolk)	48 g

Volume

Water, milk, flour, sugar, oil, and many more can be measured using:

• Teaspoons
• Tablespoons
• Cups
• Fluid ounces
• Pints
• Liters

Some are metric, others US Standard, but it doesn’t matter when we have some measuring spoons and cups.

These are Measuring Spoons:

• 1 tablespoon
• ½ tablespoon
• 1 teaspoon
• ¼ teaspoon

Rough Equivalent Volumes

ml: milliliters, tsp: teaspoon, Tbs: tablespoon, fl oz: fluid ounces
These are not all precise, but they are close enough for cooking:

ml	tsp	Tbs	cups	fl oz	pints	quarts
5 ml	1 tsp
15 ml	3 tsp	1 Tbs
30 ml	6 tsp	2 Tbs	1/8 cup	1 fl oz
60 ml		4 Tbs	1/4 cup	2 fl oz
120 ml		8 Tbs	1/2 cup	4 fl oz
250 ml		16 Tbs	1 cup	8 fl oz
500 ml			2 cups	16 fl oz	1 pint
1 liter			4 cups	32 fl oz	2 pints	1 quart
2 liters					4 pints	2 quarts

The table above rounds up some values to make it simpler.

• 1 cup in the US is 240 ml, in the UK is 284 ml, and in Australia is 250 ml
• 1 fl oz (fluid ounce) in the US is 29.57 ml, in the UK is 28.41 ml
• 1 pint. A US dry pint is about 550 ml, and a liquid pint is about 473 ml. In the UK about 568 ml
• 1 quart in the US is 946 ml, in the UK is 1136 ml

Weight (Mass)

Recipes can also use these weight (mass) measures

• ounces
• pounds
• grams
• kilograms

Rough Equivalent Weights

These are not all precise, but they are close enough for cooking:

grams	ounces	pounds
30 g	1 oz
60 g	2 oz
120 g	4 oz	¼ lb
230 g	8 oz	½ lb
450 g	16 oz	1 lb
900 g	32 oz	2 lb

“A Liter is equal to a Kilogram” “A Liter is a Kilogram”

This is based on the assumption that a liter of water weighs approximately one kilogram. It also works with similar fluids such as milk and juice.

However, liters and kilograms are not the same things.

But be cautious! This will not work if the fluid’s density is not similar to water’s. A liter of honey, for example, weighs about 1.4 kg.

“A Pound is a Pint”

This is based on the assumption that 16 fluid ounces of water (1 pint) weigh approximately 16 ounces (1 pound). It is also effective with similar fluids such as milk and juice.

However, ounces and fluid ounces are not the same things.

But be cautious! This will not work if the fluid’s density is not similar to water’s. A pint of honey, for example, weighs approximately 24 ounces (112 pounds).

I hope these basic cooking measurements and conversions help to clarify things a little!

Know that cooking and baking measurements have previously confused me, and I want cooking and following recipes to be EASY for you.

I want it to make sense so you can enjoy cooking and feel comfortable in the kitchen.

FAQs about common cooking measurements and their equivalents

Teaspoon–Tablespoon–Cup Measurement Equivalents

• 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
• 12 teaspoons = 4 tablespoons = ¼ cup
• 24 teaspoons = 8 tablespoons = ½ cup
• 48 teaspoons = 16 tablespoons = 1 cup

Cup–Pint–Quart Measurement Equivalents

• 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
• 2 cups = 1 pint
• 4 cups = 2 pints = 1 quart
• 16 cups = 8 pints = 4 quarts = 1 gallon

How do you quantify food?

Weighing is the most precise method of measuring or calculating portion size. A kitchen scale can be purchased at most big box stores or online.

We recommend investing in a digital scale rather than a traditional spring-loaded scale. Digital scales are more accurate and easier to use.

What are the cooking measurements?

More Conversions for Kitchen Measurements

• 1 quart (gal.)
• 4 qt. 8 pt. 16 cups 128 oz.
• 1 Pint (pt) (pt.)
• 2 cups 480 mL = 16 fl oz.
• 1 cup (8 fl. oz.) 240 ml. 16 Tbsp.
• ¾ Cup 6 fl. oz. 180 ml 12 Tbsp.
• ½ Cup 4 fl. oz. 120 ml 8 Tbsp.

What are the three different types of measurement?

As you can see, there are four distinct measurement scales (nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio).

What are the ten different units of measurement?

• Length – meter (m)
• Time – second (s)
• Amount of substance – mole (mole)
• Electric current – ampere (A)
• Temperature – kelvin (K)
• Luminous intensity – candela (cd)
• Mass – kilogram (kg)

5 units of measurement used in the kitchen

Most recipes in the world use the metric system of units, which includes liters (L) and milliliters (mL), grams (g) and kilograms (kg), and degrees Celsius (°C).

Most English-speaking countries use the official spelling liter; the notable exception is the United States, where the spelling liter is preferred.

How do you convert food measurements using a food measurement calculator?

For the equivalents, use this quick cheat sheet:

• 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 15 milliliters.
• 4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup = 60 milliliters.
• 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons = 30 milliliters.
• 1 cup = 8 oz
• 1 pint = 2 cups = 500 milliliters.
• 1 quart = 4 cups = 950 milliliters.
• 1 quart = 2 pints = 950 milliliters.

How do you convert food to grams?

To begin, convert cups to ounces. Because 1 cup contains 8 ounces, divide the number of cups in one serving size by the number 8 to get the number of ounces in the serving size.

Then multiply that number by 28 to get the gram weight.

How much is 1 cup in grams?

Liquid (Wet) Ingredient conversions

Cup (Liquid)	Grams
1 cup	236.58 grams
2 cups	473.17 grams
3 cups	709.70 grams
4 cups	946.35 grams

What are the units of measurement for food?

The most frequently used units of mass or weight used in the Canadian food industry are grams and kilograms.

Units of Mass (Weight)

Unit	Abbreviation	Mass (Weight)
kilogram	kg	1000 grams
hectogram	hg	100 grams
decagram	dag	10 grams
gram	g	1 gran

Cooking measurements abbreviations

Abbreviations

• Teaspoon. Tbsp. Tablespoon. Pt. Pint. Qt. Quart.
• Ounce(s) lb. Pound(s) sq. Square. Min. Minute(s)
• Hour(s) doz. dozen. ml milliliter. l liter.

Cooking measurement converter app ~ what is the formula for converting a recipe?

Calculate the recipe’s required yield by multiplying the new number of portions by the new size of each portion.

Divide the required yield (Step 2) by the recipe yield to find the conversion factor (Step 1). In other words, the conversion factor = (required yield)/ (recipe yield).

Baking measurements in grams

Common Measurement Conversions for Baking

1 cup flour	120 grams	4.2 oz
1 cup sugar	200 grams	7.1 oz
1 cup brown sugar	220 grams	7.8 oz
1 cup powdered sugar	115 grams	4.1 oz
1 cup oatmeal	100 grams	3.6 oz

 

Different Types of Kitchen Measuring Tools and Scales

A rundown of various kitchen measuring tools and scales:

Measuring Cups: These come in sets with various sizes (1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, and 1/4 cup). They’re typically used for dry ingredients like flour, sugar, or grains.

Measuring Spoons: Like measuring cups, these come in sets of various sizes (tablespoon, teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon, etc.) and are used for smaller quantities of dry or liquid ingredients.

Liquid Measuring Cups: These have a spout for pouring and are specifically designed to measure liquids accurately. They usually have markings in milliliters and fluid ounces.

Kitchen Scale: Kitchen scales come in digital and analog varieties. They are used to measure ingredients by weight, which is often more precise than measuring by volume, especially for ingredients like flour and sugar. Digital scales are more accurate and easier to read.

Measuring Jugs: These are larger liquid measuring cups with a handle and spout, often used for measuring larger quantities of liquids like water, milk, or broth.

Balance Scale: While less common in modern kitchens, a balance scale uses weights to measure ingredients. It’s simple and doesn’t require batteries, but it’s not as precise as digital scales.

Portion Control Scale: These scales are specifically designed for portioning food, especially useful in commercial kitchens or individuals tracking their food intake.

Spring Scale: These are often used in professional kitchens for measuring larger quantities of ingredients like meat or produce. They have a spring mechanism that measures weight based on the amount of force applied.

Counting Scale: This type of scale is used for counting individual items by weight, useful in commercial settings where items are sold by quantity but measured by weight.

Pocket Scale: A compact, portable scale often used for measuring small quantities of ingredients or for precise measurements in specialty cooking or baking.

Each of these tools serves a specific purpose and can be handy depending on the type of cooking or baking you’re doing and your personal preference for accuracy.

Here are some questions and answers regarding different types of kitchen measuring tools and scales:

What is the purpose of measuring cups and spoons in the kitchen?

Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure dry and liquid ingredients for recipes. They ensure consistency and precision in cooking and baking.

How do liquid measuring cups differ from dry measuring cups?

Liquid measuring cups have a spout for pouring and are designed to accurately measure liquids. They typically have markings for milliliters and fluid ounces. Dry measuring cups are designed to be filled to the brim and leveled off for accurate measurements of dry ingredients.

Why is it important to use a kitchen scale for certain ingredients?

A kitchen scale provides more accurate measurements, especially for ingredients like flour and sugar, which can vary greatly in volume depending on factors like how tightly they’re packed. Weight measurements ensure consistency in recipes and better results in baking.

What are the advantages of using a digital kitchen scale over an analog one?

Digital kitchen scales offer precise measurements with easy-to-read digital displays. They often have features like tare functions, which allow you to zero out the weight of containers or subtract the weight of ingredients already added. Analog scales, while still functional, may be less precise and harder to read.

How can portion control scales be useful in a kitchen setting?

Portion control scales are beneficial for maintaining consistency in portion sizes, whether in a commercial kitchen or for individuals watching their food intake. They help ensure accurate serving sizes, which can be important for health, cost control, and consistency in recipes.

What types of ingredients are best measured using a balance scale?

Balance scales are suitable for measuring larger quantities of ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and meats. While they may not be as precise as digital scales, they can still provide accurate measurements for many cooking tasks.

In what situations would a counting scale be particularly useful?

Counting scales are handy in environments where items are sold by quantity but measured by weight, such as in retail or commercial settings. They streamline the process of counting large quantities of items by weight, saving time and improving accuracy.

When might a pocket scale be the preferred choice for measuring ingredients?

Pocket scales are useful for measuring small quantities of ingredients with precision, such as spices, herbs, or flavorings. They’re portable and convenient for use in kitchens, while camping, or for other on-the-go cooking needs.

What distinguishes a spring scale from other types of kitchen scales?

Spring scales utilize a spring mechanism to measure weight based on the amount of force applied. They are often used in professional kitchens for measuring larger quantities of ingredients like meat or produce.

How does a balance scale work, and what are its limitations?

A balance scale compares the weight of an object to known weights on the opposite side of a fulcrum. While simple and requiring no electricity, balance scales may not be as precise as digital scales and are less common in modern kitchens.

What are the benefits of using a digital kitchen scale for baking?

Digital kitchen scales offer precise measurements by weight, which is crucial in baking for achieving consistent results. They allow for accurate measurement of ingredients like flour and sugar, which can significantly affect the outcome of baked goods.

Can you explain the tare function on a digital kitchen scale?

The tare function on a digital kitchen scale allows you to zero out the weight of a container or previously added ingredients. This feature enables you to measure ingredients by weight without including the weight of the container, making it easier to portion ingredients accurately.

When might a kitchen use a counting scale instead of a regular kitchen scale?

A kitchen might use a counting scale when dealing with items that are sold by quantity but measured by weight, such as nuts, bolts, or small candies. Counting scales streamline the process of counting large quantities of items by weight, improving efficiency and accuracy.

What types of recipes benefit most from precise measurements using kitchen scales?

Recipes that require precise measurements, such as those for baked goods like bread, cakes, and pastries, benefit the most from using kitchen scales. Accurate measurement of ingredients by weight ensures consistency and improves the quality of the final product.

How can liquid measuring cups be used effectively for measuring ingredients like oils and syrups?

Liquid measuring cups are designed with spouts for easy pouring and are calibrated to measure liquids accurately. To measure ingredients like oils and syrups, simply pour the liquid into the measuring cup and read the measurement at eye level for accuracy.

What are the advantages of using measuring spoons for smaller quantities of ingredients?

Measuring spoons are ideal for measuring smaller quantities of dry or liquid ingredients, such as spices, baking powder, or vanilla extract. Their small size and varying capacities make them precise tools for achieving accurate measurements in recipes.

How can kitchen scales help individuals manage portion sizes for weight management or dietary purposes?

Kitchen scales enable individuals to measure food portions by weight, providing precise control over portion sizes for weight management or dietary purposes. By accurately measuring food intake, individuals can better track calorie and nutrient intake to support their health goals.

Are there any safety considerations when using kitchen scales?

When using kitchen scales, it’s essential to place them on a stable, flat surface to ensure accurate measurements. Additionally, avoid exceeding the maximum weight capacity of the scale to prevent damage or inaccuracies.

What features to look for when selecting a kitchen scale for home use?

When selecting a kitchen scale for home use, consider features such as maximum weight capacity, units of measurement (e.g., grams, ounces), ease of cleaning, and additional functions like tare and automatic shutoff for convenience.

How can kitchen scales contribute to reducing food waste?

Kitchen scales help reduce food waste by enabling individuals to measure ingredients accurately, preventing over-measurement and excess use of ingredients. By portioning ingredients appropriately, kitchen scales support efficient meal preparation and minimize leftover food that may go bad and ultimately go to waste.

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