Cups to Milliliters Converter
Convert cups to milliliters for your international recipes.
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Table of Contents
Comprehensive Guide to Cup and Milliliter Measurements
Understanding Cup Measurements Around the World
Cup measurements vary across different countries and regions, making it essential to understand these differences when following international recipes. Here's how cup sizes differ globally:
| Country/Region | Cup Size (in milliliters) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US (Customary) | 236.588 mL | Common in recipes |
| US (Legal) | 240 mL | Used in nutrition labeling |
| UK, New Zealand, South Africa (Metric) | 250 mL | Modern recipes |
| UK (Imperial) | 284.131 mL | Older recipes (pre-1970s) |
| Australia, Canada | 250 mL | Metric standard |
| Japan | 200 mL | Standard Japanese cup |
These differences can significantly impact recipe outcomes, especially in baking where precision is crucial. For example, using a UK imperial cup (284 mL) when a recipe calls for a US customary cup (237 mL) would mean adding about 20% more liquid than intended.
Conversion Formulas for Different Cup Standards
To ensure accurate conversions between different cup measurements and milliliters, use these formulas:
US Customary Cup
Milliliters = Cups × 236.588
Cups = Milliliters ÷ 236.588
US Legal Cup
Milliliters = Cups × 240
Cups = Milliliters ÷ 240
Metric Cup
Milliliters = Cups × 250
Cups = Milliliters ÷ 250
UK Imperial Cup
Milliliters = Cups × 284.131
Cups = Milliliters ÷ 284.131
Practical Examples in Cooking and Baking
Understanding cup-to-milliliter conversions is essential for successful international recipes. Here are some practical examples:
Example 1: Measuring Liquids
A US recipe calls for 1.5 cups of milk. Using the US customary conversion:
1.5 cups × 236.588 mL/cup = 354.88 mL
If using metric measuring cups, you would need slightly less milk (about 1.42 metric cups).
Example 2: Converting a European Recipe
A European recipe calls for 500 mL of water. To convert to US customary cups:
500 mL ÷ 236.588 mL/cup = 2.11 cups
This is approximately 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons.
Example 3: Japanese Recipe Adaptation
A Japanese recipe calls for 2 cups of broth. Since Japanese cups are 200 mL each:
2 cups × 200 mL/cup = 400 mL
This equals approximately 1.69 US customary cups.
Quick Reference: Common Cup to Milliliter Conversions
Here's a handy chart for common cup measurements converted to milliliters using the US customary standard:
| Cup Measurement | US Customary (mL) | Metric (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ cup | 59.15 mL | 62.5 mL |
| ⅓ cup | 78.86 mL | 83.33 mL |
| ½ cup | 118.29 mL | 125 mL |
| ⅔ cup | 157.73 mL | 166.67 mL |
| ¾ cup | 177.44 mL | 187.5 mL |
| 1 cup | 236.59 mL | 250 mL |
| 2 cups | 473.18 mL | 500 mL |
| 4 cups (1 quart) | 946.35 mL | 1000 mL (1 liter) |
Tips for Accurate Measurement
Identify the Recipe's Origin: Always check where a recipe comes from to determine which cup standard to use. US recipes use the 236.59 mL cup, while modern metric recipes typically use the 250 mL cup.
Use a Scale When Possible: For the most accurate measurements, especially in baking, use a digital scale that can measure in grams or milliliters rather than relying on volume measurements.
Level Off Properly: When measuring dry ingredients with measuring cups, use the "scoop and level" method—scoop the ingredient, then level it off with a straight edge.
Use Appropriate Equipment: Use liquid measuring cups for liquids and dry measuring cups for dry ingredients. They're designed differently for accurate measurement of their respective ingredients.
Convert with Caution: When a recipe's success depends heavily on exact proportions (like baking), pay special attention to conversion accuracy.
Keep in mind that cup measurements are less precise than weight (grams) or direct volume (milliliters). For the most accurate results, especially in baking, consider using a kitchen scale to measure ingredients by weight.
How to Use the Converter
To convert cups to milliliters, follow these steps:
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1Enter the number of cups you want to convert
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2Click the "Convert" button
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3View your conversion result below the calculator
Cups to Milliliters Conversion Information
In the US customary measurement system, 1 cup equals 236.588 milliliters. This converter uses the following conversion ratio:
Milliliters = Cups × 236.588
Converting between cups and milliliters is useful when following recipes from different regions, as the US typically uses cups while many other countries use the metric system (milliliters).
Note: This conversion is for US customary cups. Different countries may have slightly different cup measurements.