Essential Kitchen Measurement Conversions Every Home Cook Needs
You found a perfect recipe online, but it calls for 200 grams of flour and your measuring cups are in cups and tablespoons. Don't panic — this guide covers every kitchen measurement conversion you'll ever need, with a quick-reference chart you can bookmark.
Dry Ingredient Conversions
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | 125g | 4.4 oz |
| 1 cup sugar | 200g | 7.1 oz |
| 1 cup brown sugar (packed) | 220g | 7.75 oz |
| 1 cup butter | 227g | 8 oz (2 sticks) |
| 1 cup rice (uncooked) | 185g | 6.5 oz |
| 1 tablespoon flour | 8g | 0.3 oz |
| 1 teaspoon salt | 6g | 0.2 oz |
Liquid Conversions
| Measurement | Metric |
|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml |
| 1 tablespoon | 15 ml |
| 1 fluid ounce | 30 ml |
| 1/4 cup | 60 ml |
| 1/3 cup | 80 ml |
| 1/2 cup | 120 ml |
| 1 cup | 240 ml |
| 1 pint | 475 ml |
| 1 quart | 950 ml |
| 1 gallon | 3.8 liters |
Oven Temperature Conversions
| Description | Fahrenheit | Celsius | Gas Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very low | 250°F | 120°C | 1/2 |
| Low | 300°F | 150°C | 2 |
| Moderate | 350°F | 175°C | 4 |
| Moderately hot | 375°F | 190°C | 5 |
| Hot | 400°F | 200°C | 6 |
| Very hot | 450°F | 230°C | 8 |
Butter Measurements (The Most Googled Kitchen Question)
Butter sticks in the US are standardized, which makes conversion easy:
- 1 stick = 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons = 113g = 4 oz
- 1/2 stick = 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons = 57g
- 2 sticks = 1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 227g
Most butter wrappers have tablespoon markings printed directly on them — no measuring needed.
Pro Tips for Accurate Measuring
- Spoon and level flour: Don't scoop directly from the bag — spoon flour into the cup and level with a knife. Scooping can pack in 30% more flour.
- Use a kitchen scale: Weight measurements are always more accurate than volume. A basic digital kitchen scale eliminates conversion headaches entirely.
- Liquid measuring cups for liquids: Dry measuring cups aren't designed to be filled to the brim, leading to inaccurate liquid measurements.
Use Our Free Cooking Converter Tools
For any conversion, use our free tools:
- Temperature Converter — Fahrenheit, Celsius, Gas Mark
- Volume Converter — cups, tablespoons, ml, liters
- Weight Converter — grams, ounces, pounds, kg
- Kitchen Equivalents — common ingredient substitutions
Recommended Measuring Tools
Having the right tools makes every conversion easier. These are the measuring tools we recommend for every kitchen:
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups Set
Durable, accurate, and dishwasher-safe. Every kitchen needs a reliable set.
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Measuring Spoons Set
Narrow design fits into spice jars. Double-ended for both dry and liquid ingredients.
View on Amazon →
Digital Kitchen Scale
Accurate to 1g — the easiest way to avoid conversion errors entirely.
View on Amazon →
Glass Measuring Cup Set
Clear markings, microwave-safe, and perfect for measuring liquids accurately.
View on Amazon →
Instant Read Thermometer
Know your oven's actual temperature — most are off by 25°F or more.
View on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
FAQ
Is 1 cup the same in the US and UK?
No! A US cup is 240ml while a UK cup (imperial) is 284ml. Most online recipes use US cups unless stated otherwise. When in doubt, use weight measurements which are universal.
How many tablespoons in a cup?
There are 16 tablespoons in 1 US cup. This is useful when you need to measure a partial cup — 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons, 1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon, 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons.