Cooking Converter

How to Use This Cooking Converter

1. Enter the amount you want to convert in the input field
2. Select the unit you are converting from (cups, tablespoons, teaspoons, etc.)
3. Select the unit you want to convert to from the dropdown
4. Click Convert or view the instant result below
5. Use the swap button (arrows) to quickly reverse your conversion
6. Reference the quick conversion chart for common measurements

The converter updates in real-time as you type, making it easy to experiment with different amounts.

What is a Cooking Converter?

A cooking converter is an essential kitchen tool that translates measurements between different units used in recipes worldwide. This is particularly valuable when following recipes from different countries (US customary vs metric systems), adapting recipes for larger or smaller batches, or substituting measuring tools you have on hand.

American recipes typically use cups, tablespoons, and fluid ounces, while European and professional recipes often use grams and milliliters for greater precision. Being able to convert quickly between these systems opens up a world of international recipes and ensures your dishes turn out exactly as intended.

Understanding Volume Measurements

Volume measurements are based on the space an ingredient occupies. The US customary system uses these primary units:

• Teaspoon (tsp): The smallest common cooking measure, about 5 ml. Used for spices, extracts, and leavening agents.
• Tablespoon (tbsp): Equals 3 teaspoons or 15 ml. Common for oils, sauces, and smaller liquid amounts.
• Cup: The standard US volume measure, equals 16 tablespoons or 237 ml. Used for most liquid and dry ingredients.
• Fluid Ounce (fl oz): Volume measure, 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces. Not the same as weight ounces.
• Pint: Equals 2 cups or 473 ml. Common for dairy and beverages.
• Quart: Equals 4 cups or 946 ml. Used for larger liquid quantities.
• Gallon: Equals 16 cups or 3.785 liters. Used for bulk ingredients.

Common Conversion Formulas

Key kitchen measurement conversions to memorize:

• 1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons
• 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = 237 ml
• 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 15 ml
• 1 pint = 2 cups = 473 ml
• 1 quart = 4 cups = 946 ml
• 1 gallon = 16 cups = 3.785 liters
• 1 liter = 4.227 cups = 33.8 fl oz
• 1 milliliter = 0.034 fluid ounces

US vs Metric Cooking Measurements

The key difference between American and metric recipes is the measurement system:

• US System: Uses cups, tablespoons, teaspoons, fluid ounces for volume; pounds and ounces for weight
• Metric System: Uses milliliters and liters for volume; grams and kilograms for weight
• UK Measurements: Similar to US but with different cup size (UK cup = 284 ml vs US cup = 237 ml)
• Australian Measurements: Uses metric but tablespoon = 20 ml (vs 15 ml elsewhere)

Tips for Accurate Measuring

• Liquid vs dry measuring cups: Liquid cups have a pour spout and are read at eye level. Dry cups are filled and leveled.
• Level dry ingredients: Use a straight edge to level off cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Don't pack unless specified: Only pack brown sugar or ingredients that say "packed" in the recipe.
• Use proper spoons: Kitchen measuring spoons differ from regular silverware.
• Check your tools: Old measuring cups can become inaccurate. Verify with water and a scale.