Cooking Unit Converter

Convert Recipe Measurements for Perfect Results

1 cup = 16 tablespoons

Volume Conversions

1 cup = 16 tbsp
1 cup = 48 tsp
1 tbsp = 3 tsp
1 cup = 8 fl oz
1 pint = 2 cups
1 quart = 4 cups

Metric Equivalents

1 cup = 237 mL
1 tbsp = 15 mL
1 tsp = 5 mL
1 fl oz = 30 mL
1 liter = 4.2 cups

Common Ingredients

1 cup flour ≈ 120g
1 cup sugar ≈ 200g
1 cup butter ≈ 227g
1 cup water = 237g
1 cup milk ≈ 244g

Baking Tips

Spoon & level flour
Pack brown sugar
Level dry ingredients
Use liquid cup for liquids
Weigh for best accuracy

Mastering Recipe Conversions

Success in cooking and baking often comes down to using the right measurements. Whether you're following a family recipe passed down through generations, trying an exotic international dish, or scaling a recipe for a crowd, understanding cooking measurements is essential. Different countries and even different cookbooks use varying measurement systems, making a reliable converter invaluable.

American recipes typically use volume measurements (cups, tablespoons, teaspoons), while European and professional recipes often use weight measurements (grams, kilograms). Volume measurements are convenient but can be less accurate because ingredients have different densities. A cup of flour measured one way might differ significantly from another method of measuring.

Precision in Baking

Baking is often called "kitchen chemistry" because it requires precise ratios of ingredients. Too much flour makes baked goods dry and dense; too little results in flat, greasy products. Professional bakers weigh ingredients for consistency, but home bakers often use cups and spoons. Understanding these conversions helps you achieve bakery-quality results at home.

When converting between measurement systems, remember that weight-to-volume conversions vary by ingredient. One cup of water weighs 237 grams, but one cup of flour weighs only about 120-130 grams (depending on how it's measured). This converter uses standard conversions, but for critical baking, consider using a kitchen scale for the most accurate results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tablespoons are in a cup?
One cup equals 16 tablespoons. To convert cups to tablespoons, multiply by 16. For example, 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons. This is a standard US measurement used in most American recipes.
How do you convert grams to cups?
Converting grams to cups depends on the ingredient's density. For water, 1 cup = 236.6 grams. For flour, 1 cup = approximately 120-130 grams. For sugar, 1 cup = approximately 200 grams. Use ingredient-specific conversions for accuracy in baking.
What is the difference between dry and liquid measuring cups?
Dry measuring cups are designed to be filled to the brim and leveled off, while liquid measuring cups have extra space above the measurement line to prevent spilling. Using the wrong type can affect recipe accuracy, especially in baking.
How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?
One tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons. This is a standard conversion in both US and metric cooking measurements. To convert tablespoons to teaspoons, multiply by 3. For example, 2 tablespoons = 6 teaspoons.
Why are precise measurements important in baking?
Baking is chemistry, requiring precise ratios of ingredients to work properly. Too much or too little flour, sugar, or leavening can result in dense, dry, or collapsed baked goods. Unlike cooking, where you can adjust as you go, baking requires accuracy from the start.