Cup to Quart Converter
Convert cups to quarts with our free online volume converter.
Quick Answer
1 Cup = 0.25 quarts
Formula: Cup × conversion factor = Quart
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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Cup to Quart Calculator
How to Use the Cup to Quart Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Cup).
- The converted value in Quart will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Volume category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Cup to Quart: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Cup to Quart involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Cup = 0.25 quartsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 cups: 10 × 0.25 = 2.5 quarts
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
Need to convert to other volume units?
View all Volume conversions →What is a Cup and a Quart?
The US Customary Cup
1 US Cup = 236.588237 milliliters (exactly)
This is defined as exactly 8 US fluid ounces.
Breakdown:
- 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
- 1 cup = 48 teaspoons
- 1 cup = 1/2 pint
- 1 cup = 1/4 quart
- 1 cup = 1/16 gallon
The Metric Cup
1 Metric Cup = 250 milliliters (exactly)
Used in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada for recipes.
Why 250 mL?
- Nice round number in the metric system.
- Close to the US cup (only 5.7% larger).
- Easy to work with (1/4 liter).
The Imperial Cup
1 Imperial Cup = 284.131 milliliters
Based on the imperial fluid ounce (10 imperial fl oz).
- Rarely used today (UK now uses metric).
- 20% larger than a US cup.
Dry vs. Liquid Cups
Important Distinction:
Liquid Measuring Cups:
- Have a spout for pouring.
- Marked below the rim (to prevent spilling).
- Measured by filling to the line.
Dry Measuring Cups:
- Flat rim (for leveling).
- Filled to the brim and leveled with a knife.
- More accurate for flour, sugar, etc.
Volume is the same (8 fl oz), but the measuring technique differs.
The US liquid quart (symbol qt US) is a unit of volume in the United States customary units system. It is equal to one-quarter of a US gallon, which is exactly 57.75 cubic inches or approximately 0.946 liters. It is commonly used for measuring medium quantities of liquids, such as milk, oil, and juices.
Precise definition:
- 1 US liquid quart = 1/4 US gallon (exactly)
- 1 US liquid quart = 32 US fluid ounces (exactly)
- 1 US liquid quart = 2 US pints (exactly)
- 1 US liquid quart = 4 US cups (exactly)
- 1 US liquid quart = 57.75 cubic inches (exactly)
- 1 US liquid quart = 946.352946 milliliters (exactly, since 1959)
- 1 US liquid quart ≈ 0.946353 liters
Relationship to metric:
- 1 liter ≈ 1.057 US quarts (about 5.7% larger)
- 1 US quart ≈ 0.946 liters (about 5.4% smaller than liter)
US Liquid Quart vs. Imperial Quart
Critical distinction for international recipes and commerce:
US Liquid Quart:
- 946.35 milliliters (0.946 L)
- Based on US gallon (231 cubic inches)
- Used in: United States
- 1/4 of US gallon (exactly)
Imperial Quart:
- 1,136.52 milliliters (1.137 L)
- Based on Imperial gallon (277.42 cubic inches)
- Used in: United Kingdom, Canada (declining), some Commonwealth nations
- 1/4 of Imperial gallon (exactly)
Size comparison:
- Imperial quart is 20% larger than US quart
- 1 Imperial quart = 1.201 US quarts
- 1 US quart = 0.833 Imperial quarts
Why this matters:
- UK recipe calling for "1 quart" = 1.137 L (need 1.2 US quarts)
- US recipe calling for "1 quart" = 0.946 L (UK needs 0.83 Imperial quarts)
- Packaged goods: Must specify which quart when importing/exporting
US Liquid Quart vs. US Dry Quart
Two different quarts in US measurement system:
US Liquid Quart:
- 946.35 milliliters (0.946 L)
- Used for liquids: milk, juice, oil, water
- 32 fluid ounces
- Most common in everyday use
US Dry Quart:
- 1,101.22 milliliters (1.101 L)
- Used for dry goods: berries, grains, produce
- 16.4% larger than liquid quart
- Rarely used (mostly replaced by weight measurements)
When you see "quart" without qualifier: Assume liquid quart (default in US)
Note: The Cup is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Quart belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Cup and Quart
: From Teacups to Standardization
Before 1896: Chaos in the Kitchen
Before standardization, recipes were vague:
- "A teacup of flour" (but teacups varied in size!)
- "A coffee cup of sugar" (different from a teacup!)
- "A wine glass of milk" (which size glass?)
This led to inconsistent results. The same recipe could turn out differently every time.
Fannie Farmer's Revolution (1896)
Fannie Merritt Farmer, director of the Boston Cooking School, published the "Boston Cooking-School Cook Book" in 1896.
Her Innovation:
- Standardized the cup to exactly 8 fluid ounces.
- Introduced level measurements (level off with a knife).
- Specified exact amounts (1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup).
Impact:
- Recipes became reproducible.
- Home cooks could follow recipes with confidence.
- The cup became the standard in American cooking.
The Metric Cup (1970s)
When Australia, New Zealand, and Canada adopted the metric system, they created the metric cup (250 mL).
Why not use the US cup?
- 236.59 mL is an awkward number in metric.
- 250 mL is a round number (1/4 liter).
Result:
- US recipes use 236.59 mL cups.
- Australian/NZ recipes use 250 mL cups.
- Confusion when converting between systems!
The quart, meaning 'quarter part' (of a gallon), shares its history with the gallon. The US liquid quart is derived from the English wine gallon (231 cubic inches), making it distinct from the Imperial quart used elsewhere, which is based on the larger Imperial gallon.
Medieval Origins: The "Quarter Gallon"
Etymology and early use:
"Quart" from Latin "quartus":
- Latin: "quartus" = fourth
- Old French: "quarte" = quarter
- English: "quart" = one-fourth of a gallon
- Simple fractional relationship made it practical for trade
Medieval English liquid measures:
- Gallon: Primary large liquid unit (wine, ale, milk)
- Quart: 1/4 gallon (convenient middle size)
- Pint: 1/8 gallon (1/2 quart)
- Cup: 1/16 gallon (1/2 pint)
Why quarters were useful:
- Easy mental math: 4 quarts = 1 gallon
- Convenient container size for households
- Balanced between pint (too small for families) and gallon (too large for single use)
English Wine Gallon Standard (1707)
Queen Anne establishes wine gallon:
1707: Wine Gallon Act:
- Defined wine gallon as 231 cubic inches (exactly)
- Based on cylinder 7 inches diameter × 6 inches high
- Created to standardize wine trade across British Empire
- Wine quart = 231 ÷ 4 = 57.75 cubic inches
Why "wine" gallon:
- Separate from "ale gallon" (282 cubic inches) used for beer
- Wine gallon used for wines, spirits, and general liquids
- Eventually became standard for all liquids in American colonies
Colonial American adoption:
- American colonies used English wine gallon system
- Quart became standard for milk, cider, cooking liquids
- Taverns served drinks by the quart or pint
American Independence and Standardization (1776-1832)
US preserves wine gallon after independence:
1776-1820s: Post-independence confusion:
- No official federal standard after breaking from Britain
- States used varying interpretations of gallon/quart
- Trade disputes over measurement differences
1832: US Treasury Department standardization:
- Treasury established 231 cubic inch gallon as official US standard
- Quart = 57.75 cubic inches (1/4 gallon)
- Based on physical "gallon standard" kept in Treasury
- Applied to customs, commerce, taxation
Comparison to other measures:
- US adopted wine gallon (231 in³)
- Rejected British ale gallon and corn gallon
- Created permanent US standard independent of Britain
British Imperial Divergence (1824)
UK creates larger Imperial quart:
1824: Weights and Measures Act (UK):
- Britain replaced wine/ale gallon confusion with single Imperial gallon
- Imperial gallon = 277.42 cubic inches (10 pounds of water at 62°F)
- Imperial quart = 277.42 ÷ 4 = 69.36 cubic inches
- 20% larger than US quart
Why Britain changed:
- Wine/ale gallon system created confusion and fraud
- Wanted single standard based on water weight (metric influence)
- Scientific definition more precise than arbitrary cylinder
US did NOT follow:
- United States retained 231 cubic inch wine gallon
- Too disruptive to change established commerce
- American identity separate from British standards
- Permanent US-UK measurement split created
Result:
- US quart = 946 mL (wine gallon basis)
- Imperial quart = 1,137 mL (Imperial gallon basis)
- 20% size difference persists today
Metric Definition (1959)
Precise metric equivalent established:
July 1, 1959: International Yard and Pound Agreement:
- Defined 1 inch = exactly 25.4 millimeters
- From this: 1 cubic inch = 16.387064 cm³
- 1 US quart = 57.75 in³ × 16.387064 = 946.352946 mL (exactly)
Why this mattered:
- Ended slight US-UK inch discrepancies
- Allowed precise metric conversion
- International trade standardization
- Scientific calculations simplified
Modern Era (1960s-Present)
Metric pressure vs. quart persistence:
US resistance to metrication:
- 1975 Metric Conversion Act: Voluntary metric adoption (largely failed)
- Quart remains standard for beverages, automotive fluids, cooking
- Dual labeling common: "1 quart (946 mL)"
- No plans to eliminate quart from commerce
Other countries' metrication:
- Canada: Officially metric since 1970s, but Imperial quarts still understood
- UK: Officially metric, but pints persist for beer/milk (quarts rare)
- Australia/NZ: Fully metric, quarts obsolete
Current US usage:
- Grocery: Milk, juice, broth sold in quarts
- Automotive: Motor oil in quart bottles
- Cooking: Recipes use quarts for liquids
- Paint/adhesives: Often sold by quart
- Nurseries: Potting soil, plant containers sized in quarts
Common Uses and Applications: cups vs quarts
Explore the typical applications for both Cup (imperial/US) and Quart (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for cups
1. Baking
The cup is essential for American baking recipes.
Standard Measurements:
- Flour: 1-3 cups (depending on recipe)
- Sugar: 1/2 - 2 cups
- Butter: 1/2 - 1 cup (1-2 sticks)
- Milk: 1/2 - 1 cup
Precision Matters:
- Too much flour: Dry, dense baked goods.
- Too little flour: Flat, soggy results.
- Solution: Spoon flour into cup, level off (don't scoop and pack).
2. Cooking
Liquids:
- Water, broth, milk: Easy to measure in cups.
- Oil: 1/4 - 1/2 cup for sautéing.
Grains:
- Rice: 1 cup uncooked = 3 cups cooked.
- Pasta: 2 cups uncooked = 4 cups cooked.
Vegetables:
- Chopped vegetables: 1-2 cups (onions, peppers, etc.).
3. Nutrition & Serving Sizes
USDA Serving Sizes:
- Cooked Rice: 1 cup = 1 serving.
- Pasta: 1 cup cooked = 1 serving.
- Vegetables: 1 cup raw = 1 serving.
- Milk: 1 cup = 1 serving (8 oz).
- Cereal: 1 cup = 1 serving (varies by type).
4. Coffee & Beverages
Coffee Brewing:
- Standard Ratio: 1-2 tablespoons coffee per 1 cup (6 oz) water.
- Note: A "cup" of coffee is often 6 oz, not 8 oz!
Tea:
- 1 cup water (8 oz) per tea bag.
When to Use quarts
US Beverages
Selling milk, juice, and other beverages in the US.
Standard retail sizes:
- Milk: Half-pint (8 oz), pint (16 oz), quart (32 oz), half-gallon (64 oz), gallon (128 oz)
- Juice: Often 32 oz (quart) or 64 oz (half-gallon)
- Broth: Industry standard 32 oz carton = 1 quart
Why quarts work for beverages:
- Household consumption: 1 quart = 4 servings (8 oz each)
- Refrigerator fit: Quart cartons stack efficiently
- Freshness: Smaller than gallon, finishes before spoiling
- Portability: Easier to pour than gallon
Regional preferences:
- Northeast: Quarts common for milk
- Midwest/South: Half-gallons and gallons more popular
- Urban areas: Quarts suit smaller households
Automotive Fluids
Measuring motor oil.
Standard bottle size:
- 1 quart = 32 fl oz (946 mL)
- Convenient for topping off oil between changes
- Most engines require 4-6 quarts total
Industry standardization:
- Auto parts stores stock dozens of quart bottles
- Oil change shops buy bulk, dispense by quart
- Owner's manual specifies capacity in quarts
- Dipstick markings often show "add 1 qt" range
Environmental note:
- Empty quart bottles must be recycled properly
- Many retailers accept used oil and empty containers
Culinary Measurements
Cooking and recipe measurements, particularly for liquids.
Recipe conversions:
- 2 cups = 1 pint = 0.5 quarts
- 4 cups = 2 pints = 1 quart
- 8 cups = 4 pints = 2 quarts = half-gallon
Common recipe calls:
- "Bring 4 quarts of salted water to boil" (pasta)
- "Add 2 quarts chicken stock" (soup)
- "Use 6-quart slow cooker" (appliance sizing)
Measurement accuracy:
- For precision baking: Use cups and ounces
- For large-batch cooking: Quarts convenient
- Professional kitchens: Often use weight (grams) instead
Gardening
Gardening (measuring soil, water).
Soil and amendments:
- Potting mix sold in quarts for small projects
- Plant containers sized in quarts (1-qt, 2-qt pots)
Watering:
- Watering cans often 1-2 quart capacity
- "Water with 1 quart per plant" instructions
Liquid fertilizers:
- Concentrated fertilizers in quart bottles
- Dilution instructions: "1 oz per quart of water"
Additional Unit Information
About Cup (cup)
Is a cup the same everywhere?
No! There are three main types:
US Customary Cup: 236.59 mL (8 US fl oz)
- Used in: United States
Metric Cup: 250 mL
- Used in: Australia, New Zealand, Canada
Imperial Cup: 284 mL (10 imperial fl oz)
- Used in: Historical UK recipes (rarely used today)
Difference:
- Metric cup is 5.7% larger than US cup.
- Imperial cup is 20% larger than US cup.
Impact:
- Using the wrong cup can affect recipe results!
- Always check which cup system a recipe uses.
How many tablespoons are in a cup?
16 tablespoons = 1 cup
Breakdown:
- 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
- 1/3 cup = 5⅓ tablespoons
- 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
- 2/3 cup = 10⅔ tablespoons
- 3/4 cup = 12 tablespoons
Why This Matters:
- If you don't have a 1/3 cup measure, use 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon.
Is a dry cup different from a liquid cup?
Same volume, different measuring technique.
Liquid Cup:
- Tool: Measuring cup with spout and markings below rim.
- Method: Pour liquid to the line, check at eye level.
- Use: Water, milk, oil, broth.
Dry Cup:
- Tool: Measuring cup with flat rim.
- Method: Scoop or spoon ingredient, level off with knife.
- Use: Flour, sugar, rice, oats.
Why It Matters:
- Flour: Scooping packs it down (too much flour).
- Correct: Spoon flour into cup, level off.
How do I measure flour correctly?
The Right Way (Spoon & Level):
- Fluff the flour in the bag/container.
- Spoon flour into the measuring cup (don't scoop!).
- Level off with a straight edge (knife, spatula).
The Wrong Way (Scoop & Pack):
- Scooping directly from the bag packs flour down.
- Can add 25-30% more flour than intended.
- Results in dry, dense baked goods.
Weight is Better:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour = 120-125 g (spooned & leveled).
- 1 cup all-purpose flour = 140-150 g (scooped & packed).
- Use a kitchen scale for precision!
Can I use a coffee mug as a measuring cup?
Not recommended!
Why:
- Coffee mugs vary in size (8-16 oz).
- No markings for precise measurement.
- Not calibrated for cooking.
Exception:
- If you're making a ratio-based recipe (e.g., 1 mug rice to 2 mugs water), it works because the ratio stays consistent.
Best Practice:
- Use proper measuring cups ($5-10 for a set).
How many cups in a pound?
It depends on the ingredient! Volume ≠ Weight.
| Ingredient | Cups per Pound | |------------|----------------| | Water | 1.9 cups | | All-Purpose Flour | 3.6-4 cups | | Granulated Sugar | 2.25 cups | | Brown Sugar (Packed) | 2 cups | | Butter | 2 cups (4 sticks) | | Rice (Uncooked) | 2.4 cups | | Honey | 1.33 cups |
Key Insight: Always check a conversion chart for the specific ingredient!
Why do British recipes use grams instead of cups?
Accuracy!
Volume (Cups):
- Inconsistent: Packing affects measurement.
- Ingredient-dependent: 1 cup flour ≠ 1 cup sugar in weight.
Weight (Grams):
- Consistent: 100 g flour is always 100 g.
- Precise: No packing variability.
- Professional: All commercial baking uses weight.
US vs. UK Baking Culture:
- US: Home cooks use cups (tradition, convenience).
- UK: Home cooks use grams (metric system adoption).
How do I convert a US recipe to metric?
Method 1: Use Metric Cups (Australia/NZ)
- Replace US cups with metric cups (250 mL).
- Note: 5.7% difference may affect results.
Method 2: Use Weight (Recommended)
- Convert cups to grams using a conversion chart.
- Example: 1 cup flour (US) = 120 g.
Method 3: Use Milliliters
- 1 US cup = 237 mL (round to 240 mL for simplicity).
About Quart (qt)
How many pints are in a US quart?
There are exactly 2 US liquid pints in 1 US liquid quart. This is a fundamental relationship: quart = 2 pints, pint = 1/2 quart. For example, a quart of milk equals two pint-sized servings.
How many cups are in a US quart?
There are exactly 4 US customary cups in 1 US liquid quart. This is one of the most useful kitchen conversions: 1 quart = 4 cups = 32 fluid ounces. For cooking, remember that doubling a 2-cup measurement gives you 1 quart.
Is a US quart the same as an Imperial quart?
No. The US liquid quart (≈ 0.946 L) is about 20% smaller than the Imperial quart (≈ 1.137 L). The US quart is based on the wine gallon (231 cubic inches ÷ 4), while the Imperial quart is based on the larger Imperial gallon (277.42 cubic inches ÷ 4). When using British or Canadian recipes, you must convert: 1 Imperial quart = 1.2 US quarts.
How many fluid ounces are in a quart?
There are exactly 32 US fluid ounces in 1 US liquid quart. This is standard across all liquid measurements: milk cartons, broth containers, and juice bottles labeled "1 quart" contain 32 fl oz. Remember: 8 oz = 1 cup, 16 oz = 1 pint, 32 oz = 1 quart, 128 oz = 1 gallon.
How many quarts are in a gallon?
There are exactly 4 quarts in 1 US gallon. The word "quart" literally means "quarter" (of a gallon). This makes gallon-to-quart conversion easy: 1 gallon = 4 quarts, half-gallon = 2 quarts, quarter-gallon = 1 quart.
Is a quart bigger than a liter?
No, a US quart (946 mL) is slightly smaller than a liter (1,000 mL) by about 5.4%. Think of it this way: 1 liter = 1.057 quarts (about 5.7% more). For rough estimates, you can approximate 1 quart ≈ 1 liter, but for precision cooking or measurements, use the exact conversion: 1 qt = 0.946 L.
Why is motor oil sold in quarts?
Motor oil is sold in quarts because most engine oil capacities are 4-6 quarts, making quart bottles convenient for oil changes and top-ups. The quart size prevents overfilling (adding a full gallon would be too much) and allows mechanics and car owners to add exactly the amount needed. This standard has persisted for over a century in the automotive industry. Most oil change intervals involve draining the old oil and adding 4-5 individual quart bottles.
What is a dry quart?
A dry quart is a separate US measurement (1.101 liters) used for measuring dry goods like berries, grains, and produce, about 16% larger than the liquid quart (0.946 L). However, dry quarts are rarely used today—most dry goods are sold by weight (pounds/ounces or grams/kilograms) rather than volume. When you see "quart" in everyday use, it almost always refers to the liquid quart. Historical note: Farmers' markets occasionally sell berries by the "dry quart" basket.
How many quarts in a 2-liter soda bottle?
A 2-liter soda bottle contains approximately 2.11 US quarts. To convert liters to quarts, multiply by 1.057: 2 L × 1.057 = 2.114 quarts. This is slightly more than 2 quarts (which would be 1.89 liters). For comparison: 1 quart = 946 mL, so 2 quarts = 1.89 L, meaning the 2-liter bottle has about 110 mL (4 oz) extra.
Can I use a quart jar for canning?
Yes, quart-sized Mason jars (32 oz) are standard for home canning and preserving. They're ideal for pickles, tomatoes, jams, sauces, and preserved fruits/vegetables. Canning recipes often specify yields in quarts (e.g., "makes 6 quarts"). Make sure to use proper canning procedures with tested recipes, as jar size affects processing time. Ball and Kerr make standardized quart canning jars designed to withstand boiling water bath or pressure canning.
Why do recipes use quarts instead of liters?
Recipes in the United States use quarts because the US has not adopted the metric system for everyday measurements. Quarts align with other US customary units (cups, pints, gallons) used in American cookbooks, measuring cups, and kitchen tools. Converting recipes to metric would require replacing all standard US measuring equipment. While professional chefs and bakers increasingly use weight (grams), home cooks still predominantly use volume measurements like quarts, cups, and tablespoons.
Conversion Table: Cup to Quart
| Cup (cup) | Quart (qt) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.125 |
| 1 | 0.25 |
| 1.5 | 0.375 |
| 2 | 0.5 |
| 5 | 1.25 |
| 10 | 2.5 |
| 25 | 6.25 |
| 50 | 12.5 |
| 100 | 25 |
| 250 | 62.5 |
| 500 | 125 |
| 1,000 | 250 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Cup to Quart?
To convert Cup to Quart, enter the value in Cup in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our volume converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Cup to Quart?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Cup and Quart. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Quart back to Cup?
Yes! You can easily convert Quart back to Cup by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Quart to Cup converter page. You can also explore other volume conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Cup and Quart?
Cup and Quart are both standard units used in volume measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our volume converter for more conversion options.
For more volume conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
Helpful Conversion Guides
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📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for volume and other conversions.
⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
Understand the differences between measurement systems.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.
All Volume Conversions
Other Volume Units and Conversions
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Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — Standards for volume measurements
Last verified: February 19, 2026