Essential Kitchen Conversions
Quick Reference:
- 1 cup = 237 ml = 8 fl oz
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 ml = 3 teaspoons
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 ml
- 1 ounce = 28.35 grams
- 1 pound = 454 grams = 16 ounces
- Water boils at 212°F (100°C) at sea level
Common Cooking Conversions
Volume Conversions
- Cups → Milliliters
1 cup = 237 ml
- Tablespoons → Milliliters
1 tbsp = 15 ml
- Teaspoons → Milliliters
1 tsp = 5 ml
- Fluid Ounces → Milliliters
1 fl oz = 30 ml
- Pints → Liters
1 pint = 0.47 L
- Quarts → Liters
1 quart = 0.95 L
- Gallons → Liters
1 gallon = 3.79 L
Weight Conversions
- Ounces → Grams
1 oz = 28.35 g
- Pounds → Kilograms
1 lb = 0.45 kg
- Pounds → Grams
1 lb = 454 g
- Kilograms → Pounds
1 kg = 2.2 lbs
Temperature Conversions
- Fahrenheit → Celsius
Essential for recipes
- Celsius → Fahrenheit
US recipe adaptation
Common Baking Ingredients: Cups to Grams
| Ingredient | Volume (US) | Weight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup | 120g | Spoon and level method |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup | 200g | White sugar |
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup (packed) | 220g | Packed measurement |
| Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | 227g | Salted or unsalted |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup | 120g | Sifted |
| Cocoa Powder | 1 cup | 100g | Unsweetened |
| Honey/Maple Syrup | 1 cup | 340g | Liquid sweeteners |
| Milk/Water | 1 cup | 237ml | Liquid ingredients |
| Vegetable Oil | 1 cup | 224ml | Cooking oil |
| Rolled Oats | 1 cup | 90g | Old-fashioned oats |
Note: These are approximate values. For precise baking, always use a kitchen scale and weigh ingredients in grams.
Oven Temperature Conversion Chart
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 225°F | 107°C | Very slow oven - Dehydrating |
| 250°F | 121°C | Slow oven - Meringues |
| 275°F | 135°C | Slow oven - Long braises |
| 300°F | 149°C | Slow oven - Roasting |
| 325°F | 163°C | Moderately slow - Most cakes |
| 350°F | 177°C | Moderate - Standard baking |
| 375°F | 191°C | Moderate - Cookies, brownies |
| 400°F | 204°C | Moderately hot - Roasting vegetables |
| 425°F | 218°C | Hot - Quick roasting |
| 450°F | 232°C | Very hot - Pizza, searing |
| 475°F | 246°C | Very hot - High-temp roasting |
| 500°F | 260°C | Extremely hot - Broiling |
Tip: Most ovens have a ±25°F variance. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Pro Baking Tips
Always Weigh for Precision
For baking, weight measurements (grams) are more accurate than volume (cups). Invest in a kitchen scale for consistent results.
Spoon and Level Flour
Never scoop flour directly with the measuring cup. Spoon flour into the cup and level with a knife to avoid packing.
Room Temperature Matters
Many recipes call for room temperature ingredients. This affects volume and consistency, especially for butter and eggs.
Liquid vs Dry Measuring Cups
Use liquid measuring cups for liquids (with a spout) and dry measuring cups for dry ingredients. They measure differently.
Pack Brown Sugar
Brown sugar should be firmly packed into the measuring cup unless the recipe states otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams is a cup of flour?
One cup of all-purpose flour is approximately 120 grams when measured using the spoon-and-level method. However, if you scoop flour directly, it can be as much as 150 grams, which significantly affects baking results. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
What is the difference between US and UK cups?
A US cup is 237 ml (8 fl oz), while a UK/metric cup is 250 ml. This 13ml difference can matter in baking. Most recipes online use US measurements unless stated otherwise. Australian recipes typically use metric cups (250 ml).
Can I convert baking recipes from cups to grams?
Yes! Converting to weight measurements (grams) actually makes baking more accurate and consistent. Use the ingredient conversion table above, or use our cup to gram converters for specific ingredients. Always note that different ingredients have different densities.
How do I convert recipe temperatures?
Use the formula: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9 or use our temperature converter. Common conversions: 350°F = 177°C, 375°F = 191°C, 400°F = 204°C. Remember to preheat your oven!