Need an instant estimate of the number of ounces in a cup? Want to convert tablespoons to cups? Do you know the difference between fluid ounces and dry ounces? This is the definitive quick guide and measurement chart for working with metric and imperial recipes.
With so many recipes available, it can be confusing to work with different measurements. Unfortunately, not all measurements are equal. Although dry and liquid ingredients use similar terminology and equipment, each has a different formulation. Dry measurements relate to weight, while liquid measurements consider liquid volume.
Of course, there are plenty of calculators online that can give you an answer or two, they aren’t comprehensive or easy to read. Here you can quickly convert from ounces to cups using the metric and imperial systems for all your favorite recipes.
Table of Contents
What equipment do you need to measure?
To measure liquid and dry ingredients, you need the following three tools:
Granulated measuring cup
These cups are used to measure dry ingredients. If you choose to measure the flour with granulated measuring cups, sift it before adding it to the measure. This is essential for accurate measurement.
Although most flour packets have already been sifted, they are often shaken and agitated during transport. As a precaution, it is always better to sieve again before measuring.
For complete accuracy, use the spoon and scrape method. Once you have added the sifted flour to the bowl, scrape the top with a spoon to remove the excess flour. This is essential for baking recipes and desserts like cakes and cupcakes.
Measuring cup for liquids
If the ingredient is a fluid or liquid, liquid measuring cups are used. These can be plastic or glass and are used to measure cups, ounces and millimeters. It is ideal for spreading chili or soup.
Measuring spoon
Measuring spoons are used to measure tablespoons and teaspoons.
How many fluid ounces are there in a cup?
Memorize the measurements the next time you count the ounces in a cup:
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces, 16 tablespoons
¾ cup = 6 fluid ounces, 12 tablespoons
½ cup = 4 fluid ounces, 8 tablespoons
¼ cup = 2 fluid ounces, 4 tablespoons
1 cup = 4.5 ounces dry weight (this is for dry ingredients like flour)
Keep in mind that not all ingredient measurements are created equal. For example, if you need 4 ounces of coconut milk to make a smoothie or 4 ounces of chocolate chips for chocolate chip cookies, the measurement will be different for both.
Dry and fluid ounces are not the same. So if it’s dry ingredients, measure them by weight. If you use liquid ingredients, we measure them in fluid ounces. There is a significant difference between fluid and dry ounces, so always check ingredients and measure them accurately before preparing a recipe.
Also Read: (DRY OR LIQUID) HOW MANY GRAMS IN AN OUNCE?
How many dry ounces are there in a cup?
Unlike liquid ingredients, there are different ounces in a cup of a dry ingredient. The level of dry ingredients directly depends on the type of ingredient. Here are some examples of common ingredients and how they differ:
1 cup fresh parsley = 1 oz
1 cup flour = 4 ¼ ounces
Air-popped corn = 3 oz
Chocolate chips = 6 ounces
Try this handy tool to find ounces in cups for hundreds of other dry ingredients.
Liquid or volume (liquid vs dry measuring cups)
Liquid and volume measurements are different. Here’s a helpful comparison below:
For liquid-fluid
US Standard = Metric (approximate)
⅛ teaspoon = 0.5ml
¼ teaspoon = 1.2ml
½ teaspoon = 2.5ml
¾ teaspoon = 3.7ml
1 teaspoon = ⅓ tablespoon = 5 ml
1 tablespoon = ½ fluid ounce = 3 teaspoons = 15 ml, 15 cc
2 tablespoons = 1 fluid ounce = ⅛ cup, 6 teaspoons = 30 ml, 30 cc
¼ cup = 2 fluid ounces = 4 tablespoons = 59 ml
⅓ cup = 2 ⅔ fluid ounces = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon = 79 ml
½ cup = 4 fluid ounces = 8 tablespoons = 118 ml
⅔ cup = 5 ⅓ fluid ounces = 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons = 158 ml
¾ cup = 6 fluid ounces = 12 tablespoons = 177 ml
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = ½ pint = 16 tablespoons = 237 ml
1 ½ cups = 12 fluid ounces = 24 tablespoons = 355 ml
2 cups = 16 fluid ounces = 1 pint = 32 tablespoons = 473 ml
3 cups = 700ml
4 cups = 32 fluid ounces = 1 pint = 946 ml = 1 L
8 cups = ½ gallon = 2 L
1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces = 8 pints = 4 pints = 3785 ml = 4 L
For dry weight
US Standard = Metric (approximate)
½ ounce = 15 grams
1 ounce = 30 grams
2 ounces = 60 grams
3 ounces = 85 grams
4 ounces = ¼ pound = 115 grams
8 ounces = ½ pound = 225 grams
12 ounces = ¾ pounds = 340 grams
16 ounces = 1 pound = 455 grams
British vs American measuring cups
Cup measurements may also vary depending on the country you live in. UK and US cup and ounce measurements also vary as they use different measurement systems. In the United States, they use the imperial system. While in the UK and many other countries the metric system is used.
1 British cup (metric system) = 250 ml
1 US cup (Imperial system) = 240 ml
For accurate results when following recipes, always double-check which system they are using OR measure accurately with cups and spoons.
How many cups are in 8 ounces?
One cup contains 8 fluid ounces.
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
¾ cup = 6 fluid ounces
½ cup = 4 fluid ounces
¼ cup = 2 fluid ounces
Does 4 or 8 ounces equal a cup?
It depends on the dry or liquid ingredients used. For example, flour, a dry ingredient, contains 4 1/2 oz. Water, a liquid ingredient, contains 8 fluid ounces.
Dry weight measurement: 8 ounces = ½ pound = 225 grams
Do 2 tablespoons equal 1 ounce?
2 tablespoons equal one fluid ounce.
2 tablespoons = 1 fluid ounce = 1/8 cup = 6 teaspoons = 30 ml, 30 cc
How many ounces is half a cup?
There are four ounces in a half-cup. This measure only affects liquid ingredients.
How many ounces in a cup of water?
A cup of water contains eight fluid ounces.
How many ounces in a cup of cheese?
Soft, crumbly cheese (such as feta or ricotta) contains six ounces per cup.
How many ounces in a cup of flour?
A cup of flour contains 4 1/2 ounces.
How many ounces in a cup of butter?
A cup of butter, measured as a solid, contains 8 ounces of butter.
How many ounces in a cup of grated cheese?
One cup of grated cheese equals three ounces.
How many ounces in a cup of cooked rice?
There are eight ounces in a cup of cooked rice.
Source: Learning Is Wisdom, thebigmansworld.com