Cup to mL Converter

Understanding Cup Measurements

Not all cups are the same size. The US cup, used in American recipes, equals 236.588 mL. The metric cup, used in Australia and New Zealand, equals exactly 250 mL. The imperial cup, historically used in the UK, equals 284.131 mL. When following a recipe from another country, using the wrong cup size can throw off proportions, especially in baking where precision matters.

This converter handles all three cup standards plus milliliters, liters, fluid ounces, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Enter any value in any unit and see all other units update instantly.

Common Cup Conversions

The most frequently needed conversions: 1 US cup = 236.588 mL, 1 US cup = 8 fluid ounces, 1 US cup = 16 tablespoons, 1 US cup = 48 teaspoons. For metric: 1 metric cup = 250 mL = 0.25 liters. For quick estimates, 1 US cup is approximately 237 mL, or just under a quarter liter.

Cups vs. Milliliters in Recipes

Cup measurements are volume-based, which works well for liquids but can vary for dry ingredients depending on how tightly they are packed. Professional bakers often prefer weight measurements (grams) for dry ingredients because they are more consistent. However, for liquids and everyday cooking, cup-to-mL conversions are perfectly reliable.

Fluid Ounces, Tablespoons, and Teaspoons

US fluid ounces (29.57 mL each) are the standard for liquid measurements on American packaging. One tablespoon is half a fluid ounce (14.79 mL), and one teaspoon is a third of a tablespoon (4.93 mL). These smaller units are essential for measuring spices, extracts, and other ingredients used in small quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mL are in a cup?

It depends on the cup standard. A US cup equals 236.588 mL, a metric cup equals exactly 250 mL, and an imperial (UK) cup equals 284.131 mL. The metric cup is the simplest to work with since it is exactly a quarter of a liter.

What is the difference between a US cup and a metric cup?

A US cup is 236.588 mL while a metric cup is exactly 250 mL. The difference is about 13.4 mL or roughly one tablespoon. Most recipes from the United States, Canada, and Latin America use US cups, while Australian and New Zealand recipes typically use metric cups.

How many tablespoons are in a cup?

There are 16 US tablespoons in one US cup. Each tablespoon equals approximately 14.79 mL. This means half a cup is 8 tablespoons and a quarter cup is 4 tablespoons.

How do I convert fluid ounces to cups?

Divide the number of fluid ounces by 8 to get US cups. One US cup equals 8 US fluid ounces. For example, 16 fl oz equals 2 cups and 4 fl oz equals half a cup.

How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?

There are 3 US teaspoons in one US tablespoon. Since there are 16 tablespoons in a cup, there are 48 teaspoons in one US cup. One US teaspoon equals approximately 4.93 mL.