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Cooking Measurement Conversions: Cups, Grams, Ounces & More

Updated: July 2026

Recipes travel the world faster than measuring systems do. An American recipe calls for cups, a European one for grams, and a British one might use ounces. This guide gives you the key kitchen conversions and explains when precision matters most.

Why cups are tricky

A cup measures volume, but ingredients differ in density. A cup of flour weighs about 120 g, a cup of sugar about 200 g, and a cup of butter about 227 g. That is why professional bakers weigh ingredients instead of scooping them — weight is unambiguous, volume is not.

The essential kitchen conversions

  • 1 US cup = 236.6 ml (a UK cup is 250 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon = 14.8 ml = 3 teaspoons
  • 1 fluid ounce = 29.57 ml
  • 1 ounce (weight) = 28.35 g
  • 1 pound = 453.6 g
  • 1 stick of butter (US) = 113 g = ½ cup

Oven temperatures

Recipes also switch between Fahrenheit, Celsius and gas marks. Quick anchors: 350°F = 175°C (the most common baking temperature), 400°F = 200°C, and 450°F = 230°C. Fan/convection ovens typically need about 20°C less than the stated conventional temperature.

When precision matters (and when it does not)

For soups, stews and sauces, rough conversions are fine — cooking is forgiving. For baking, precision matters: bread, pastry and cakes depend on ratios between flour, fat, sugar and liquid. For baking, convert by weight whenever possible and round to the nearest gram.

Related converters

Frequently asked questions

How many grams are in a cup of flour?

About 120 grams for all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled. Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour and can add 20-30% more weight, which is why weighing is more reliable.

Is a US cup the same as a UK cup?

No. A US cup is 236.6 ml while a UK/metric cup is 250 ml. The difference (about 5%) matters in baking, so check which the recipe intends.

How do I convert oven temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius?

Subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9. Common anchors: 350°F = 175°C, 400°F = 200°C. For fan ovens, reduce the Celsius figure by about 20 degrees.