Understanding Cooking Measurements + Measurement Conversion Chart and Calculators

How many ounces are in a cup again? How many tablespoons in half a cup? From cutting down recipes to scaling them up, knowing how to convert measurements is an essential part of everyday cooking, but attempting the math in your mind– while simultaneously keeping dinner from burning – can be stressful. Since we know it’s nearly impossible to recall every single conversion formula off the top of your head, we put together a simple and easy-to-follow measurement conversion chart. Now, instead of trying to remember how many tablespoons are in a cup, you’ll always have the answer—no calculator needed! But first, let’s go over a few helpful measuring tips, as well as how to properly measure different types of ingredients.

Measuring Ounces: Volume vs. Weight

Since ounces are used to indicate both weight and volume, there can be a lot of confusion around this measurement. Fluid ounces refer to volume of liquids, such as milk or water, whereas regular ounces apply to the weight of dry ingredients, like flour and different types of sugar. Even though one cup of liquid equals eight fluid ounces in both volume and weight, a single cup of dry ingredients may fill the same amount of space but weigh much lesswhen moved over to a kitchen scale. Because measurements can be so tricky, we recommend using the appropriate tools when portioning out ingredients.

How to Take Measurements

You might be surprised to learn that there are two types of measuring cups: liquid and dry. Liquid measuring cups tend to be glass or plastic and show lines for multiple units of measurement, including cups and fluid ounces. They also tend to be larger to help prevent liquid from splashing out. Dry measuring cups hold only the amount they claim and are designed to be leveled off, making it easy to measure exact proportions. Whether working with dry or wet ingredients, you’ll want to use a measuring cup for larger quantities and a measuring spoon for smaller measurements.

Measurement Conversion Chart

Are you dealing with a recipe that calls for a measuring tool you don’t have? Or maybe you’re trying to turn a party dish into a dinner for two. Thankfully, pulling up cooking measurement conversions is as simple as scrolling down. Whether swapping cups to ounces or teaspoons to gallons, use our easy measurement conversion chart or conversion calculators for all your quick kitchen calculations.

We recommend bookmarking this page or printing the conversion table for future reference. You can also keep the ideas flowing by heading over to the Fresh Lane, where you’ll find more food trends, cooking tips, fresh recipes and everyday inspiration.