How to use this calculator
Start by selecting a category, Volume, Weight, Temperature, or Butter. Choose your "from" and "to" units using the dropdown menus, then type a value into the input field. The result updates instantly as you type.
Use the swap button to quickly reverse the conversion direction. For temperature conversions, try the common oven temperature presets to instantly see Fahrenheit-to-Celsius equivalents for standard baking temps.
Essential kitchen conversions
| Measurement | Equivalent | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 3 teaspoons | 14.79 ml |
| 1 fluid ounce | 2 tablespoons | 29.57 ml |
| 1 cup | 16 tablespoons | 236.6 ml |
| 1 pint | 2 cups | 473.2 ml |
| 1 quart | 4 cups | 946.4 ml |
| 1 gallon | 16 cups | 3,785 ml |
| 1 ounce (weight) | N/A | 28.35 g |
| 1 pound | 16 ounces | 453.6 g |
| 1 stick butter | 8 tablespoons | 113.4 g |
Measuring tips for baking vs cooking
Baking is chemistry, small measurement errors can mean the difference between a fluffy cake and a dense brick. For baking, precision matters. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour, pack brown sugar firmly, and use a scale whenever possible for the most consistent results.
Cooking is more forgiving. A little extra garlic or a splash more olive oil won't ruin a stir-fry. For cooking, volume measurements (cups, tablespoons) are perfectly fine. The key is tasting as you go and adjusting to your preference.
One important distinction: fluid ounces measure volume, while ounces measure weight. They're not the same. A fluid ounce of water weighs about 1.04 ounces, but a fluid ounce of honey weighs about 1.5 ounces. For water-based liquids the difference is negligible, but for dense ingredients it matters.
Frequently asked questions
How many tablespoons are in a cup?
There are 16 tablespoons in 1 US cup. A half cup is 8 tablespoons, a quarter cup is 4 tablespoons, and an eighth of a cup is 2 tablespoons. This is one of the most useful conversions to memorize for everyday cooking.
How do I convert oven temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius?
Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature, then multiply by 5/9. For example, 350°F = (350 - 32) × 5/9 = 177°C. The most common baking temperature, 350°F, is roughly 180°C, an easy one to remember.
How much butter is in one stick?
One standard US stick of butter equals 8 tablespoons, 1/2 cup, 4 ounces, or 113.4 grams. Most butter packaging has tablespoon markings on the wrapper, so you can cut directly on the line without measuring.
Should I measure ingredients by weight or volume?
Weight (grams or ounces) is more accurate and consistent, especially for baking. A cup of flour can vary by 30% depending on how it's scooped. Professional bakers and most international recipes use weight measurements for this reason. For casual cooking, volume is fine.