Cooking Measurement Conversions: Standard and Uncommon Conversions - Including Ounces to Cups, Liquid and Dry Measurements
Liquid vs. Dry Measurements
When converting measurements in a recipe, you first need to understand the difference between liquid and dry measurements. Liquid ingredients, such as milk, can be perfectly converted between volume measurements called for in a recipe, such as 1 cup equals 8 fluid ounces.
However, when dry ingredients are listed as ounces in a recipe the measurement refers to the weight of the ingredients, not the volume. Most home cooks are accustomed to volume measurements (such as 1 cup) and may not own a kitchen scale to weigh dry ingredients in ounces. When approximating the correct weight of a dry ingredient with a volume measurement, follow this conversion: 1 cup for every 4.5 ounces.
Standard Cooking Measurement Conversions
Keeping the information provided above, about liquid vs. dry ingredient measurements, in mind, use the common cooking measurement conversions below when adjusting the size of a recipe. Most recipes can be increased or decreased in size without significant changes in the end product. Some recipes may specify not to double the recipe. Unless stated, feel free to adjust the recipe following these conversions.
1 Tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
1 fluid ounce = 2 Tablespoons
1/4 cup = 4 Tablespoons = 2 fluid ounces
1/2 cup = 8 Tablespoons = 4 fluid ounces
3/4 cup = 12 Tablespoons = 6 fluid ounces
1 cup = 16 Tablespoons = 8 fluid ounces
1 pint = 2 cups
1 quart = 2 pints
1 gallon = 4 quarts = 8 pints = 16 cups
Uncommon Conversions
Occasionally, you may need to convert uncommon measurements in a recipe. The conversions below are approximate, but will produce good results.
1 ounce = 28 grams
1 pound = 500 grams
2.2 pounds = 1 kilo
1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters (ml)
1 Tablespoon = 15 milliliters
1 cup = 1/4 liter
1 quart = 1 liter
Source: How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman, 1998.
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