Wondering how many ounces are in a cup? Not to worry, this guide has you covered and a handy way to remember plus a free printable conversions guide to keep in your kitchen!
There are so many moments when we stop to think how do you convert cups to ounces? When you are working in the metric or imperial system how do you convert those quantities?
Or perhaps there are those times we are wondering how many ounces is in a cup of coffee? This is a handy tool to help you with questions like that and is helpful for making drinks like Fresh Pressed Celery Juice and you want to double or quadruple any liquids.
There are many quick calculated methods on the web, which is great at times, but this guide will help you retain the information so you can use it every time you get stuck.
We cover converting ounces to cups, tablespoons and teaspoons to cups, and explain fluid ounces versus dry ounces. This chart is so helpful so you have the tools you need for culinary success!
Use this handy Free Printable Measurement Conversions Chart as a quick guide to liquid measurements and dry measurement conversions.
Jump to:
- What is an ounce?
- Is measuring liquid and dry the same?
- How many ounces in a cup
- Free printable on Ounces to Cups: Liquid and Dry Conversions
- Equipment for measuring
- How to fill dry measuring cups
- How to fill liquid measuring cups
- Measuring butter and coconut oil
- Fluid ounces to cups
- Dry ounces to cups
- British and American measuring cups
- How many ounces is a shot?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- More kitchen conversions
What is an ounce?
An ounce is a unit of measurement commonly used for mass in the United States and other countries. In the United States customary system, one ounce is equivalent to approximately 28.35 grams.
There are also different types of ounces, with the most common being the avoirdupois ounce used for measuring most goods (weight), and the troy ounce, commonly used for precious metals like gold and silver.
In the metric system, which is widely used around the world, mass is typically measured in grams and kilograms, and one ounce is approximately 28.35 grams.
Is measuring liquid and dry the same?
Not all measurements are created equal. Measuring 4 ounces of lime juice for a Margarita Recipe is much different than measuring 4 ounces of flour for Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Liquid and dry ingredients measure differently as dry ingredients typically measure by weight when recipes ask for them in ounces or grams. Liquid on the other hand measures by fluid ounces. There is a big difference between fluid ounces and dry ounces so always check your recipe.
How many ounces in a cup
Here is a quick snapshot to help you learn how many ounces is in 1 cup and more.
- 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces, 16 tablespoons
- ¾ cup = 6 fluid ounces, 12 tablespoons
- ½ cup = 4 fluid ounces, 8 tablespoons
- ¼ cup = 2 fluid ounces, 4 tablespoons
- 1 cup = 4.5 dry weight ounces (dry weight is measuring flour and sugars and dry ingredients)
Here is a helpful conversions measuring chart for how many ounces in a cup for Dry Volume. These measurements are approximate and are rounded to the nearest whole number. Get this information as a free printable Ounces to Cups Chart and be sure to also check out How Many Grams in an Ounce.
US standard = Metric (approximate)
| Ounces (oz) | Grams (g) | Pounds (lb) |
| ½ ounce | 15 grams | 0.03125 pounds |
| 2 ounces | 30 grams | 0.0625 pounds |
| 3 ounces | 85 grams | 0.125 pounds |
| 4 ounces | 115 grams | 0.25 pounds (¼ lb) |
| 8 ounces | 225 grams | 0.5 pounds (½ lb) |
| 10 ounces | 283 grams | 0.625 pounds |
| 12 ounces | 340 grams | 0.75 pounds (¾ lb) |
| 16 ounces | 455 grams | 1 pound |
Below is the ounces to cups conversions for liquid fluid ounces. Measurements are approximate and rounded to the nearest whole number as well. Be sure to also check out How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon.
| Ounces (fl oz) | Cups | Milliliters (mL) | Tablespoons (Tbsp) |
| 1 fl oz | ⅛ cup | 30 mL | 2 Tbsp |
| 2 fl oz | ¼ cup | 59 mL | 4 Tbsp |
| 2 ⅔ fl oz | ⅓ cup | 79 mL | 5 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon |
| 4 fl oz | ½ cup | 118 mL | 8 Tbsp |
| 5 ⅓ fl oz | ⅔ cup | 158 mL | 10 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons |
| 6 fl oz | ¾ cup | 177 mL | 12 Tbsp |
| 8 fl oz | 1 cup | 237 mL | 16 Tbsp |
| 12 fl oz | 1 ½ cups | 355 mL | 24 Tbsp |
| 16 fl oz | 2 cups | 473 mL | 32 Tbsp |
| 24 fl oz | 3 cups | 700 mL | 48 Tbsp |
| 32 fl oz | 4 cups | 946 mL | 64 Tbsp |
Free printable on Ounces to Cups: Liquid and Dry Conversions
Print this helpful dry and liquid measurement conversions chart below as a handy reference for how many ounces in a cup and more! Whenever you have conversion questions, this is your go-to for converting dry and liquid ingredients. Please pin to Pinterest to save and share!
Equipment for measuring
When determining how many cups in an ounce the proper kitchen tools are needed. There are three different tools needed for measuring dry and liquid ingredients; dry measuring cups, liquid measuring cups, and measuring spoons.
Granulated measuring cups
Granulated Measuring Cups are used for dry ingredients as they can be leveled off for an exact measurement. Make sure to sift flours as needed before using for the best measurement.
Flour is already sifted before it is packaged, but it tends to settle during shipping and may become compact. I don't always add that step in my recipes since most flours are already sifted before they are packaged, but for the best results make sure to sift it first then measure.
Either shake on the measuring cup or level off with the flat part of a butter knife for an accurate result, and make sure to never pack down flour.
Liquid measuring cups
Liquid Measuring Cups are used for fluid and liquid ingredients. They come in glass or plastic and indicates cups, ounces, and milliliters. I love to use my large Pyrex one as a mixing bowl or for measuring the amount of soup a recipe makes and then store it in the same container.
Measuring spoons
Measuring Spoons are used for tablespoons and teaspoons. Make sure to level them off with a knife when using dry ingredients.
How to fill dry measuring cups
Filling dry measuring cups accurately is essential for precise and consistent results in cooking and baking. Follow these steps to properly fill dry measuring cups:
- Select the Right Cup Size: Choose the dry measuring cup size that matches the amount you need for the specific ingredient. Common sizes include 1 cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, and ¼ cup.
- Fluff and Stir Dry Ingredients: Before measuring dry ingredients like flour or sugar, fluff them up in their container with a spoon. Then, gently stir to loosen the texture and eliminate settling.
- Spoon into the Cup: Use a spoon to scoop the dry ingredient into the measuring cup. Overfill the cup, allowing the excess to spill over the top.
- Level Off the Top: To ensure accuracy, level off the excess by using a flat-edged tool, such as the back of a knife or a straight spatula. Sweep it across the top of the measuring cup to create an even surface.
- Read at Eye Level: When measuring, read the measurement at eye level to ensure accuracy. Bending down or looking from an angle can distort the reading.
How to fill liquid measuring cups
Filling liquid measuring cups accurately is crucial for precise and consistent results in cooking and baking. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to fill liquid measuring cups:
- Select the Right Cup Size: Choose the liquid measuring cup size that matches the quantity needed for the liquid ingredient. Common sizes include 1 cup, 2 cups, and 4 cups.
- Place on a Flat Surface: Set the measuring cup on a level, flat surface to ensure an accurate measurement.
- Pour the Liquid: Pour the liquid into the measuring cup slowly, allowing it to settle and eliminate air bubbles. Fill it just below the desired measurement line.
- Check at Eye Level: Bend down to eye level and check the measurement at the bottom of the curved meniscus (the slightly concave surface of the liquid). This ensures an accurate reading.
Measuring butter and coconut oil
Many baking recipes use coconut oil or butter, so how do we properly measure butter and oil? Butter and coconut oil should be measured in liquid cups.
Butter is typically found in ½ cup sticks or 8 tablespoons, and if made in the United States, the packaging is labeled with ¼ cup, ½ cup, and tablespoon marks.
Pack butter or coconut oil in a liquid measuring cup with a spoon and level it off to measure properly. Make sure to measure it with a liquid measuring cup.
Fluid ounces to cups
There are 8 fluid ounces per 1 cup according to the US metric system. Measure liquid ingredients in a liquid measuring up for accuracy.
Dry ounces to cups
A cup of dry flour is 4.5 ounces according to the US metric system. Dry measurement by weight is 8 ounces, ½ pound, and 225 grams. For an accurate measurement, measure dry ingredients in a dry measuring cup.
British and American measuring cups
While both British and American measuring cups serve the same fundamental purpose — measuring ingredients for cooking and baking — there are differences in the way they quantify volume.
British Measuring Cups
In the UK, measuring cups are typically labeled in milliliters (ml) and liters (L) for liquids and grams (g) and kilograms (kg) for dry ingredients. British recipes often rely on weight measurements for greater precision.
Important things to take note:
| 1 UK cup is 250 ml | 1 US measuring cup is 240 ml |
| ½ UK cup is 125 ml | ½ US cup is 120 ml |
American Measuring Cups
In the United States, measuring cups are commonly labeled in fluid ounces (fl oz) and cups for liquids, and cups or ounces for dry ingredients. American recipes frequently use volume measurements, and dry ingredients are often measured by volume rather than weight.
It's important to note that while these differences exist, many recipes from both regions may include both volume and weight measurements, especially in more precise or professional cooking. When using recipes from different sources, it's helpful to be aware of the measurement system employed and adjust accordingly.
How many ounces is a shot?
There are 2 tablespoons in a 1 ounce shot. So if you are referring to a cocktail, and do not have a shot glass around, then measure two tablespoons of the alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
One cup of liquid ingredients is the same as 8 ounces. Dry ingredients vary by weight and should be measured by grams and with a dry measuring cup.
To determine how many cups is 8 oz dry food, you need a dry measuring cup since liquid and dry ingredients measure differently. A dry cup equals 6.8 US dry ounces.
A cup is 8 ounces and 2 cups is 16 ounces.
A cup of wet or liquid ingredients like water is 8 ounces.
A dry cup of flour equals 6.8 US dry ounces. You can also use a food scale to measure it by grams for when a recipe in baking and cooking is listed in grams. Dry foods measures differently and should be measured by weight for more accuracy.
To determine how many ounces in a gallon of water times 8 ounces (1 cup) by 16 cups to make 1 gallon. One gallon of water equals 128 fluid ounces which also equals: 8 pints, 4 quarts, 3785 ml, and 4 Liters.
Yes, 1 fluid ounce is equal to 2 tablespoons.
It depends if it is liquid or dry ingredients. A cup of dry flour is 4.5 oz. and a cup of liquid is 8 fl. oz.
More kitchen conversions
- How Many Liters in a Gallon
- How Many Cups In A Quart
- How Many Teaspoons In A Tablespoon
- How Many Grams In An Ounce
I hope you enjoy this conversions article! Follow along with me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for a feature and more recipe inspiration! And don't forget to leave a comment below!
Kenny Springer says
What a great read. Thank you.