Liquid Measurements: Cups, Ounces, Milliliters Explained
Master liquid measurement conversions between cups, fluid ounces, milliliters, liters, tablespoons, and teaspoons.
Liquid measurements can be tricky, especially when recipes use different systems or when you need to scale a recipe up or down. This guide covers everything from teaspoons to gallons and their metric equivalents, so you never have to guess again.
US Liquid Measurement Basics
The US system uses fluid ounces, cups, pints, quarts, and gallons. It is important to note that fluid ounces measure volume, not weight. One fluid ounce of water weighs about one ounce, but other liquids like oil or honey will differ. Always use a liquid measuring cup, which is typically clear glass or plastic with measurements marked on the side and a pouring spout.
Complete Liquid Conversion Table
| Measurement | Fluid Ounces | Milliliters | Tablespoons | Teaspoons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 1/6 fl oz | 5 mL | 1/3 tbsp | 1 tsp |
| 1 tablespoon | 1/2 fl oz | 15 mL | 1 tbsp | 3 tsp |
| 1/8 cup | 1 fl oz | 30 mL | 2 tbsp | 6 tsp |
| 1/4 cup | 2 fl oz | 60 mL | 4 tbsp | 12 tsp |
| 1/3 cup | 2.7 fl oz | 79 mL | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp | 16 tsp |
| 1/2 cup | 4 fl oz | 118 mL | 8 tbsp | 24 tsp |
| 2/3 cup | 5.3 fl oz | 158 mL | 10 tbsp + 2 tsp | 32 tsp |
| 3/4 cup | 6 fl oz | 177 mL | 12 tbsp | 36 tsp |
| 1 cup | 8 fl oz | 237 mL | 16 tbsp | 48 tsp |
| 1 pint | 16 fl oz | 473 mL | 32 tbsp | 96 tsp |
| 1 quart | 32 fl oz | 946 mL | 64 tbsp | 192 tsp |
| 1 gallon | 128 fl oz | 3,785 mL | 256 tbsp | 768 tsp |
US vs. UK Measurements
One of the biggest sources of confusion in recipes is the difference between US and UK measurements. The two systems share the same names but use different volumes. This matters most when following British or Australian recipes.
| Measurement | US Volume | UK Volume | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 4.93 mL | 5.92 mL | UK is 20% larger |
| 1 tablespoon | 14.79 mL | 17.76 mL | UK is 20% larger |
| 1 cup | 236.59 mL | 284.13 mL | UK is 20% larger |
| 1 pint | 473.18 mL | 568.26 mL | UK is 20% larger |
| 1 gallon | 3,785 mL | 4,546 mL | UK is 20% larger |
Australian Tablespoon Exception
If you use Australian cookbooks, be aware that an Australian tablespoon equals 20 mL, which is four teaspoons rather than three. This is larger than both the US tablespoon (14.79 mL) and the UK tablespoon (17.76 mL). When converting Australian recipes, reduce each tablespoon measurement by about 25% if using US measuring spoons.
How to Read a Liquid Measuring Cup
Place the measuring cup on a flat, level surface. Bend down so your eye is level with the measurement markings. The surface of most liquids curves upward at the edges, forming a meniscus. Read the measurement at the bottom of the meniscus for an accurate reading. Looking down from above causes you to overestimate, while looking up from below causes you to underestimate.
Common Liquid Ingredients by Weight
Not all liquids weigh the same per cup. Here are common cooking liquids and their approximate weights.
| Liquid | Weight per Cup (US) | Weight per 100 mL |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 237 g (8.4 oz) | 100 g |
| Whole milk | 244 g (8.6 oz) | 103 g |
| Heavy cream | 238 g (8.4 oz) | 101 g |
| Vegetable oil | 218 g (7.7 oz) | 92 g |
| Olive oil | 216 g (7.6 oz) | 91 g |
| Honey | 340 g (12.0 oz) | 143 g |
| Maple syrup | 315 g (11.1 oz) | 133 g |
| Soy sauce | 255 g (9.0 oz) | 108 g |
Tips for Measuring Sticky Liquids
Honey, molasses, corn syrup, and maple syrup cling to measuring cups and spoons. To get an accurate measurement, lightly coat the inside of your measuring cup with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil before pouring in the sticky liquid. It will slide right out, ensuring you get every drop into your recipe. Alternatively, if your recipe calls for both oil and a sticky sweetener, measure the oil first using the same cup, and the residual oil will help the sweetener slide out.