Cups to mL Converter
1 US cup equals 236.588 milliliters (rounded to 237 mL or 240 mL in recipes). 1 metric cup = 250 mL. 1 Imperial cup (UK) = 284 mL. For cooking: 1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons. Common conversions: 1/2 cup = 118 mL, 1/4 cup = 59 mL, 1 cup water = 237g, 1 cup flour = 120g, 1 cup sugar = 200g. Liquids measure by volume (mL), solids by weight (grams) for precision. Use measuring cups for volume or kitchen scale for weight.
Convert between US cups and milliliters for cooking and baking. Includes conversions to liters, fluid ounces, and tablespoons. Features common cooking measurements like 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup presets. Essential tool for recipe conversions between US and metric measurements.
Conversion Direction
Cups (US)
Quick Presets
Milliliters
237 ml
Liters
0.24 L
Fluid Ounces
8.0 fl oz
Conversion Formula
ml = cups × 236.588
cups = ml ÷ 236.588
1 US cup = 236.588 ml. Note: UK/Imperial cup = 284.131 ml, metric cup = 250 ml.
How to Use
- Enter your value in the input field
- Click the Calculate/Convert button
- Copy the result to your clipboard
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many milliliters are in one cup?
- One US cup equals exactly 236.588 milliliters (mL). For cooking and baking, this is commonly rounded to 240 mL or 250 mL depending on the country. The metric cup used in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada is exactly 250 mL. The UK imperial cup (rare today) is 284 mL. Always verify which cup standard your recipe uses for accuracy.
- What are common cup-to-mL conversions for cooking?
- Common conversions: 1/4 cup = 59 mL, 1/3 cup = 79 mL, 1/2 cup = 118 mL, 2/3 cup = 158 mL, 3/4 cup = 177 mL, 1 cup = 237 mL. For baking precision, these matter significantly. Professional bakers often weigh ingredients in grams for consistency, but volume conversions are essential when adapting American recipes to metric measurements.
- How do I convert recipes from cups to milliliters?
- Multiply the number of cups by 236.588 to get milliliters. For example, 2 cups of milk = 2 × 236.588 = 473 mL. Round to practical measurements: 473 mL becomes 470 mL or 480 mL. For baking, maintain precision with critical ingredients (flour, sugar) but approximate for liquids (water, milk). Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients when possible, as volume measurements vary with packing.
- What is the difference between US cups and metric cups?
- US cups are 236.588 mL (based on fluid ounces: 1 cup = 8 fl oz = 236.588 mL), while metric cups are exactly 250 mL. This 13.4 mL difference (about 5.6%) can affect recipe outcomes, especially in baking. Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian recipes use metric cups (250 mL). When following recipes, always check which standard is used. US recipes on websites typically mean US cups.
- How many cups are in a liter?
- One liter (1000 mL) equals 4.227 US cups, commonly rounded to 4.2 cups or "just over 4 cups." Conversely, one US cup is 0.2366 liters. For metric cups (250 mL), 1 liter equals exactly 4 cups. This conversion is useful when scaling recipes or converting between measurement systems, such as when a recipe calls for 2 liters and you only have cup measurements.
- What kitchen tools measure cups and milliliters accurately?
- Measuring cups with both US and metric markings are ideal for conversions. Liquid measuring cups (clear with pour spouts) are best for liquids; show both cups and mL. Dry measuring cups (flat-topped metal or plastic) are for dry ingredients; level with a knife. Digital kitchen scales measure mL for water (1 mL water = 1 gram) and are most accurate. Avoid using coffee mugs as "cups" — they vary widely.
- Why do some recipes use weight instead of volume?
- Weight (grams, ounces) is more accurate than volume (cups, mL) for dry ingredients because packing affects volume. One cup of flour can weigh 120-150 grams depending on how it is scooped and settled. Professional bakers and scientific cooking use weight for consistency. Liquids are less affected, so volume works well. For best results, use weight for flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients, and volume for liquids.
- How do I convert cups to tablespoons and teaspoons?
- One US cup equals 16 tablespoons (tbsp) or 48 teaspoons (tsp). Common conversions: 1/4 cup = 4 tbsp, 1/2 cup = 8 tbsp, 3/4 cup = 12 tbsp. For milliliters: 1 tbsp = 14.787 mL (≈ 15 mL), 1 tsp = 4.929 mL (≈ 5 mL). These conversions are useful when a recipe calls for a small amount and you do not have the specified measuring tool.