How Many Ounces in a Cup (Dry and Liquid Measurements) ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

What if you get a recipe that needs you to figure out how many ounces are in a cup? No problem, here is what you need to know.

This helpful post will show you how to calculate how many ounces in a cup easily. Whether you are operating in the metric or imperial system, this post has got you covered. Unsure of which method you are working in? Not to worry, that is all outlined here.

There are plenty of quick calculators online, but this informative and helpful guide is here to teach you the theory. This way will help you retain the information in the long run.

What is an Ounce?

An ounce is a unit of measure used to weigh out volume, weight, and mass. This accurate unit of measure is used in the United States of America, Myanmar, and Liberia to weigh out ingredients.

The rest of the world uses grams as opposed to ounces. If you need to know how many ounces in 1 cup, you first need to understand ounces.

What is a Cup?

Perhaps your favorite coffee cup pops into your mind when you think of a cup. However, when it comes to cooking and baking, proper measuring cups are available.

Measuring with cups is an easy and practical way of measuring ingredients. Most recipes online get measured in cups.

In the US, 1 cup equals ½ of a US pint.

In the metric system, 1 metric cup is 250 ml.

Tablespoons and teaspoons are the baby cousins of cups. When you purchase a set of measuring cups, you will likely buy a set of spoons too!

When calculating how many ounces in 1 cup, you first need to have a clear idea of cup measurements.

Convert Ounces to Cups

Here is what you need to know to understand how many ounces are in 1 cup and more:

• 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
• ¾ cup = 6 fluid ounces
• ½ cup = 4 fluid ounces
• ¼ cup = 2 fluid ounces
• 1 cup = 4.5 dry-weight ounces

Here is a helpful conversion chart for converting between ounces and cups for dry ingredients. These are rounded to the nearest whole number. Check out this Grams to Ounces Conversion too!

Ounces (oz)	Grams (g)	Pounds (lb)
1/2 ounce	15 grams	0.03125 pounds
1 ounce	28 grams	0.0625 pounds
2 ounces	56 grams	0.125 pounds
3 ounces	85 grams	0.1875 pounds
4 ounces	113 grams	0.25 pounds
5 ounces	142 grams	0.3125 pounds
8 ounces	226 grams	0.5 pounds
10 ounces	283 grams	0.625 pounds
12 ounces	340 grams	0.75 pounds
15 ounces	425 grams	0.9375 pounds

Below is a conversion chart for converting between ounces and cups for liquid ingredients. These are rounded to the nearest whole number.

Ounces (fl oz)	Cups	Milliliters (mL)	Tablespoons (Tbsp)
2 fl oz	1/4 cup	59 mL	4 Tbsp
2 2/3 fl oz	1/3 cup	79 mL	5 Tbsp
4 fl oz	1/2 cup	118 mL	8 Tbsp
5 1/3 fl oz	2/3 cup	158 mL	10 Tbsp
6 fl oz	3/4 cup	177 mL	12 Tbsp
8 fl oz	1 cup	237 mL	16 Tbsp
12 fl oz	1 1/2 cups	355 mL	24 Tbsp
16 fl oz	2 cups	474 mL	32 Tbsp
32 fl oz	4 cups	948 mL	64 Tbsp
64 fl oz	8 cups	1896 mL	128 Tbsp

Equipment for Measuring Cups

With regards to measuring dry ingredients and liquids, here are three critical sets of equipment. There are glass, plastic, and metal versions available in the different cups and spoons.

Liquid Measurement Cups

Liquid measurement cups are designed to measure fluid ounces. These are brilliant for measuring out liquid ingredients. They are also used for portioning soups, sauces, etc. Read on for tips on how to measure wet ingredients accurately.

Dry Measuring Cups

These cups are perfect to measure dry ingredients like sugar, flour, corn flour, etc. See below for tips on how to measure dry ingredients accurately.

Measuring Spoons

Tablespoons and measuring spoons are great for measuring small ingredients in an instant. Use for both wet and dry ingredients.

How to Fill Dry Measuring Cups

Here is how to measure dry ingredients accurately in a cup:

1. Ensure the dry ingredient is loose and lump-free. Sieving or lightly whisking the ingredient is an easy way to get rid of lumps. This is perfect for flour or sugar (powdered sugar). Humid environments can cause lumps and clumps to form.
2. Next, spoon the dry ingredient into the measuring cup. Fill it until it overflows.
3. Place the cup onto a stable and level surface.
4. Level the flour or dry ingredient off with the back of a knife or a straight utensil.

Do not pack the dry ingredient firmly into the cup. This can result in an inaccurate result.

How to Fill Liquid Measuring Cups

Here is another crucial element when learning about how many ounces are in a cup. To correctly measure liquids, follow these directions:

1. Place the measuring cup on a flat surface. This will stabilize the receptacle.
2. Bend down to see the top level of the measuring cup.
3. Pour the liquid in until it reaches the surface (or just below the surface) line.

Note: Butter is considered a wet ingredient. To measure butter correctly in a cup, it must be soft.

Fluid Ounces to Cups

There are 8 fluid ounces in 1 cup. This is according to the US system.

If using liquid ingredients, we measure them in fluid ounces. 

Dry Ounces to Cups

There are 4.5 dry-weight ounces in 1 cup. This is according to the US system.

With dry ingredients, you need to measure it by weight. There is a big difference between fluid and dry ounces. It is essential to keep this in mind.

British Versus American Measuring Cups

The difference between US and UK measuring cups is tiny. There is absolutely no need to worry about converting between cups unless you have a very precise recipe.

A UK cup (in cooking) is 250 ml. The US measuring cup is 240 ml.

Other measurements to note:

• ½ UK cup is 125 ml
• ½ US cup is 120 ml

Before you can work out how many ounces are in 1 cup, it is important to what type of cup you are working with.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Enjoy this comprehensive guide for converting ounces to cups!