Unit Converter for Recipes
Cups, Grams, and the Problem of Two Measuring Systems
US recipes measure by volume; most of the rest of the world measures by weight. Converting between the two systems for the same category — volume-to-volume or weight-to-weight — is a straightforward unit conversion once you have accurate reference factors, which is what this calculator applies.
The Formula
Volume: Result = Amount × (mL per source unit) / (mL per target unit)
Weight: Result = Amount × (g per source unit) / (g per target unit)
Weight: Result = Amount × (g per source unit) / (g per target unit)
Volume conversions route through milliliters as the common base unit; weight conversions route through grams. This two-step approach (convert to base, then to target) avoids needing a separate conversion factor for every possible pair of units.
Where This Matters
- Following international recipes — converting a metric recipe (grams, milliliters) to US cups and vice versa.
- Scaling with kitchen tools — converting to whatever unit your measuring cups, spoons, or kitchen scale actually supports.
- Precision baking — weight-based measurement is more accurate than volume for dry ingredients like flour, so converting a volume recipe to grams reduces variability.
Standard Conversion Factors
| Unit | Milliliters |
|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 4.929 mL |
| 1 tablespoon | 14.787 mL |
| 1 fluid ounce | 29.574 mL |
| 1 cup | 236.588 mL |
| 1 pint | 473.176 mL |
| 1 quart | 946.353 mL |
| 1 gallon | 3785.41 mL |
| Unit | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 ounce | 28.3495 g |
| 1 pound | 453.592 g |
| 1 kilogram | 1000 g |
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose Volume Conversion or Weight Conversion from the mode selector.
- Enter the Amount you want to convert.
- Select the source unit and the target unit from the dropdown lists.
- Select Calculate to get the converted amount.
Related Calculations
For oven settings rather than ingredient quantities, see the Oven Temperature Converter, and for scaling a full recipe use the Recipe Scaling Calculator.