Kitchen Conversion Chart for Cooking Measurements

Math. Ugh. Yes, sometimes cooking requires a little bit of math. Don't get confused. We've got you! Simply save this post to your bookmarks. Or download our free Kitchen Conversion Chart. We're breaking down the basics so you don't have to.

U.S. Standard vs Metric Measurements

For the purpose of this post, we will be referring to U.S. Standard cooking measurements such as cup, tablespoon, pounds and ounces. The vast majority of our readers (that's you), are located in the United States. Also, I personally have always cooked using standard measurements.

However, if you do choose to convert a metric recipes (one using liters, milliliters, grams and such), don't stress. There are great smartphone apps and online calculators to help you. Here's one I like:

Liquid Measurements vs Dry Measurements

Experts say to measure your ingredients using the right tool. For water and other liquid ingredients, use a liquid measuring cup. For flour and other dry ingredients, use a standard measuring cup.

Personally, UNLESS I'M BAKING, I use whatever measuring device is easiest for me to get to. For our homecooking recipes such as casseroles, soups, stews, and skillet meals, a little bit "off" isn't important.

However, if you are baking or making candy or another very technical recipe, stick to the liquid vs dry measuring.

NOTE: When measuring DRY ingredients for baking, be sure to spoon the ingredient into the cup. Do not pack. Level it off with a flat knife. (If you pack it in, it compresses the ingredients and you'll end up with too much.)

Recipe Abbreviations (Standard)

Most recipe abbreviations are easy to figure out. Example, "c" is an abbreviation for "cup". Sometimes, it gets more confusing, especially if the print is hard to read or if you are new to cooking.

Here is a basic list of abbreviations you will most often find in recipes.

Recipe Abbreviation Chart

Abbreviation	Meaning
c.	cup
gal.	gallon
fl. oz.	fluid ounce
lb.	pound
oz.	ounce
p.	pinch
pt.	pint
qt.	quart
tbsp. (also T, TB, Tbsp)	tablespoon
tsp. (also t)	teaspoon

Kitchen Conversions

Recipes can get a little complex, therefore, the measurements can become complicated. Especially if you are missing a specific cup size or spoon. But with this handy Kitchen Conversion Chart, you can measure just about anything with the basic tools.

NOTE: This chart is also handy when doubling a recipe (multiply by 2) or cutting it in half (divide by 2).

Basic Measurement Conversion Chart

This Measurement....	Equals This Measurement
gallon	4 quarts (also 128 fluid ounces)
quart	2 pints (also 32 fluid ounces)
pint	2 cups (also 16 fluid ounces)
cup	16 tablespoons (also 8 fluid ounces)
tablespoon	3 teaspoons (also ½ fluid ounce)

Dry Measurement Conversion Chart

This Measurement....	Equals This Measurement
3 teaspoons	1 tablespoon (also 1/16 cup)
6 teaspoons	2 tablespoons (also ⅛ cup)
12 teaspoons	4 tablespoons (also ¼ cup)
24 teaspoons	8 tablespoons (also ½ cup)
48 teaspoons	16 tablespoons (also 1 cup)

What's in a Cup?

Me? I measure just about everything using a tablespoon and a one cup measuring cup. Why? It is easier and fewer things to clean up.

Need a ½ cup of something? Fill the cup half full. How about ¼ cup? Fill it a quarter of the way full. (And so on and so on.)

Just remember, most recipes will use pretty basic fractions (½, ⅓, ¼, ⅔, ¾), so don't overthink it.

Here's a little cheat-sheet.

Cup Measurement Conversion Cheat-Sheet

1 Cup is....	The Same as....
	8 fluid ounces
	16 tablespoons
	48 teaspoons
	½ pint
	¼ quart
	1/16 gallon

Let's Talk About Butter

Butter is normally sold and consumed in "sticks". But what's a stick? You can also refer to the stick wrapper to help you remember this one.

Butter Conversion Chart

This Measurement....	Equals This Measurement
½ stick	¼ cup (also 2 ounces)
1 stick	½ cup (also 4 ounces)
2 sticks	1 cup (also 8 ounces)

Kitchen Conversion Chart for Cooking Measurements

U.S. Standard vs Metric Measurements

Liquid Measurements vs Dry Measurements