Knowing how many ounces in a cup can be quite helpful when cooking or baking. But is there only one answer to this question? It depends on what ingredients you’re using and whether they’re liquid or dry ingredients.
We’ll walk you through the details in a simple manner and provide some free downloads for your convenience.
What is an Ounce?
What does an ounce mean? An ounce is a small unit of measurement that can be used to measure the volume of a liquid or the weight of a dry ingredient. One ounce is a small amount of something.
For dry ingredients, an ounce is 1/16th of a pound. Dry ounces are used to measure weight.
For liquid ingredients, an ounce is 1/8th of a cup. Fluid ounces are used to measure the volume of liquids.
An Ounce vs. a Cup
What is the difference between an ounce and a cup? For liquids, both a cup and fluid ounces can be used to measure volume. And there are always 8 fluid ounces in a cup.
In the example of dry ingredients however, a cup can be used as a measurement to measure the dry ingredients, and ounces refer to weight, rather than volume. The amount ounces in a cup varies according to the ingredient.
What is the Difference Between Ounces (oz.) and Fluid Ounces (fl. oz.)?
The difference between ounces and fluid ounces is that ounces are used to measure the weight of dry ingredients. For example, flour would be measured in ounces. And while we’re talking about flour, you might like to know that 1 cup of flour weighs about 4.25 ounces.
On the other hand, fluid ounces are used to measure the volume of liquid ingredients. For example, there are 8 fluid ounces in a cup. And that measurement conversion is true across the board for liquid ingredients, there are always 8 fluid ounces in a cup.
How Many Ounces in a Cup: Liquid and Dry Conversions
In the following section we’ll go deeper into understanding how many ounces are in a cup. We’ll show both liquid and dry conversions.
Liquid Ingredients
How many fluid ounces are in a cup? For liquid ingredients such as water, milk, cooking oil, and so forth, there are always 8 fluid ounces in a cup. Remember that fluid ounces measure the volume. A cup also represents volume.
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
Dry Ingredients
How many dry ounces are in a cup? That’s a trick question because the answer isn’t just plain and simply straightforward for dry ingredients. Dry ingredients that are measured in ounces refers to weight.
1 cup = ____ dry ounces? It depends!
For example, I know that 1 cup of all-purpose flour is equal to 4.25 dry ounces. But would that be the same for 1 cup of popped popcorn? No. Popped popcorn is much lighter, so 1 cup of popped popcorn is equal to 3 ounces.
The best way to know how many ounces you have for a specific quantity of a dry ingredient is to weigh it using a kitchen scale.
Wet vs. Dry Ingredients
When you’re working with wet vs dry ingredients and your recipe uses Imperial measurements or US conversions, most likely the work of knowing the quantity of dry ingredients vs wet ingredients has already been done.
If your recipe calls for 1 cup of flour, the recipe creator has already taken the time to figure out that that’s how much is needed.
How Many Cups is 8 Ounces?
For liquid ingredients, 8 fluid ounces = 1 cup
But for dry ingredients the number of cups it takes to weigh 8 ounces can vary depending on the ingredient
Does 4 or 8 Ounces Equal 1 Cup?
For Liquids: 8 fluid ounces equals 1 cup.
For Dry: the number of ounces it takes to equal 1 cup varies by weight.
Dry ingredients are measured by weight. 8 ounces is equivalent to ½ pound, and is the same as 225 grams.
How Many Fluid Ounces in a Cup?
Below is our cups to ounce converter for fluid ounces.
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces, 16 tablespoons
¾ cup = 6 fluid ounces, 12 tablespoons
½ cup = 4 fluid ounces, 8 tablespoons
¼ cup = 2 fluid ounces, 4 tablespoons
1/8 cup = 1 fluid ounce, 2 tablespoons
How Many Dry Ounces are in a Cup?
The number of dry ounces in a cup are measured by weight and not volume.
The number of dry ounces in a cup varies depending on the weight of the ingredient. We’ve listed some popular cups to dry ounce conversions near the end of this post.
Equipment for Measuring
What equipment will you need for measuring? Using the proper measuring equipment can help to provide a successful outcome for your favorite recipes.
Liquid Measuring Cups
Good cups for measuring liquids include measuring cups that have graduated lines showing the volume. The volume might also show fluid ounce equivalents for convenience.
How to Fill in a Wet Measuring Cup
To know how to measure liquid ingredients in a cup, you can simply fill the liquid to the specified line for that particular volume of measurement.
Measuring Spoons
Measuring spoons such as tablespoons and teaspoons are used regularly for smaller measurements in US recipes. There are 16 tablespoons in a cup. And 1 cup equals 48 teaspoons.
Measuring Cups for Dry Ingredients
Measuring cups for dry ingredients come in varying measurements. Be sure to use the cup that’s suggested for your particular measurement.
How to Fill in a Dry Measuring Cup
Wondering how to measure dry ingredients in a cup? The proper way to measure dry ingredients is to use the appropriate exact measurement cup and then fill the cup heaping with your dry ingredient, and use the back of a knife to level the ingredient before pouring it into your mixture.
For example, you’ll want to use a half cup measuring cup if your recipe calls for ½ cup of flour. Fill the cup heaping with the flour and then use the back of a knife to level it off. You’re now ready to add the flour to your mixture.
Cups of Various Sizes are Used all Around the World
In the United States, we use the Imperial System of measurement. But elsewhere in the word, the metric system is used. And as far as cup measurements are concerned, there are even more variations. There are different sizes of cups used in the world, which we’ll explain next.
British vs American Measuring Cups, US Imperial, British Metric
1 US cup = 240 mL
1 UK cup = 250 mL
1 US cup = 8 US fl oz
1 UK cup = 10 UK fl oz
1 metric cup = 8.454 US fl oz
1 metric cup = 8.799 UK fl oz
Legal Cup
The legal cup in the US is defined by US law is a cup having a volume containing a 8.12 US customary fluid ounces which are equal to 240 milliliters.
Customary Cup
The Customary Cup of US is equal to 236.6 mL and 8 US Customary fluid ounces that are 8 1⁄3 Imperial fluid ounces.
How Many Ounces in a Cup Chart?
Below we’ve included our downloadable chart for your convenience. It has conversions from cups to ounces. For fluid measurements you’ll want to save it to remember how many ounces in a cup.
Liquid Fluid or Volume
US = Metric Conversion approximate
⅛ teaspoon = 0.5 mL
¼ teaspoon = 1.2 mL
½ teaspoon = 2.5 mL
¾ teaspoon = 3.7 mL
1 teaspoon = ⅓ tablespoon = 5 mL
1 tablespoon = ½ fluid ounce = 3 teaspoons = 15 mL
1/8 cup = 1 fluid ounce= 2 tablespoons = 6 teaspoons = 30 mL
¼ cup = 2 fluid ounces = 4 tablespoons = 59 mL
⅓ cup = 2 ⅔ fluid ounces = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon = 79 mL
½ cup = 4 fluid ounces = 8 tablespoons = 118 mL
⅔ cup = 5 ⅓ fluid ounces = 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons = 158 mL
¾ cup = 6 fluid ounces = 12 tablespoons = 177 mL
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = ½ pint = 16 tablespoons = 237 mL
1 ½ cups = 12 fluid ounces = 24 tablespoons = 355 mL
2 cups = 16 fluid ounces = 1 pint = 32 tablespoons = 474 mL
3 cups = 24 fluid ounces = 1.5 pints = 38 tablespoons = 700 mL
4 cups = 32 fluid ounces = 1 quart = 54 tablespoons = 946 mL = 1 L
8 cups = 64 fluid ounces = ½ gallon = 108 tablespoons = 1,892 mL = 2 L
1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces = 8 pints = 4 quarts = 216 tablespoons =3785 mL = 4 L
To receive your FREE instant download conversion chart, please submit your email address below:
The delivery of our FREE printable download will be directly emailed to your desktop or mobile device. You’ll need to click the download button and then the PDF printable download will begin. And you can print to a printer directly from your desktop or mobile device.
Dry Weight Conversions
US = Metric Conversion approximate
1/8 ounce = 3.75 grams
1/4 ounce = 7.5 grams
½ ounce = 15 grams
1 ounce = 30 grams
2 ounces = 60 grams
3 ounces = 85 grams
4 ounces = ¼ pound = 115 grams
8 ounces = ½ pound = 225 grams
12 ounces = ¾ pound = 340 grams
16 ounces = 1 pound = 455 grams
General Baking Conversions
3 teaspoons = 1 tbsp
1/8 cup = 2 tbsp
1/4 cup = 4 tbsp
1/3 cup = 5 1/3 tbsp
1/2 cup = 8 tbsp = 1 stick butter
3/4 cup = 12 tbsp
1 cup = 16 tbsp
2 cups = 32 tbsp
4 cups = 64 tbsp
Frequently Asked Questions
Following are frequently asked questions that relate to how many ounces in a cup. If you have a question that’s not listed here, just drop it in the comments box below and we’ll be happy to answer it.
Should I Use Measuring Cups or Scales?
When measuring dry ingredients, use scales to measure the weight in ounces. Use cups when cups are listed in your recipe.
Does 2 Tablespoons Equal 1 Ounce?
Yes, 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons, 1/8 cup, 6 teaspoons, 30 mL
How Many Ounces is a Shot?
2 tablespoons = 1 fluid ounce shot
Does 4 or 8 Ounces Equal One Cup?
The number of ounces in a cup depends on whether liquid or dry ingredients are being measured. For liquid ingredients, 8 fluid ounces is equivalent to 1 cup. For dry ingredients the weight of 1 cup in ounces will vary depending on the ingredient in consideration.
How Many Ounces in a Cup of Water?
There are 8 fluid ounces in a cup of water.
How Many Ounces in Half a Cup?
There are 4 fluid ounces in a ½ cup.
How Many Ounces in a Quarter Cup?
There are 2 fluid ounces in ¼ cup.
How Many Ounces in a Cup of Coffee?
There are 4 fluid ounces in US cup of coffee, which is brewed using 5 fluid ounces of water.
How Many Ounces in a Gallon?
There are 128 fluid ounces in a gallon. A gallon is equal to 16 cups.
How Many Grams In a Cup?
There are 128 grams in a cup which is equal to 4.5 dry ounces.
How Many Ounces in a Cup of Cocoa Powder?
A cup of cocoa powder weighs about 3.5 ounces.
How Many Ounces in a Cup of Feta Cheese?
A cup of feta cheese weighs about 6 ounces.
How Many Ounces in a Cup of Shredded Cheese?
One cup of shredded cheese weighs 3 ounces.
How Many Ounces in a Cup of Flour?
One cup of flour weighs 4.5 ounces.
How Many Ounces in a Cup of Butter?
One cup of butter weighs 8 ounces when it’s in its solid form.
How Many Ounces in a Cup of Cooked Rice?
One cup of cooked rice weighs approximately 8 ounces.
Popular Dry Ingredient Conversions
Following are some popular ingredient, cup to dry ounce conversions. Remember that dry ounces refer to weight, and the weight of dry goods varies depending on the weight of that particular ingredient.
To find out how many dry ounces are in 1 cup for a specified ingredient, weigh it using a kitchen scale.
To receive this FREE instant download for dry conversion, please submit your email address below:
Baking Ingredients
1 cup flour = 4.25 ounces
1 cup chocolate chips = 6 ounces
1 cup sugar = 3.5 ounces
1 cup brown sugar = 7.1 ounces
1 cup powdered confectioner’s sugar = 3.5 ounces
1 cup corn starch = 3.5 ounces
1 cup corn meal = 5.3 ounces
1 cup cocoa powder = 3.5 ounces
1 cup shredded coconut = 3.5 ounces
Dairy Ingredients
1 cup butter or margarine = 8 ounces
1 cup buttermilk = 8 ounces
1 cup sour cream = 8.6 ounces
1 cup shredded cheese = 3 ounces
1 cup feta cheese = 6 ounces
1 cup cream cheese = 4.25 ounces
1 cup grated parmesan cheese = 3 ounces
Various Nuts
1 cup chopped walnuts = 4.25 ounces
1 cup chopped peanuts = 4.25 ounces
1 cup chopped macadamia nuts = 4.25 ounces
1 cup chopped pecans = 4.25 ounces
1 cup chopped cashews = 4.25 ounces
1 cup whole almonds = 5.3 ounces
1 cup nut butter = 9 ounces
Syrups
1 cup maple syrup = 12 ounces
1 cup corn syrup = 12 ounces
1 cup honey = 12 ounces
1 cup grape jelly = 11.5 ounces
1 cup molasses = 11.5 ounces
Grain Ingredients
1 cup cooked rice = 8 ounces
1 cup pasta = 4.25 ounces
1 cup barley = 7.1 ounces
1 cup popped popcorn = 3 ounces
1 cup oats = 5 ounces
Meats
1 cup shredded chicken = 6.5 ounces
1 cup sausage = 5.8 ounces
1 cup pepperoni = 4.9 ounces
1 cup browned hamburger = 5.3 ounces
Garnishes and Berries
1 cup fresh basil = .65 ounces
1 cup fresh parsley = 1 ounce
1 cup strawberries = 7 ounces
1 cup blueberries = 3.5 ounces
1 cup raisins = 5.3 ounces
1 cup dates = 8 ounces
1 cup raspberries = 4.25 ounces
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How Many Ounces in a Cup
Ingredients
Liquid Fluid or Volume
- US = Metric Conversion approximate
- ⅛ teaspoon = 0.5 mL
- ¼ teaspoon = 1.2 mL
- ½ teaspoon = 2.5 mL
- ¾ teaspoon = 3.7 mL
- 1 teaspoon = ⅓ tablespoon = 5 mL
- 1 tablespoon = ½ fluid ounce = 3 teaspoons = 15 mL
- 1/8 cup = 1 fluid ounce= 2 tablespoons = 6 teaspoons = 30 mL
- ¼ cup = 2 fluid ounces = 4 tablespoons = 59 mL
- ⅓ cup = 2 ⅔ fluid ounces = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon = 79 mL
- ½ cup = 4 fluid ounces = 8 tablespoons = 118 mL
- ⅔ cup = 5 ⅓ fluid ounces = 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons = 158 mL
- ¾ cup = 6 fluid ounces = 12 tablespoons = 177 mL
- 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = ½ pint = 16 tablespoons = 237 mL
- 1 ½ cups = 12 fluid ounces = 24 tablespoons = 355 mL
- 2 cups = 16 fluid ounces = 1 pint = 32 tablespoons = 474 mL
- 3 cups = 24 fluid ounces = 1.5 pints = 38 tablespoons = 700 mL
- 4 cups = 32 fluid ounces = 1 quart = 54 tablespoons = 946 mL = 1 L
- 8 cups = 64 fluid ounces = ½ gallon = 108 tablespoons = 1 892 mL = 2 L
- 1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces = 8 pints = 4 quarts = 216 tablespoons =3785 mL = 4 L
Dry Weight Conversions
- US = Metric Conversion approximate
- 1/8 ounce = 3.75 grams
- 1/4 ounce = 7.5 grams
- ½ ounce = 15 grams
- 1 ounce = 30 grams
- 2 ounces = 60 grams
- 3 ounces = 85 grams
- 4 ounces = ¼ pound = 115 grams
- 8 ounces = ½ pound = 225 grams
- 12 ounces = ¾ pound = 340 grams
- 16 ounces = 1 pound = 455 grams
General Baking Conversions
- 3 teaspoons = 1 tbsp
- 1/8 cup = 2 tbsp
- 1/4 cup = 4 tbsp
- 1/3 cup = 5 1/3 tbsp
- 1/2 cup = 8 tbsp = 1 stick butter
- 3/4 cup = 12 tbsp
- 1 cup = 16 tbsp
- 2 cups = 32 tbsp
- 4 cups = 64 tbsp
Instructions
- Choose the best conversion for your recipe.
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