Finally: A Liquid Measurement Chart for Converting Any Recipe

Our liquid measurement chart can make it easy to convert recipes for a layer cake, chocolate chip cookies, a just-thick-enough sauce, and almost anything else. It can be especially tricky to figure out exactly how much liquid you need when halving or doubling recipes. There's a difference between dry and liquid measuring cups, too.

Here you can learn about the proper tools to get you started. Once you have what you need, our cooking measurement converter guide will do most of the math for you. It will help you convert liquid metric measurements to the imperial system used in the U.S., plus share crucial measurement math like how many tablespoons are in a cup.

Best Tools for Liquid Measurements

To measure liquids, you'll need a set of liquid measuring cups, like KitchenAid's 3-piece Measuring Cup Set ($29.99, Wayfair). You'll also need a set of measuring spoons, like this stainless steel set ($12.95, Crate & Barrel). Measuring cups are made of clear glass or plastic and hold 1, 2, 4, or 8 cups of liquid. They have incremental markings on the outside with a handle and spout for easy pouring.

Don't use dry measuring cups to measure liquid (or vice versa) because you can get inaccurate measurements. Nested measuring spoons commonly come in sets that measure ¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon. Unlike measuring cups, they can be used for both dry and liquid ingredients.

How to Convert Metric Measurements to U.S. Measurements

If you're making a recipe that uses metric measurements, you'll probably have to convert the measurements before you get cooking. (If your measuring tools have both metric and standard volumes marked, the metric conversions might not be an issue.) This liquid measurement chart will help you figure out the liquid measurements called for so you can convert them correctly.

• 0.5 ml = ⅛ teaspoon
• 1 ml = ¼ teaspoon
• 2 ml = 1/3 teaspoon
• 5 ml = 1 teaspoon
• 15 ml = 1 tablespoon
• 25 ml = 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons
• 50 ml = 2 fluid ounces = ¼ cup
• 75 ml = 3 fluid ounces = ⅓ cup
• 125 ml = 4 fluid ounces = ½ cup
• 150 ml = 5 fluid ounces = ​⅔ cup
• 175 ml = 6 fluid ounces = ¾ cup
• 250 ml = 8 fluid ounces = 1 cup
• 500 ml = 1 pint = 2 cups
• 1 liter = 1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups

Liquid Measuring Math

Knowing how to convert measurements within the standard system can make your time in the kitchen easier if you're halving or doubling a recipe (or if one of your cups is in the dishwasher). When you're wondering how many tablespoons are in ¼ cup or how many ounces make up a pint, refer to this liquid measurement chart.

Tablespoon Math

Tablespoons and teaspoons can be a little tricky, but keeping these conversions handy will help whenever you're making changes to a recipe. For example, instead of eyeballing half of ¾ cup, measure what you need in tablespoons instead (6 Tbsp. in the case of halving ¾ cup).

• 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
• 4 tablespoons = ¼ cup
• 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon = ⅓ cup
• 8 tablespoons = ½ cup
• 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons = ⅔ cup
• 12 tablespoons = ¾ cup
• 16 tablespoons = 1 cup

More Liquid Conversions

To make any recipe doable no matter the supplies you have on hand, here are a few more common liquid conversions to help you out:

• 1 tablespoon = ½ fluid ounce
• 1 cup = ½ pint= 8 fluid ounces
• 2 cups = 1 pint = 16 fluid ounces
• 4 cups = 2 pints = 1 quart = 32 fluid ounces
• 16 cups = 8 pints = 1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces

How to Measure Correctly

To measure liquids correctly, pour into a liquid measuring cup set on a level surface. To confirm the measurement's accuracy, bend down, so your eyes are level with the markings on the side of the cup. Don't try to eyeball it from above, either; when you're looking down on your measuring cup, it can look like you have too much, but you might be right on the mark from eye level.

Especially when you're baking, too much or too little liquid can affect how your recipe turns out, so it's important to be as precise as you can. Smaller measurements are the exception: When you're measuring 1 tablespoon or less, fill the appropriate-size measuring spoon to the rim without letting the liquid spill over.

Keep these liquid measurement charts handy. Once you have them, you'll use them all the time. Memorizing a few can be helpful (like remembering 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon), but for the best recipe results, it never hurts to double-check how to convert measurements. With this guide in front of you, you'll have no problem conquering savory dinner recipes, homemade desserts, and more.