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Cups to mL Converter

Understanding Cups and Milliliters

Cups and milliliters are both units of volume commonly used in cooking. The cup is primarily used in the United States and varies slightly from metric cups used elsewhere. A US cup equals approximately 237 mL, while a metric cup equals 250 mL. Understanding these conversions is essential for following international recipes accurately.

How the Conversion Works

To convert US cups to milliliters, multiply by 236.588. For metric cups, multiply by 250. The difference exists because US measurements evolved separately from the metric system. This converter handles both systems and includes common cooking measurements like tablespoons and teaspoons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mL in a cup?

A US cup contains approximately 237 mL (236.588 mL exactly). A metric cup used in Australia and New Zealand contains exactly 250 mL. Always check which cup measurement your recipe uses.

What's the difference between US and metric cups?

A US cup is 236.588 mL while a metric cup is 250 mL—a difference of about 5.5%. For most recipes this small difference won't matter, but for precise baking it can affect results.

How do I convert tablespoons to mL?

1 US tablespoon = 14.79 mL (usually rounded to 15 mL). So 2 tablespoons = 30 mL, and 1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 237 mL.

Why do recipes use cups instead of mL?

Cups are traditional in American cooking and are convenient for home cooks without scales. Professional bakers prefer weight measurements (grams) for accuracy, as volume can vary based on how ingredients are packed.

How many teaspoons in a tablespoon?

There are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon. 1 teaspoon = 5 mL, so 1 tablespoon = 15 mL. This is consistent across US and metric measurements.

Should I use a liquid or dry measuring cup?

Use liquid measuring cups (with pour spout) for liquids and dry measuring cups (flat top) for dry ingredients. Liquid cups allow you to fill to the line without spilling, while dry cups let you level off ingredients.