For many of us, baking and cooking are a large part of our everyday lives. Whether it’s making a loaf of delicious bread, stirring together the perfect sauce, or grilling the juiciest steak, measuring individual ingredients is critical to achieving great results in the kitchen.
One measurement that often comes up when discussing recipes is how many ounces are in a cup; but how do you figure out this conversion so you can measure your ingredients accurately?
In this post, we will take an in-depth look at understanding cup sizes, ounces, and how many ounces are in a cup. We’ll also touch on some tips and tricks on how to convert between the two to make sure your measurements are spot-on every time you measure!
Related:
What is an Ounce?
Let’s start off by looking at what exactly an ounce. Ounce (Oz) is a measurement unit used in both the customary and imperial systems. Typically, ounces are divided into two categories: Fluid Ounces (fl oz) and Dry Ounces (oz).
Fluid ounces are employed to measure liquids such as water, milk, and juice. A fluid ounce equals 29.57 ml in the US system (Customary system). On the other hand, dry ounces are employed to measure solid ingredients such as flour, sugar, and rice. A dry ounce equals 28.35g.
1 Fluid Ounce (fl oz) = 29.57 ml
1 Dry Ounce (oz) = 28.35 g
What is a Cup?
In the US system (also known as the customary system), a cup is a measurement unit equal to 237 ml. This is slightly different than in the UK system (metric system), where a cup equals 250 ml.
In the US system (Customary system): 1 Cup = 237 ml
In the UK system (Metric system): 1 Cup = 250 ml
However, for this post, we will focus on the US system and assume a cup equals 237 ml.
How Many Ounces in a Cup?
We have got the basic knowledge about ounces and cups, let’s find out how many ounces are in a cup.
There are no one-size-fits-all answers for how many ounces are in a cup – as it depends on whether we are measuring about fluid ounces (fl oz) or dry ounces (oz).
To begin with, for liquids, 1 cup equals 8 fl oz. This means that if you are measuring a liquid ingredient, such as water or milk, 1 cup would be equal to 8 fl oz.
In contrast, for solids, based on what solid ingredient you are measuring, 1 cup is generally equal to 4-7 oz. For instance, if you are measuring flour, 1 cup is usually equal to 4 oz. On the other hand, if you are measuring granulated sugar, 1 cup is usually equal to 7 oz.
To recap:
Fluid Ingredients: 1 Cup = 8 fl oz = 237 ml = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons
Solid Ingredients: 1 Cup = 4-7 oz = 113-198 g
How to Measure Ounces in a Cup?
The best way to measure ounces (fluid or dry) in a cup is to use measuring cups. However, the cup for measuring liquid ingredients and the cup for measuring solid ingredients are slightly different.
For liquid ingredients, utilize a fluid-ounce cup or a standard measuring cup made from plastic, metal, or glass. This cup has ml and fl oz measurements on the side.
For solid ingredients, utilize a dry-ounce cup. This cup is slightly different than the fluid-ounce cup as it has both oz and g measurements on the side.
Once you have the right measuring cups for liquid or solid ingredients, simply fill up your measuring cups to the measurement you need (e.g.: 8 fl oz for liquid or 4-7 oz for solid) and you will have your ounces in a cup measurement.
How to Convert Between Ounces and Cups?
Converting between ounces and cups can be tricky when baking and cooking, but it’s actually quite easy once you know how. To help simplify the process we’ve put together a handy guide on how to convert from ounces to cups and vice versa:
Convert from Fluid Ounces to Cups and Vice Versa
To convert from fluid ounces (fl oz) to cups, multiply the fluid ounces by 0.125 (1/8). Conversely, to convert from cups to fluid ounces, multiply the cups’ number by 8.
For instance:
2 fl oz = 0.125 x 2 = 0.25 Cups
2 Cups = 8 x 2 = 16 fl oz
For quick reference, here is a conversion chart showing fluid ounces (fl oz) to cups (in the US system):
| Cups | Ounces (fl oz) | Tablespoons | Teaspoons | Ml |
| 1/4 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 59.25 |
| 1/3 | 2 2/3 | 5 1/3 | 16 | 79.25 |
| 1/2 | 4 | 8 | 24 | 118.25 |
| 2/3 | 5 1/3 | 10 2/3 | 32 | 158,5 |
| 3/4 | 6 | 12 | 36 | 177.5 |
| 1 | 8 | 16 | 48 | 237 |
| 2 | 16 | 32 | 96 | 474 |
| 3 | 24 | 48 | 144 | 711 |
| 4 | 32 | 64 | 192 | 948 |
| 5 | 40 | 80 | 240 | 1185 |
Note: Pay attention to the size of the cup used in the recipe you are measuring out. While US customary cup size is generally assumed to be 8 fl oz, UK recipes often call for 10 fl oz.
Convert from Dry Ounces to Cups and Vice Versa
To convert from dry ounces (oz) to cups, divide ounces by the ingredient-specific conversion rate. Conversely, to convert from cups to dry ounces (oz), multiply cups by the ingredient-specific conversion rate.
For an easier conversion process, refer to the ingredient-specific conversion rates below:
Flour: 1 Cup = 4 oz
Sugar: 1 Cup = 7 oz
Granulated Sugar: 1 Cup = 7 oz
Butter: 1 Cup = 8 oz
Rice: 1 Cup = 6 oz
FAQs
Is A Cup 16 oz or 8 oz?
A cup typically equals 8 fl oz. However, if you are measuring solid ingredients such as flour or sugar, 1 cup is usually equal to 4-7 dry ounces (oz).
Is There A Difference Between Dry and Liquid Measurements?
Yes, there is a difference between dry and liquid measurements. Dry ingredients are measured using dry-ounce cups, while liquid ingredients are measured using fluid-ounce cups.
How Many Cups of Water is 16 oz?
16 fl oz equals 2 cups of water.
How Many Fl Oz in a Cup of Milk?
A cup of milk equals 8 fl oz. This translates to 237 ml or 16 tablespoons.
How Many Oz in a Cup of Flour?
A cup of flour equals 4 oz. This translates to approximately 113 g or 16 tablespoons.
How Many Oz in a Cup of Sugar?
A cup of sugar equals 7 oz. This translates to 198 g or 48 teaspoons.
How Many Oz in a Cup of Butter?
A cup of butter equals 8 oz. This translates to 224 g or 48 tablespoons.
How Many Oz in a Cup of Baking Soda?
A cup of baking soda equals 4 oz. This translates to approximately 113 g or 16 tablespoons.
How Many Tbsp in an Ounce?
16 Tbsp are in an Ounce.
Bottom Line
With this blog post now concluded, we are more aware of how many ounces are in a cup. By following the guidelines mentioned throughout the article, all people can be confident to make their dishes with the right amount of ingredients.
No matter what you are measuring out, remember that 8 fl oz make up 1 cup. Meanwhile, 4-7 oz make up 1 cup, depending on the ingredient being measured.
So the next time you’re wondering “How many ounces are in a cup?”, refer back to this blog post for all the information you need!
