Which cup should I use if a recipe just says '1 cup'?

It depends on the origin of the recipe. If it's an American recipe, assume it's a US Customary Cup (236.59 mL). If it's from Australia, New Zealand, or a modern UK source, it's most likely a Metric Cup (250 mL). For older British recipes, it might be an Imperial Cup (284.13 mL).

What is the difference between a liquid measuring cup and a dry measuring cup?

While both are designed to hold the same volume (e.g., 1 US cup), liquid measuring cups usually have a spout for pouring and extra space at the top to prevent spills. Dry measuring cups are meant to be leveled off at the top for accurate measurement of ingredients like flour or sugar.

Free Online Calculators for Every Need

mL to Cups and Vice Versa

The mL to Cups Converter is a vital tool for anyone working with recipes or measurements from different parts of the world. It allows for easy conversion between milliliters (mL), the standard metric unit of volume, and different types of "cups" used globally.

🍳 How to Use the Converter

To convert between units:

Select 'From' and 'To' Units: Use the dropdown menus to choose the units you are converting between (e.g., from 'Milliliter' to 'US Customary Cup').
Enter Input Value: Type the numerical value you wish to convert.
Click "Convert": The calculator will display the result based on standard conversion factors.

You can use the swap button (⇄) to quickly reverse the conversion direction.

Understanding Different "Cups"

Not all cups are created equal! This is a common source of confusion in international recipes. This calculator accounts for the main variations:

US Customary Cup: Defined as half a US pint. It is approximately 236.59 mL. This is the standard cup measurement in the United States.
Metric Cup: Standardized to be exactly 250 mL. It is commonly used in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other countries that use the metric system for cooking.
Imperial Cup: Used in the UK and some Commonwealth nations. It is based on the Imperial pint and is approximately 284.13 mL, making it significantly larger than the US or Metric cup.

The calculator uses these precise factors to convert your input value to milliliters first (if it's not already), and then from milliliters to your target unit.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which cup should I use if a recipe just says "1 cup"?: It depends on the origin of the recipe. If it's an American recipe, assume it's a US Customary Cup (236.59 mL). If it's from Australia, New Zealand, or a modern UK recipe, it's likely a Metric Cup (250 mL). For older British recipes, it might be an Imperial Cup (284.13 mL).
What is the difference between a liquid measuring cup and a dry measuring cup?: While both are designed to hold the same volume (e.g., 1 US cup), liquid measuring cups usually have a spout for pouring and extra space at the top to prevent spills. Dry measuring cups are meant to be leveled off at the top for accurate measurement of ingredients like flour or sugar.

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mL to Cups Converter