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Cup (US, metric) Conversion Table
This comprehensive cup conversion table shows how various units relate to cups (US, metric). Use this reference for quick conversions between cups and other common volume units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Cups to cubic meters | Cubic meters | 0.00025 |
| Cups to cubic centimeters | Cubic centimeters | 250 |
| Cups to cubic millimeters | Cubic millimeters | 250000 |
| Cups to liters | Liters | 0.25 |
| Cups to milliliters | Milliliters | 250 |
| Cups to microliters | Microliters | 250000 |
| Cups to cubic inches | Cubic inches | 15.256 |
| Cups to cubic feet | Cubic feet | 0.00883 |
| Cups to cubic yards | Cubic yards | 0.000327 |
| Cups to gallons (US) | Gallons (US) | 0.06604 |
| Cups to quarts (US) | Quarts (US) | 0.26417 |
| Cups to pints (US) | Pints (US) | 0.52834 |
| Cups to fluid ounces (US) | Fluid ounces (US) | 8.4535 |
| Cups to tablespoons (US) | Tablespoons (US) | 16.907 |
| Cups to teaspoons (US) | Teaspoons (US) | 50.721 |
| Cups to bushels | Bushels | 0.00693 |
| Cups to pecks | Pecks | 0.02772 |
This cup conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both metric (SI) units and imperial units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in scientific and engineering applications.
What is a Cup (US, metric)?
The cup (US, metric) is a unit of volume commonly used in cooking and nutrition contexts. It is defined as exactly 250 milliliters, making it equivalent to 0.25 liters. This definition is different from the traditional US customary cup which is approximately 236.59 milliliters. The metric cup is widely used in countries that have adopted the metric system and in international recipes.
The metric cup provides a convenient measurement for everyday cooking and baking. Our cup conversion tool helps you easily convert between cups and other units. For example, 1 cup equals exactly 250 milliliters or approximately 8.45 US fluid ounces.
What is the SI of Cup (US, metric)?
The cup (US, metric) is not an SI unit, but it is defined in terms of the SI unit liter. Specifically, 1 cup (US, metric) equals exactly 0.25 liters. All other volume units in the metric system are derived from the liter, making conversions straightforward:
- Cubic meter (m³) = 1,000 liters = 4,000 cups (US, metric)
- Milliliter (mL) = 0.001 liters = 0.004 cups (US, metric)
- Cubic centimeter (cm³) = 1 milliliter = 0.004 cups (US, metric)
What are Cups Used For?
Cups are used in a wide range of applications, primarily in cooking, baking, and nutrition labeling. As a convenient volume measurement, cups provide a standard for recipes and food preparation:
Cooking & Baking
Measuring ingredients for recipes. For example, a typical cake recipe might call for 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of sugar.
Nutrition & Dietetics
Serving size measurements on food labels. For example, a nutrition label might show that one serving of cereal is 1 cup (250 mL).
Food Service
Portion control in restaurants and cafeterias. For example, a standard coffee serving might be 1 cup.
Home Use
Everyday liquid measurements for beverages and household products. For example, filling a water bottle with 2 cups of water.
Etymology and History
The word "cup" comes from Old English "cuppe" and has Germanic and Latin roots. The concept of using a cup as a measurement dates back to ancient civilizations where people used actual drinking cups to measure ingredients.
The metric cup (250 mL) was developed to provide a standardized measurement that aligns with the metric system. This definition is used in many countries including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada for nutritional labeling and cooking. The traditional US cup (236.59 mL) is still commonly used in American recipes. Our volume conversion tools accommodate both definitions for maximum convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between US and metric cups?
The metric cup is defined as exactly 250 milliliters, while the traditional US cup is approximately 236.59 milliliters. This difference can affect recipe outcomes, especially in baking where precision is important. Our cup converter tool allows you to convert between both definitions and other volume units.
How accurate is the cup conversion?
Our cup conversion calculator provides highly accurate results based on standard conversion factors. The metric cup is exactly defined as 250 milliliters, making conversions straightforward. For other units, we use internationally recognized conversion factors to ensure precision for cooking, baking, and scientific applications.
How do I convert cups to other units?
Use our cup conversion calculators above, or multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert cups to milliliters, multiply by 250; to convert cups to liters, multiply by 0.25. For detailed instructions on converting cups to liters, visit our cup to liter converter.
What are common uses for cup conversion?
Cup conversion is essential in cooking (following international recipes), nutrition (interpreting food labels), baking (measuring ingredients), food service (portion control), and science education (learning about volume measurements). Whether converting a recipe from US to metric units or calculating nutrition information, our cup converter simplifies these everyday tasks.
How does cup conversion differ from other volume units?
The metric cup (250 mL) is specifically defined in relation to the liter, making conversions within the metric system straightforward. Unlike other volume units that have complex relationships (like gallons to pints), the metric cup has simple conversion factors: 4 cups = 1 liter, 1,000 milliliters = 4 cups.
Can I convert fractional cup measurements?
Yes, our cup converter handles fractional measurements with precision. You can convert measurements like 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup, or 2/3 cup to any other volume unit. Simply enter the decimal equivalent (0.5 for 1/2, 0.25 for 1/4) in our calculator for instant conversion to liters, milliliters, or any other unit.
Is your cup conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our cup conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise measurement conversion should be accessible to everyone, from home cooks following international recipes to professionals working with volume measurements.
How do I convert between US and imperial volume units?
Our cup converter handles both US and imperial volume units. The US customary system and the imperial system have different definitions for gallons, quarts, pints, and fluid ounces. For example, a US gallon is 3.78541 liters while an imperial gallon is 4.54609 liters. Use our tool to convert between these systems accurately.