Cup
A cup (c) is a popular unit of volume used mainly in the United States for cooking, beverages, and everyday household measurements. One US cup equals 8 fluid ounces or 16 tablespoons, making it a convenient size for recipes and serving portions. Because measuring cups are easy to find in most kitchens, the cup has become a standard reference in baking and cooking instructions.
Converting cups to metric units — such as milliliters or liters — can be tricky because recipes around the world use different standards. An online converter makes it simple to switch between systems and follow international cooking guides accurately.
Cups in Everyday Use
Cups are especially useful when working with food ingredients because they offer a balance of convenience and precision. You’ll see them used in recipes for liquids like milk or water, as well as dry ingredients such as flour or sugar. Cups help home cooks portion food confidently without needing a scale.
One US cup equals approximately 236.6 milliliters, while metric cups used in some countries equal 250 mL. These variations make conversion tools helpful for anyone shopping or cooking across borders. Whether meal prepping or experimenting with new dishes, cup conversions help ensure reliable results.