Smart Kitchen Converter
Convert volumes, weights, and temperatures — and scale any recipe to your perfect serving size in seconds.
Mastering US Kitchen Measurements
American recipes use a unique blend of volume-based and weight-based measurements that can confuse home cooks switching between US and metric systems. A standard US cup equals 236.6 milliliters, while a tablespoon is 14.79 ml and a teaspoon is 4.93 ml. These small differences matter — especially in baking, where a few grams can ruin a delicate pastry crust or change the rise of a sourdough loaf.
For dry ingredients, weight is always more accurate than volume. One ounce equals 28.35 grams, and one pound equals 453.6 grams. Professional bakers measure flour by weight because a "cup" of flour can vary from 120 g (sifted) to 150 g (packed) depending on technique. If you want consistent results, invest in a digital kitchen scale and switch to grams whenever possible.
Oven temperatures are another common stumbling block. American recipes use Fahrenheit (°F), while most of the world relies on Celsius (°C). The conversion is simple: subtract 32 from °F, then multiply by 5/9. A typical 350°F roasting temperature equals 177°C, and a hot 425°F oven equals 218°C. Always preheat fully and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Finally, when scaling recipes up or down, remember that not all ingredients scale linearly — leavening agents, salt, and spices often need adjustment. Use our serving-size scaler above as a starting point, then taste and refine. With these conversions in your back pocket, every American recipe becomes accessible no matter where you cook.
Recipes That Use These Units
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams are in a US cup?
It depends on the ingredient. One US cup of all-purpose flour weighs about 125 grams, granulated sugar about 200 grams, and water exactly 240 grams. Always weigh dry goods when accuracy matters — especially for baking.
How do I convert Fahrenheit to Celsius for an oven?
Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit value, then multiply by 5/9. For example, 350°F = (350 − 32) × 5/9 ≈ 177°C. Round to the nearest 5°C for practical oven dials.
What's the difference between a US tablespoon and a metric tablespoon?
A US tablespoon is 14.79 ml, while a metric (Australian) tablespoon is 20 ml and most European tablespoons are 15 ml. Our converter uses the US standard, which is what American recipes assume.