If you are following a recipe and need to convert cups to milliliters, you are in the right place.
The short answer: 1 US cup = 236.59 ml. But the full answer depends on which country’s recipe you are using — US, UK, and metric cups are all different sizes. This guide covers all three, with a full conversion table and practical tips for accurate cooking.
Quick Answer — How Many ML in a Cup?
| Cup Type | ML Value | Where It Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| 1 US Cup | 236.59 ml | American recipes |
| 1 UK / Imperial Cup | 284.13 ml | British recipes |
| 1 Metric Cup | 250 ml | Australia, Canada, New Zealand |
| 1 US Legal Cup | 240 ml | FDA nutrition labels |
Using an American recipe? → Use 237 ml Using a British recipe? → Use 284 ml Using an Australian or Canadian recipe? → Use 250 ml
US Cup to ML — Full Conversion Table
Formula: ML = Cups × 236.59
| Cups | Milliliters |
|---|---|
| ¼ cup | 59 ml |
| ⅓ cup | 79 ml |
| ½ cup | 118 ml |
| ¾ cup | 177 ml |
| 1 cup | 237 ml |
| 1½ cups | 355 ml |
| 2 cups | 473 ml |
| 3 cups | 710 ml |
| 4 cups | 946 ml |
Common Ingredients — 1 Cup in ML and Grams
For liquids, 1 cup = 237 ml. For dry ingredients, the volume stays the same but the weight changes depending on the ingredient density.
| Ingredient | 1 Cup (ML) | Weight (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 237 ml | 237 g |
| Milk | 237 ml | 244 g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 237 ml | 125 g |
| White Sugar | 237 ml | 200 g |
| Brown Sugar | 237 ml | 220 g |
| Butter | 237 ml | 227 g |
| Uncooked Rice | 237 ml | 185 g |
| Cooking Oil | 237 ml | 218 g |
For baking, always use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients. Volume measurements for flour and sugar can vary depending on how tightly packed they are.
US Cup vs UK Cup — Why the Difference Matters
1 UK cup is 47.5 ml larger than 1 US cup.
In a recipe that calls for 4 cups, that difference adds up to nearly 190 ml — enough to noticeably change the texture of baked goods. Always check which country the recipe is from before measuring.
No Measuring Cup? Practical Alternatives
- A standard coffee mug holds approximately 250 ml — close to 1 metric cup
- 16 tablespoons = exactly 1 US cup (237 ml)
- A 500 ml water bottle filled halfway ≈ 1 metric cup
These work in a pinch, but for consistent baking results, a proper measuring cup or digital scale is recommended.
Conclusion
The most important number to remember: 1 US cup = 237 ml. For British recipes use 284 ml, and for Australian or Canadian recipes use 250 ml.
For quick conversions between cups, tablespoons, fluid ounces, and grams, use the free tool at mltooz.online — no app download required, works on mobile too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ml is half a cup?
½ US cup = 118 ml. ½ metric cup = 125 ml.
How many ml is 2 cups?
2 US cups = 473 ml — roughly half a liter.
Is a cup the same as a glass?
No. A measuring cup = 237 ml. A regular drinking glass is typically 200–300 ml. Always use a measuring cup when a recipe calls for “1 cup.”
How do I convert cups to grams?
It depends on the ingredient. Use the free Cups to Grams Converter on mltooz.online — select your ingredient and get an instant result.
Which cup size should I use?
Always match the cup size to the recipe’s country of origin. American recipes use 237 ml, British use 284 ml, and Australian or Canadian use 250 ml.