Cups to mL Converter
Convert between cups and milliliters instantly with our accurate measurement tool
About Cups to Milliliters Conversion
Converting between cups and milliliters is essential for accurate measurements in cooking, baking, and scientific applications. Our cups to mL converter provides instant, precise conversions between these common volume units. Whether you’re following an American recipe that uses cups or a European recipe that uses milliliters, our tool ensures you get the measurements exactly right.
The cup is a standard unit of measurement in the United States customary and imperial systems, while the milliliter (mL) is a metric unit of volume. One US cup equals exactly 236.588 milliliters, though in practical cooking applications, this is often rounded to 240 mL for simplicity. Our converter uses the precise value for maximum accuracy in all your culinary and scientific endeavors.
Did You Know?
The US customary cup differs from the UK imperial cup (284.131 mL) and the metric cup (250 mL) used in some countries. Our converter focuses on the US cup measurement, which is most commonly used in recipes.
How Our Cups to mL Converter Works
Convert between cups and milliliters in just three simple steps
Enter Your Value
Type the number of cups or milliliters you want to convert in the input field.
Click Convert
Press the convert button or let our tool automatically calculate as you type.
Get Instant Results
View the converted value immediately with full precision.
Why Choose Our Cups to mL Converter
User-Friendly Interface
Simple, intuitive design that anyone can use without instructions.
Precision Accuracy
Uses exact conversion factors for professional-grade results.
Instant Conversion
Get results immediately without waiting or refreshing.
Bidirectional
Convert from cups to mL or mL to cups with equal ease.
No Ads
Clean interface without distracting advertisements.
Mobile Friendly
Works perfectly on all devices from desktop to smartphone.
Cups to mL Conversion Formula
The mathematical relationship between cups and milliliters is straightforward:
This precise conversion factor comes from the definition of the US customary cup as exactly 236.5882365 milliliters. For most practical cooking purposes, this is often rounded to 240 mL, but our converter uses the exact value for maximum accuracy in all applications.
Example Conversion Calculations
Here are some practical examples of converting between cups and milliliters:
Example 1: 2 Cups to mL
So, 2 US cups equals approximately 473 milliliters.
Example 2: 500 mL to Cups
500 milliliters is approximately 2.1 US cups.
Example 3: 1/4 Cup to mL
A quarter cup equals about 59 milliliters.
Example 4: 150 mL to Cups
150 milliliters is roughly two-thirds of a cup.
Limitations to Consider
While our cups to mL converter is highly accurate, there are some limitations to be aware of:
Measurement Variations
Different countries use different cup measurements (US, UK, metric). Our converter uses the US customary cup (236.588 mL).
Ingredient Density
Volume measurements don’t account for ingredient density. 1 cup of flour weighs differently than 1 cup of sugar.
Rounding Differences
Some recipes round conversions (e.g., 1 cup = 240 mL) which can cause slight discrepancies in large quantities.
Important Note
For scientific measurements where extreme precision is required, always use laboratory-grade equipment rather than kitchen measuring cups.
Tips for Accurate Measuring
Follow these professional tips to ensure your cup and milliliter measurements are as accurate as possible:
Use Proper Measuring Cups
Use standardized measuring cups designed for dry or liquid ingredients rather than drinking cups which vary in size.
Level Off Dry Ingredients
When measuring dry ingredients in cups, use a straight edge to level off the excess for an exact measurement.
Check at Eye Level
When measuring liquids in cups or milliliters, view the measurement markings at eye level to avoid parallax errors.
Temperature Matters
Liquids expand with heat, so for precise scientific measurements, account for temperature or measure at standard conditions.
Common Use Cases for Cups to mL Conversion
Converting between cups and milliliters is essential in many everyday situations:
Cooking & Baking
Adapt recipes between measurement systems or use precise measurements for consistent results.
Bartending & Mixology
Create perfect cocktails by accurately measuring liquid ingredients in mL or cups.
Science Experiments
Convert between measurement systems when following experimental protocols.
Medical Measurements
Convert medication dosages or fluid intake measurements between systems.
International Recipes
Follow recipes from other countries that use different measurement systems.
Meal Planning
Calculate precise portion sizes and nutritional information by volume.
Professional Tips for Perfect Conversions
Invest in a Digital Scale
For baking perfection, measure ingredients by weight rather than volume. Our converter helps you translate volume recipes to weight measurements.
Create Your Own Conversion Chart
Print out common conversions (1/4 cup = 59 mL, 1/2 cup = 118 mL, etc.) and keep it in your kitchen for quick reference.
Understand Recipe Origins
Recognize whether a recipe uses US customary, imperial, or metric cups to ensure accurate conversions.
Use Appropriate Measuring Tools
Liquid measuring cups (with spouts) for liquids and dry measuring cups (with flat rims) for dry ingredients give the most accurate results.
Best Practices for Volume Measurement
Standardize Your Measurements
Stick to one measurement system (metric or imperial) throughout a recipe to avoid confusion and errors.
Don’t Pack Unless Specified
Unless the recipe says “packed,” spoon dry ingredients into measuring cups lightly without compacting.
Measure Liquids Correctly
Place liquid measuring cups on a level surface and check measurements at eye level for accuracy.
Understand Significant Figures
For scientific applications, maintain appropriate significant figures throughout your conversions.
What Our Users Say
“This converter saved me when I was trying to make my grandmother’s American recipes here in Germany. The precise mL measurements made all the difference!”
“As a chemistry teacher, I appreciate the exact conversions this tool provides. My students use it regularly for lab preparations.”
“Finally a converter that’s simple enough for cooking but precise enough for my small-batch skincare formulations. I use it daily!”
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different. A US customary cup is 236.588 mL, while a UK imperial cup is 284.131 mL. Our converter uses the US cup measurement unless otherwise specified.
Many recipes round 236.588 mL to 240 mL for simplicity in measurement. This small difference (about 1.4%) rarely affects cooking results but could be significant in scientific applications.
A half US cup equals exactly 118.294 mL (half of 236.588 mL). For practical cooking purposes, this is often rounded to 120 mL.
While our converter provides accurate volume conversions, always consult with a healthcare professional for medical dosage measurements rather than relying solely on volume conversions.
Our converter uses the exact conversion factor of 1 US cup = 236.5882365 mL, making it accurate to the milliliter. However, practical measurement accuracy also depends on your measuring tools and technique.
Mastering Cup to Milliliter Conversions
Accurate measurement conversions between cups and milliliters are essential for cooking, baking, scientific work, and countless other applications. Our cups to mL converter provides instant, precise conversions using the standard US customary cup measurement of exactly 236.588 milliliters.
Remember that while volume measurements are convenient, weight measurements (grams or ounces) are often more accurate for dry ingredients. Consider investing in a kitchen scale for the most precise baking results. For liquid ingredients, our converter ensures you can seamlessly work with recipes from any country regardless of their preferred measurement system.
Pro Tip
Bookmark this page or save our converter to your home screen for quick access whenever you need to convert between cups and milliliters in your kitchen, lab, or workshop.
Ready to Convert?
Try our cups to mL converter now for instant, accurate measurements!