Kitchen Measurement Conversions Made Easy

Recipes from different countries use different measurement systems. An American recipe calls for cups; a British recipe uses grams; a French recipe specifies milliliters. If you cook from international sources — or just bake precisely — you need to speak all three languages.

Volume Conversions

• 1 cup (US) = 236.6 mL
• 1 tablespoon = 15 mL
• 1 teaspoon = 5 mL
• 1 fluid ounce = 29.6 mL
• 1 pint (US) = 473 mL
• 1 liter = 4.23 US cups

Weight Conversions

• 1 ounce = 28.35 grams
• 1 pound = 453.6 grams
• 100 grams ≈ 3.5 ounces
• 500 grams ≈ 1.1 pounds

Why Weight Beats Volume for Baking

A cup of flour can weigh anywhere from 120 to 160 grams depending on how it's scooped. A cup of packed brown sugar is very different from a loosely measured one. Weight measurements are more precise — which is why professional bakers and most European recipes use grams. A kitchen scale is the best investment a serious baker can make.

Oven Temperature Quick Reference

• Gas Mark 1 = 275°F = 140°C — very low
• Gas Mark 4 = 350°F = 180°C — moderate
• Gas Mark 6 = 400°F = 200°C — hot
• Gas Mark 9 = 475°F = 245°C — very hot