Baking Science8 min read| Published 2025-01-20

US Cup vs Metric Cup vs Imperial Cup: The International Baking Guide

"Did you know a US cup is 236.6 ml while a Metric cup is 250 ml and an Imperial cup is 284 ml? Learn how to navigate international recipes without ruining your baked goods."

D
Dr. Marcus Vance, Culinary ScientistVerified Culinary Specialist
A 'cup' is not a universal unit of volume across the globe. Depending on where your recipe originated, cup measurements can differ by up to 20% in volume!

1. US Customary Cup (236.588 ml / 8 fl oz)

Used in standard American home baking recipes and recipe books.

2. US Legal Cup (240 ml)

Used by the US FDA for nutrition labeling requirements.

3. Metric Cup (250 ml)

Standardized in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and parts of the Commonwealth.

4. Imperial Cup (284.13 ml / 10 Imperial fl oz)

Used in traditional vintage British, Irish, and UK recipes.
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125 grams
grams
Calculated Volume
0.83 cups
approx 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp
1 Cup3/41/21/4
Tablespoons13.3 tbsp
Teaspoons40.0 tsp
Ounces3.53 oz
💡 Measuring Advice:USDA

Spoon into measuring cup and level off with a straight knife edge.