ounces to cups
The core relationship is simple: in U.S. cooking, 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces (fl oz). To convert ounces to cups, use cups = fluid ounces ÷ 8. Below you’ll find quick charts, a real example, and common mistakes—plus a one-click link back to the instant converter.
Open the Cooking Measurement CalculatorQuick Answer: cups = fl oz ÷ 8. For example, 12 fl oz ÷ 8 = 1.5 cups.
Updated for 2025 · U.S. liquid (volume) ounces.
Common fl oz → cup Conversions (at a glance)
Fluid ounces to cups
| Fluid Ounces | Cups |
|---|---|
| 1 fl oz | 1/8 cup (0.125) |
| 2 fl oz | 1/4 cup (0.25) |
| 4 fl oz | 1/2 cup (0.5) |
| 6 fl oz | 3/4 cup (0.75) |
| 8 fl oz | 1 cup |
| 12 fl oz | 1 1/2 cups |
| 16 fl oz | 2 cups (1 pint) |
| 24 fl oz | 3 cups |
| 32 fl oz | 4 cups (1 quart) |
Takeaway: Divide fluid ounces by 8 to get cups—works every time.
Related Shortcuts
- 1 cup = 8 fl oz = 16 Tbsp
- 1 Tbsp = 0.5 fl oz
- 2 cups = 1 pint, 4 cups = 1 quart
Real-World Example: Smoothie Batch
Your smoothie recipe calls for 12 fl oz of almond milk, but your cup measure is handy. Convert: 12 ÷ 8 = 1.5 cups. Fill to 1½ cups—no guesswork.
Summary: 12 fl oz = 1½ cups. The formula keeps you fast and accurate.
Common Mistakes (and easy fixes)
Confusing fluid ounces with ounces (weight)
Fluid ounces measure volume; ounces (oz) measure weight. 8 fl oz of oil does not weigh 8 oz—density matters.
Takeaway: Check the label or recipe—if it’s weight, use a scale.
Mixing U.S., metric, and Imperial
U.S. cup = 240 mL (conventional), metric cup = 250 mL, U.K. historical cup differs. Keep one system throughout a recipe to avoid creeping errors.
Takeaway: Stick to one system or convert everything to mL.
Rounding early
Rounding 10 fl oz to 1 cup is tempting, but the exact cup value is 1.25 cups. Early rounding can water down sauces or thicken batters.
Takeaway: Convert first, then round only if the recipe allows.
10-Second Method: ounces to cups
- Remember: 1 cup = 8 fl oz.
- Use the formula: cups = fl oz ÷ 8.
- Anchors: 4 fl oz = 1/2 cup; 12 fl oz = 1 1/2 cups; 16 fl oz = 2 cups.
- For tricky amounts, use the Cooking Measurement Calculator.
Summary: Divide by 8—simple mental math for liquid conversions.
Keep Converting
FAQ: ounces to cups
How many cups is 8 fl oz?
1 cup. That’s the U.S. liquid measure standard.
How many cups is 12 fl oz?
1.5 cups (1½ cups), because 12 ÷ 8 = 1.5.
How many cups is 16 fl oz?
2 cups—also known as 1 U.S. pint.