cups to ml
The kitchen standard in 2025: 1 U.S. cooking cup = 240 mL (the precise U.S. customary cup is ≈ 236.6 mL). To convert cups to ml, use milliliters = cups × 240 for everyday cooking. Below you’ll find a quick chart, a real example, and common mistakes—plus a one-click link back to the instant converter.
Open the Cooking Measurement CalculatorQuick Answer (cooking): ml = cups × 240. For example, 1½ cups × 240 = 360 mL.
Updated for 2025 · Note: some countries use a metric cup = 250 mL.
Common cup → mL Conversions (at a glance)
U.S. cooking cup → mL (240 mL base)
| Cups | Milliliters (mL) |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 60 mL |
| 1/3 cup | 80 mL |
| 1/2 cup | 120 mL |
| 2/3 cup | 160 mL |
| 3/4 cup | 180 mL |
| 1 cup | 240 mL |
| 1 1/2 cups | 360 mL |
| 2 cups | 480 mL |
| 4 cups | 960 mL (~1 liter) |
Takeaway: For most recipes, multiply cups by 240 to get mL.
If you’re using a different “cup”
- U.S. customary (precise): 1 cup = 236.588 mL
- Metric cup (AU/NZ/CA): 1 cup = 250 mL
- U.K. (older recipes): definitions vary; modern U.K. recipes usually use metric mL
Real-World Example: Tomato Soup
A recipe calls for 2½ cups of vegetable stock. Using the cooking standard (240 mL per cup): 2.5 × 240 = 600 mL. Measure out 600 mL—no need to dirty multiple cups.
Summary: 2½ cups = 600 mL using the 240 mL cooking cup.
Common Mistakes (and easy fixes)
Mixing 240 mL and 250 mL cups
Many U.S. home cooks use 240 mL; Australia and others use 250 mL. Switching mid-recipe shifts ratios.
Takeaway: Choose one standard per recipe. If in doubt, use mL throughout.
Using weight grams instead of mL
Grams measure weight; mL measure volume. 240 mL of oil and 240 mL of water don’t weigh the same.
Takeaway: If the recipe lists grams, weigh it. If it lists cups/mL, measure volume.
Rounding early on thirds
For example, 1/3 cup is 80 mL (240 base). Don’t round to 75 mL unless the recipe allows.
Takeaway: Convert, then round at the end if acceptable.
10-Second Method: cups to ml
- Remember: 1 U.S. cooking cup = 240 mL.
- Use the formula: mL = cups × 240.
- Anchors: 1/2 cup = 120 mL; 1 cup = 240 mL; 2 cups = 480 mL.
- Working from AU/NZ recipes? Use 250 mL per cup instead.
Summary: Multiply by 240 (or 250 in metric cup regions) and you’re golden.
Keep Converting
FAQ: cups to ml
How many mL in 1 U.S. cup?
For everyday cooking, use 240 mL. The precise U.S. customary cup is about 236.6 mL.
How many mL in 1/2 cup?
120 mL using the 240 mL cooking standard.
Is a metric cup the same as a U.S. cup?
No. A metric cup = 250 mL (common in AU/NZ/CA). A U.S. cooking cup is typically treated as 240 mL.