cups to ounces
The core relationship is simple: in U.S. cooking, 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces (fl oz). To convert cups to ounces, use fl oz = cups × 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: fluid ounces = cups × 8. For example, 1½ cups × 8 = 12 fl oz.
Updated for 2025 · U.S. liquid (volume) ounces.
Common cup → fl oz Conversions (at a glance)
Cups to fluid ounces
| Cups | Fluid Ounces (fl oz) |
|---|---|
| 1/8 cup | 1 fl oz |
| 1/4 cup | 2 fl oz |
| 1/3 cup | 2 2/3 fl oz (≈ 2.67) |
| 1/2 cup | 4 fl oz |
| 2/3 cup | 5 1/3 fl oz (≈ 5.33) |
| 3/4 cup | 6 fl oz |
| 1 cup | 8 fl oz |
| 1 1/2 cups | 12 fl oz |
| 2 cups | 16 fl oz (1 pint) |
| 4 cups | 32 fl oz (1 quart) |
Takeaway: Multiply cups by 8 to get fluid ounces—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: Soup Stock
Your recipe needs 2 cups of stock, but your carton lists fl oz. Convert: 2 × 8 = 16 fl oz. Measure 16 fluid ounces—no guesswork.
Summary: 2 cups = 16 fl oz. 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. Density changes weight at the same volume.
Takeaway: If the recipe says “oz” by weight, use a scale or grams.
Mixing U.S., metric, and Imperial
U.S. cup ≈ 240 mL (conventional), metric cup = 250 mL, U.K. historical cup differs. Stay in one system to avoid drift.
Takeaway: Stick to one system or convert everything to mL.
Rounding early
1/3 cup is 2.67 fl oz. Rounding to 2.5 fl oz under-measures and can affect texture.
Takeaway: Convert first, then round only if the recipe allows.
10-Second Method: cups to ounces
- Remember: 1 cup = 8 fl oz.
- Use the formula: fl oz = cups × 8.
- Anchors: 1/2 cup = 4 fl oz; 3/4 cup = 6 fl oz; 2 cups = 16 fl oz.
- For tricky amounts, use the Cooking Measurement Calculator.
Summary: Multiply by 8—simple mental math for liquid conversions.
Keep Converting
FAQ: cups to ounces
How many ounces in 1 cup?
8 fluid ounces in 1 U.S. cup.
How many ounces in 1/2 cup?
4 fluid ounces, since 0.5 × 8 = 4.
How many ounces in 2 cups?
16 fluid ounces (also 1 U.S. pint).