Cups to Milliliters (mL) Converter
Convert cups into exact metric milliliters (240 mL vs 250 mL).
Interactive Cups to Milliliters (mL) Converter
Convert cups into exact metric milliliters with live comparison across US Customary (236.6 mL), US Legal (240 mL), Metric (250 mL), UK Imperial (284.1 mL), and Japanese (200 mL) cup standards.
Equivalent Across All 5 Cup Standards
Cup volumes vary worldwide by regionUnderstanding Cups to Milliliters (mL) Conversion
Converting cups to milliliters is essential whenever you bake with an international recipe or use kitchen equipment graduated in the metric system. Because cup sizes differ worldwide, here are the exact standards:
- US Customary Cup: 236.588 mL (8 US fluid ounces). Used in traditional American cookbooks.
- US Legal Cup: 240.0 mL (FDA nutrition labeling standard and modern kitchen measuring sets).
- Metric Cup: 250.0 mL (Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, South Africa).
- UK Imperial Cup: 284.131 mL (half of an Imperial pint, common in vintage British baking).
- Japanese Cup: 200.0 mL (standard in Japanese kitchens, derived from the traditional rice gō).
How to Convert Cups to mL: Formula & Method
Milliliters (US Customary) = Cups × 236.588 Milliliters (Metric Cup) = Cups × 250.0 Milliliters (US Legal Cup) = Cups × 240.0 - Select your cup standard: Determine if your recipe is from the US (236.6 mL or 240 mL), Commonwealth (250 mL), or Japan (200 mL).
- Multiply by the standard multiplier: For example, 1/2 cup × 236.59 = 118.3 mL (or 120 mL in US Legal standard).
- Measure with precision: Place a graduated liquid measuring cup on a level counter and check the meniscus at eye level.
Worked Culinary Examples
Example 1: Whole Milk for Pancakes
An American recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of cold whole milk.
- US Customary: 1.5 × 236.59 mL = 354.88 mL (~355 mL).
- US Legal: 1.5 × 240 mL = 360 mL.
- Metric Standard: 1.5 × 250 mL = 375 mL.
Example 2: Canola Oil for Chocolate Cake
Your cake recipe requires 3/4 cup of vegetable or canola oil.
- US Customary: 0.75 × 236.59 mL = 177.44 mL (~177 mL).
- US Legal: 0.75 × 240 mL = 180 mL.
Quick Reference Conversion Table: Cups to Milliliters (mL)
| Cup Fraction | US Customary (mL) | US Legal (mL) | Metric Cup (mL) | Japanese Cup (mL) | Fluid Ounces (fl oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29.57 cup | 29.6 mL | 30 mL | 31 mL | 25 mL | 1 fl oz |
| 59 1/6 cup | 59.1 mL | 60 mL | 63 mL | 50 mL | 2 fl oz |
| 78 7/8 cup | 78.9 mL | 80 mL | 83 mL | 67 mL | 2.7 fl oz |
| 118 1/3 cup | 118.3 mL | 120 mL | 125 mL | 100 mL | 4 fl oz |
| 157 3/4 cup | 157.7 mL | 160 mL | 167 mL | 133 mL | 5.3 fl oz |
| 177.44 cup | 177.4 mL | 180 mL | 188 mL | 150 mL | 6 fl oz |
| 236 5/8 cup | 236.6 mL | 240 mL | 250 mL | 200 mL | 8 fl oz |
| 295 3/4 cup | 295.7 mL | 300 mL | 313 mL | 250 mL | 10 fl oz |
| 354 7/8 cup | 354.9 mL | 360 mL | 375 mL | 300 mL | 12 fl oz |
| 414.03 cup | 414.0 mL | 420 mL | 438 mL | 350 mL | 14 fl oz |
| 473 1/6 cup | 473.2 mL | 480 mL | 500 mL | 400 mL | 16 fl oz |
| 591 1/2 cup | 591.5 mL | 600 mL | 625 mL | 500 mL | 20 fl oz |
| 709 3/4 cup | 709.8 mL | 720 mL | 750 mL | 600 mL | 24 fl oz |
| 946 1/3 cup | 946.4 mL | 960 mL | 1000 mL | 800 mL | 32 fl oz |
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming All Measuring Cups Are 250 mL
American measuring sets are built to 236.6 mL (or 240 mL). Using a 250 mL Australian/European cup for an American recipe adds 14 mL (nearly a full tablespoon) of excess liquid per cup, which can make bread dough overly sticky or cakes sunken.
Confusing Liquid and Dry Cups
Dry measuring cups are designed to be filled to the brim and leveled off flat with a straight spatula. Liquid cups feature clear measurement lines below the rim with a pouring spout.
Japanese 200 mL Cup Standard
If preparing recipes from Japanese cookbooks, 1 cup of dashi or water equals exactly 200 mL, not 240 or 250 mL.
Fluid Ounces vs Ounces by Weight
1 US cup equals 8 fluid ounces (volume). It only weighs 8 ounces (dry weight) if measuring water or liquids with a density of 1.0 g/mL.