Cups to Fluid Ounces Converter (Cups ⇄ fl oz)
Convert US cups to fluid ounces instantly for cooking, baking, and beverages. 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces (fl oz), 1/2 cup = 4 fl oz, 1/4 cup = 2 fl oz. This converter measures volume, not weight. Perfect for recipes and drink measurements.
Cups ⇄ Fluid Ounces Calculator
Convert US cup to US fluid ounce (fl oz) and back. Perfect for fast cooking & baking conversions.
Key fact: 1 cup = 8 fl oz (this measures volume, not weight)
How many ounces in 1 cup?
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces (fl oz)
This is a volume measurement. The standard US cup holds exactly 8 fluid ounces of liquid.
Complete Cups to Fluid Ounces Conversion Chart
Quick reference table for converting US cups to fluid ounces. All measurements use the standard US cup (8 fl oz).
Fractional Cup Measurements
| Cups | Fluid Ounces (fl oz) | Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup | 1 fl oz | 2 tbsp |
| 1/4 cup | 2 fl oz | 4 tbsp |
| 1/3 cup | 2.67 fl oz | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp |
| 1/2 cup | 4 fl oz | 8 tbsp |
| 2/3 cup | 5.33 fl oz | 10 tbsp + 2 tsp |
| 3/4 cup | 6 fl oz | 12 tbsp |
| 1 cup | 8 fl oz | 16 tbsp |
Whole Cup Measurements
| Cups | Fluid Ounces (fl oz) | Milliliters (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 8 fl oz | 237 mL |
| 1.5 cups | 12 fl oz | 355 mL |
| 2 cups | 16 fl oz | 473 mL (1 pint) |
| 3 cups | 24 fl oz | 710 mL |
| 4 cups | 32 fl oz | 946 mL (1 quart) |
| 8 cups | 64 fl oz | 1,893 mL (1/2 gallon) |
| 16 cups | 128 fl oz | 3,785 mL (1 gallon) |
Fluid Ounces to Cups
| Fluid Ounces (fl oz) | Cups | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 fl oz | 0.125 cups (1/8) | Shot glass |
| 2 fl oz | 0.25 cups (1/4) | Small juice glass |
| 4 fl oz | 0.5 cups (1/2) | Small coffee cup |
| 6 fl oz | 0.75 cups (3/4) | Tea cup |
| 8 fl oz | 1 cup | Standard cup |
| 12 fl oz | 1.5 cups | Soda can |
| 16 fl oz | 2 cups | 1 pint |
| 32 fl oz | 4 cups | 1 quart |
Fluid Ounces vs Ounces: Understanding the Difference
This is one of the most common sources of confusion in cooking! Fluid ounces and ounces are NOT the same thing.
⚠️ Critical Difference
| Fluid Ounces (fl oz): | Measure VOLUME (space occupied) |
| Ounces (oz): | Measure WEIGHT (mass) |
Real-World Examples
| Liquid | Volume | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 8 fl oz | ~8.3 oz weight |
| Milk | 8 fl oz | ~8.6 oz weight |
| Honey | 8 fl oz | ~12 oz weight |
| Vegetable oil | 8 fl oz | ~7.7 oz weight |
| Maple syrup | 8 fl oz | ~11 oz weight |
Key takeaway: 8 fluid ounces of ANY liquid always takes up the same amount of space (1 cup), but different liquids weigh different amounts. Water is roughly equal (8 fl oz ≈ 8 oz weight), but denser liquids like honey weigh more, and lighter liquids like oil weigh less.
✓ Remember: When a recipe says "8 ounces," check the context:
- For liquids → usually means 8 fluid ounces (1 cup)
- For dry ingredients → usually means 8 ounces by weight
- Look for "fl oz" or "fluid ounces" to be sure
How to Convert Cups to Fluid Ounces
✓ The Formula
fl oz = cups × 8
To go the other way: cups = fl oz ÷ 8
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1: Convert 3 cups to fluid ounces
- Start with the amount: 3 cups
- Multiply by 8: 3 × 8 = 24 fl oz
- Result: 3 cups = 24 fl oz
Example 2: Convert 1/2 cup to fluid ounces
- Start with the fraction: 1/2 cup = 0.5 cups
- Multiply by 8: 0.5 × 8 = 4 fl oz
- Result: 1/2 cup = 4 fl oz
Example 3: Convert 12 fl oz to cups
- Start with fluid ounces: 12 fl oz
- Divide by 8: 12 ÷ 8 = 1.5 cups
- Result: 12 fl oz = 1.5 cups (or 1 1/2 cups)
Practical Tips for Measuring Liquids
📏 Use Liquid Measuring Cups
Liquid measuring cups (usually glass or clear plastic with a spout) are designed to be filled while sitting on the counter. Check at eye level for accuracy.
👁️ Read at Eye Level
Place the measuring cup on a flat surface and bend down to read the measurement at eye level. Reading from above causes errors.
💧 Read the Meniscus
The liquid surface curves slightly. Read the measurement at the bottom of the curve (the meniscus), not the top edges where liquid climbs the container.
⚖️ Weight for Accuracy
For the most precise baking, use a kitchen scale and measure liquids by weight in grams. This eliminates all measurement errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fluid ounces in 1 cup?
1 US cup = 8 fluid ounces (fl oz). This is a standard volume measurement used throughout American cooking and baking. The relationship is exact: 1 cup always equals exactly 8 fl oz.
How many ounces in 1/2 cup?
1/2 cup = 4 fluid ounces. This is exactly half of a standard cup. Remember this is fluid ounces (volume), not weight ounces.
How many ounces in 1/4 cup?
1/4 cup = 2 fluid ounces. This is one quarter of a standard US cup, or 4 tablespoons.
What's the difference between fluid ounces and ounces?
Fluid ounces (fl oz) measure volume (the space something occupies), while ounces (oz) measure weight (how heavy something is). 8 fl oz of water weighs about 8 oz, but 8 fl oz of honey weighs about 12 oz because honey is denser. Always check whether a recipe calls for fluid ounces or weight ounces!
How many cups is 16 fl oz?
16 fluid ounces = 2 cups. This is also equal to 1 pint. Divide any number of fluid ounces by 8 to get cups: 16 ÷ 8 = 2 cups.
How many cups is 12 fl oz?
12 fluid ounces = 1.5 cups (or 1 1/2 cups). This is a common beverage can size. Formula: 12 ÷ 8 = 1.5 cups.
How many cups is 32 fl oz?
32 fluid ounces = 4 cups. This is also equal to 1 quart or 946 mL. Formula: 32 ÷ 8 = 4 cups.
Is 8 oz the same as 1 cup?
Yes, 8 fluid ounces equals 1 cup. However, be careful: if the recipe just says "8 oz" without specifying "fluid ounces," check the context. For liquids it usually means 8 fl oz (1 cup), but for dry ingredients it might mean 8 ounces by weight (which varies by ingredient).
Can I use a regular drinking glass to measure cups?
No! Regular drinking glasses vary widely in size. A standard measuring cup holds exactly 8 fluid ounces. Always use proper measuring cups or a kitchen scale for accurate results in cooking and baking.
Common Beverage Sizes in Cups and Fluid Ounces
| Beverage | Fluid Ounces | Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Shot | 1.5 fl oz | ~0.19 cups |
| Coffee cup (small) | 6 fl oz | 0.75 cups (3/4) |
| Coffee mug (standard) | 8-12 fl oz | 1-1.5 cups |
| Soda can | 12 fl oz | 1.5 cups |
| Water bottle (standard) | 16.9 fl oz | ~2.1 cups |
| Pint glass | 16 fl oz | 2 cups |
| Large coffee (Starbucks Venti) | 20 fl oz | 2.5 cups |
| Wine bottle | 25.4 fl oz | ~3.2 cups |
Related Converters
Note
US measurements. This converter measures volume (fluid ounces), not weight. Fluid ounces measure the space a liquid occupies, while weight ounces measure mass. Always verify which type of ounces your recipe requires.