How many mL are in a cup?
The milliliter equivalent depends on the measurement system used by the recipe:
- US Customary cup: 236.59 mL
- Imperial cup: 284.13 mL
US Customary and Imperial cups have different volumes, so select the measurement system specified by the recipe before converting.
mL = Cups × Cup Size US Customary: 1 cup = 236.5882365 mL Imperial: 1 cup = 284.130625 mL Quick reference table (US Customary)
| Cups | Milliliters | Rounded |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 59.15 mL | 59 mL |
| 1/3 cup | 78.86 mL | 79 mL |
| 1/2 cup | 118.29 mL | 118 mL |
| 2/3 cup | 157.73 mL | 158 mL |
| 3/4 cup | 177.44 mL | 177 mL |
| 1 cup | 236.59 mL | 237 mL |
| 2 cups | 473.18 mL | 473 mL |
| 4 cups | 946.35 mL | 946 mL |
Frequently asked questions
How many mL are in a US cup?
One US customary cup is approximately 236.59 mL. A metric cup is 250 mL, while a traditional Imperial cup is approximately 284.13 mL.
How do I convert cups to milliliters?
Multiply the number of cups by the conversion factor for the selected system: 236.5882365 mL per US Customary cup or 284.130625 mL per Imperial cup. For example, 0.5 US cups × 236.5882365 = approximately 118.29 mL.
Why are cup sizes different across countries?
Different measurement systems define cups using different reference volumes. The US customary cup is 8 US fluid ounces, while the metric cup is defined as 250 mL. Traditional Imperial measurements use different volumes again. When converting a recipe, use the measurement system specified by the original recipe.