How many mL are in a cup?
The exact milliliter count depends on the cup measurement system your recipe uses:
- US Customary Cup: 236.59 mL (Standard in American baking)
- Metric Cup: 250 mL (Used in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Commonwealth recipes)
- UK / Imperial Cup: 284.13 mL (Found in traditional British recipes)
mL = Cups × Cup Size (236.59 US, 250 Metric, or 284.13 UK) Quick reference table (US Customary)
| Cups | Milliliters (Exact) | 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 standard cup?
A standard US Customary cup contains 236.59 mL. An international Metric cup contains exactly 250 mL, and a UK/Imperial cup contains 284.13 mL.
How do I convert cups to milliliters?
Multiply the number of cups by your system's conversion factor: 236.59 for US cups, 250 for Metric cups, or 284.13 for Imperial cups. For example, 0.5 US cups × 236.59 = 118.3 mL.
Why are cup sizes different across countries?
The US customary cup is derived from fluid ounces (8 US fl oz). The UK system developed from the Imperial gallon, while other nations standardized to a 250 mL metric cup for easier decimal calculations.
Is my input data saved?
No. All calculations execute directly in your web browser. No personal data is collected or transmitted.