Convert between metric, US and UK volume units — milliliters, liters, cubic meters, teaspoons, tablespoons, fluid ounces, cups (US and metric), pints, quarts and gallons (US and UK). Handy for cooking, fuel and liquid measurements.
Quick reference
- 1 US cup = 236.588 ml
- 1 metric cup = 250 ml
- 1 US tablespoon = 14.787 ml
- 1 US gallon = 3.78541 L
- 1 UK gallon = 4.54609 L
- 1 US pint = 473.176 ml
- 1 UK pint = 568.261 ml
Cooking is where volume conversion comes up most — a recipe in cups when you only have a milliliter-marked jug, or a US recipe when you’re working in Imperial. The quick reference below covers the common kitchen conversions.
How to convert volume units
All volume units here are converted through liters. Watch out for US and UK differences: a US gallon is 3.785 liters but a UK (imperial) gallon is 4.546 liters, and a US pint is 473 ml while a UK pint is 568 ml. In the US, 1 gallon = 4 quarts = 8 pints = 16 cups, and 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons.
Example: a recipe asks for 2 US cups of milk. 2 × 236.59 ml = 473.18 ml, so measure out about 475 ml.
Frequently asked questions
Why are US and UK gallons different?
The UK imperial gallon, defined in 1824, was based on the volume of 10 pounds of water. The US kept an older English “wine gallon” of 231 cubic inches. As a result the UK gallon is about 20% larger.
Are recipe cups US cups?
Most American recipes use the US cup (236.6 ml). Recipes from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada often use the metric cup of 250 ml. The difference is small for one cup but adds up in baking, so this converter includes both.
How many milliliters are in a tablespoon?
A US tablespoon is 14.79 ml. Many countries use a rounded metric tablespoon of 15 ml, and Australia uses a 20 ml tablespoon.