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Kitchen Measurements Explained: EU vs US vs UK

Kitchen Measurements Explained: EU vs US vs UK

Why Kitchen Measurements Matter

Cooking allows some flexibility, but baking is precise. Even small differences between grams, ounces, cups, or tablespoons can affect texture, rise, and flavor. Knowing which system a recipe uses—and how to convert it—ensures consistent, reliable results.

The Three Main Measurement Systems

🇪🇺 European (Metric) System

The EU uses the metric system, which is weight-based and highly precise.

Common units:

  • Grams (g)

  • Kilograms (kg)

  • Milliliters (ml)

  • Liters (l)

Best for: baking, professional kitchens, accuracy
Main advantage: consistency and precision

🇺🇸 United States (US Customary System)

The US primarily uses volume measurements, especially for home cooking.

Common units:

  • Cups

  • Tablespoons (tbsp)

  • Teaspoons (tsp)

  • Fluid ounces (fl oz)

  • Pounds (lb)

  • Ounces (oz)

Best for: quick home cooking
Main challenge: volume varies by ingredient

🇬🇧 United Kingdom (UK System)

The UK is a hybrid system, combining metric and imperial.

Common units:

  • Grams and milliliters (modern recipes)

  • Ounces and pounds (older recipes)

  • UK tablespoons (slightly larger than US)

Best for: mixed usage
Main challenge: older vs modern recipe differences

Key Differences You Must Know

Cups: US vs Metric

  • 1 US cup = 240 ml

  • 1 Metric cup = 250 ml

This difference matters in baking, especially with liquids and flour.

Tablespoons & Teaspoons

  • US tablespoon: 14.8 ml

  • UK tablespoon: 15 ml

  • Metric tablespoon: 15 ml

Teaspoons are mostly consistent:

  • 1 teaspoon ≈ 5 ml

Ounces: Weight vs Volume

  • Ounce (oz) = weight (28.35 g)

  • Fluid ounce (fl oz) = volume

    • US fl oz: 29.6 ml

    • UK fl oz: 28.4 ml

This is one of the most common sources of mistakes.

Common Kitchen Conversion Chart

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 oz = 28 g

  • 4 oz = 113 g

  • 8 oz = 225 g

  • 1 lb = 454 g

Liquids

  • 1 US cup = 240 ml

  • 1 UK cup ≈ 250 ml

  • 1 tbsp = 15 ml

  • 1 tsp = 5 ml

Why a Kitchen Scale Is Essential

Using a digital kitchen scale eliminates guesswork. Weight-based measurements are:

  • More accurate

  • More consistent

  • Easier to scale up or down

Professional chefs and bakers almost always rely on grams instead of cups.

Baking vs Cooking Measurements

Baking

  • Precision is critical

  • Use grams and milliliters

  • Always level dry ingredients

Cooking

  • More flexible

  • Cups and spoons work fine

  • Adjust seasoning to taste

Tips for Using International Recipes

  • Always check recipe origin (EU, US, or UK)

  • Convert measurements before starting

  • Use a scale whenever possible

  • Be careful with cups and tablespoons

  • When in doubt, weigh ingredients