US vs Metric Cup Sizes Explained
Understanding milliliter volume differences between American baking cups and international metric cups.
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The Three Standard Measuring Cups
A "cup" is not an identical physical volume across the globe. Depending on where your recipe originates, a cup may refer to three distinct volumes:
| Cup Standard | Volume in mL | Primary Region / Context | 1 Cup Flour Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Customary Cup | 236.588 mL (≈237 mL) | Standard American home recipes & King Arthur charts | 120 grams |
| US Legal / FDA Cup | 240.0 mL | FDA nutrition labels & commercial food packaging | 121.7 grams |
| Metric Cup | 250.0 mL | Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, and international | 126.8 grams |
Why It Matters: Using an Australian Metric Cup (250 mL) for an American recipe based on US Customary Cups (236.6 mL) introduces a 5.7% volume increase. For delicate pastries, this variance can affect dough hydration and crumb structure.