mL to Cups
Common values
| From (mL) | To (cup) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 0.000 |
| 0.2 | 0.001 |
| 0.4 | 0.002 |
| 0.6 | 0.003 |
| 0.8 | 0.003 |
| 1 | 0.004 |
| 1.2 | 0.005 |
| 1.4 | 0.006 |
| 1.6 | 0.007 |
| 1.8 | 0.008 |
| 2 | 0.008 |
Canada uses metric in official contexts but US cups in cooking. One standard cup equals 236.588 mL:
cups = mL ÷ 236.588
Common fractions: ½ cup = 118.3 mL; ¼ cup = 59.1 mL; ⅓ cup = 78.9 mL.
- 250 mL ÷ 236.6 = 1.06 cups (≈ 1 cup — a common Canadian measuring cup)
- 500 mL ÷ 236.6 = 2.11 cups
- 118 mL ÷ 236.6 = 0.499 cups (≈ ½ cup)
- 1000 mL ÷ 236.6 = 4.23 cups
Canadian cookbooks and recipe websites often list both mL and cups. Measuring cups sold in Canada typically show both mL and cup markings. Converting is necessary when scaling US recipes (which use cups) or when a Canadian recipe gives mL but you only have cup measures handy.
An interesting quirk: Canadian measuring cups often show 250 mL as the 1-cup mark, even though the true US cup is 236.6 mL. This small rounding (about 5.6% larger) is accepted in Canadian home cooking but can matter in precise baking. Professional Canadian bakers weigh ingredients in grams for accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a Canadian cup the same as a US cup? Canadian measuring cups often mark 250 mL as 1 cup, while a US cup is 236.6 mL. The difference is small but can affect precise baking.
- How many mL is ½ cup? ½ US cup = 118.3 mL; ½ Canadian cup (if marked at 250 mL) = 125 mL.
- What is 2 cups in mL? 2 × 236.6 = 473.2 mL (US cups) or 500 mL using Canadian cup marks.
Related converters: Unit Converter