Quick-reference charts for everyday cooking. Bookmark this page or print it for your kitchen.
US measurement equivalents
Common US volume equivalents
| Measurement | Equals |
|---|
| 3 teaspoons | 1 tablespoon |
| 2 tablespoons | 1 fluid ounce |
| 4 tablespoons | 1/4 cup |
| 16 tablespoons | 1 cup |
| 1 cup | 8 fluid ounces |
| 2 cups | 1 pint |
| 4 cups | 1 quart |
| 4 quarts | 1 gallon |
| 1 stick of butter | 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) |
Approximate metric conversions
US volume to metric (rounded)
| US | Metric (approx.) |
|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml |
| 1 tablespoon | 15 ml |
| 1/4 cup | 60 ml |
| 1/2 cup | 120 ml |
| 1 cup | 240 ml |
| 1 ounce (weight) | 28 g |
| 1 pound | 454 g |
Ingredient weights vary. For example, a cup of flour weighs much less than a cup of sugar, so weigh dry ingredients when precision matters.
Oven temperatures
Fahrenheit to Celsius (rounded)
| Fahrenheit | Celsius | Common use |
|---|
| 325°F | 165°C | Slow baking, custards |
| 350°F | 175°C | Cakes, quick breads |
| 375°F | 190°C | Cookies, muffins, casseroles |
| 400°F | 200°C | Roasting vegetables |
| 425°F | 220°C | Roasting chicken |
| 450°F | 230°C | Crispy potatoes, high-heat roasting |
Safe minimum internal temperatures
These are the minimum internal temperatures recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Measure with a food thermometer in the thickest part of the food, away from bone. Check FoodSafety.gov for the latest guidance.
Safe minimum internal cooking temperatures
| Food | Temperature |
|---|
| Poultry (whole, parts, and ground) | 165°F |
| Ground beef, pork, veal, and lamb | 160°F |
| Beef, pork, veal, and lamb steaks, chops, and roasts | 145°F, then rest 3 minutes |
| Fish and shellfish | 145°F |
| Egg dishes | 160°F |
| Leftovers and casseroles | 165°F |
Food storage basics
- Refrigerate cooked food within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if the room is above 90°F.
- Most cooked leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F.
- Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave, never on the counter.