Liquid Measure Equivalents
1 teaspoon = 60 drops1/2 tablespoon = 11/2 teaspoons
1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons; 1/2 fluid ounce
2 tablespoons = 1/8 cup; 1 fluid ounce
3 tablespoons = 11/2 fluid ounces; 1 jigger
4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup; 2 fluid ounces
5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon = 1/3 cup
8 tablespoons = 1/2 cup = 4 fluid ounces
10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons = 2/3 cup
12 tablespoons = 3/4 cup; 6 fluid ounces
16 tablespoons = 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces; 1/2 pint
3/8 cup = 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons
5/8 cup = 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons
7/8 cup = 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons
2 cups = 16 fluid ounces = 1 pint
1 pint = 2 cups; 16 fluid ounces
1 quart = .946 liters (946.3 milliliters)
1 gallon = 4 quarts; 8 pints; 16 cups; 128 fluid ounces
Dry Measure Equivalents
2 pints = 1 quart
Note: Dry measure pints and quarts are approximately 1/8 larger than liquid measure pints and quarts. Dry measure is used for raw fruits and vegetables when measured in large amounts.
Weight or Avoirdupois Equivalents
16 ounces = 1 pound
2.2 pounds = 1 kilo
Metric Conversion Table
To change to multiply by
ounces (oz.) grams(g) 28
pounds (lbs.) kilograms(kg) 0.45
teaspoons milliliters ml) 5
tablespoons milliliters ml) 15
fluid ounces milliliters(ml) 30
cups liters (l) 0.24
pints liters (l) 0.47
quarts liters (l) 0.95
gallons liters(l) 3.8
Fahrenheit temp Celsius temp 5/9 after subtracting 32
The great pretenders
When you're out of an ingredient, improvise. It's more convenient than making a frantic trip to the store.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening) equals 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
1 teaspoon baking powder equals 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
1 cup sugar equals 1 cup packed brown sugar, or 2 cups sifted powdered sugar.
1 square (1 ounce) unsweetened chocolate equals 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, plus 1 tablespoon shortening or cooking oil, or one 1-ounce envelope pre-melted, unsweetened chocolate product.
6 squares (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate equals 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1/4 cup shortening.
1 cup buttermilk equals 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, plus enough milk to make 1 cup (let stand 5 minutes before using), or 1 cup plain yogurt.
1 cup dairy sour cream equals 1 cup plain yogurt.
Equivalent yields
1 lemon = 3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 medium-size orange = 1/4 cup orange juice
8 egg whites = 1 cup
4 ounces firm cheese (Cheddar, jack, Swiss) = 1 cup lightly-packed shredded cheese
3 ounces hard cheese (Parmesan, Romano) = 1/2 cup grated cheese
1/4 pound (1 stick) butter or margarine = 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons
1 cup (1/2 pint) whipping cream = 2 cups whipped cream
1 pound granulated sugar = 2 1/3 cups
1 pound brown sugar = 2 1/3 cups firmly packed
1 pound confectioner's sugar = 33/4 cups, unsifted
1 square baking chocolate (semisweet or unsweetened) = 1 ounce
4 ounces almonds or walnut meats = 1 cup chopped nuts
1 sandwich-size slice fresh bread = 1/4 cup fine crumbs
1 sandwich-size slice fresh bread = 1/2 cup soft crumbs
28 squares saltine crackers = 1 cup crumbs
16 squares graham crackers = 1 cup crumbs
24 two-inch chocolate wafers = 1 cup crumbs
1 package dry yeast = 1 tablespoon
Substitutions for cooking with alcohol
Red Wine (Lambrusco or semisweet wine): Carbonated cranberry drink (preferably Sundance brand)
Dry red wine: Use 1/2 cup (4 ounces) carbonated cranberry drink plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
Dry white wine: Welch's white grape juice plus 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
Sweet white wine: Welch's white grape juice plus 1 tablespoon light Karo corn syrup.
Amaretto: 1 tablespoon light Karo plus 1 tablespoon almond extract plus 1/4 cup clear apple juice.
Brandy: 1/4 cup apple juice plus 1 tablespoon brandy extract or flavoring.
Winnifred Jardine's substitutions for alcohol in cooking
Sherry: Orange or pineapple juice
Cointreau: Frozen orange juice concentrate
Kirsch: Syrup or juice from black cherries, raspberries, boysenberries
Creme de Menthe: Spearmint extract or oil of spearmint diluted with small amount of water or grapefruit juice.
Red Burgundy: Grape juice
Champagne: Ginger ale
Beer or ale: Chicken broth, white grape juice, ginger ale