How many cups are in 16oz?

Last Updated on July 10, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

There are 2 cups in 16 fluid ounces (16oz). Each cup is equal to 8 fluid ounces (8oz). Therefore, if you have 16 fluid ounces, you can divide it by 8 to get the equivalent number of cups, which in this case is 2 cups.

This article highlights the comparison of ounces of fluids to other volume units and how to convert fluid ounces to cups. It also looks at converting ounces to grams and the types of cups available. Read on!

What is the comparison between ounces of fluid, cups, and metrics?

The following table compares some measures of volume.

  Cups  Metric unit  Fluid ounces (floz)
  1 cup  240 ml  8 ounces (0.5 pints)
  ½ cup  120 ml  4 ounces
  ¾ cups  180 ml  6 ounces
  1 ½ cups  350 ml  12 ounces
  2 cups  480 ml  16 ounces

What is the difference between fluid ounces and ounces?

Fluid ounces (Fl.oz) and ounces are both units of measurement, but they are different. While fluid ounces measure volume, ounces are used for measuring weight. For example, when calculating the volume of water or milk, we use fluid ounces, and you can do this using a measuring cup. Volume measures the amount of space that something occupies.

On the other hand, ounces are used when measuring the weight mostly of dry ingredients. Examples of items to measure in ounces include; sugar and flour, but you can also use it on yogurt or honey. Most baking recipes are given in ounces and not in cups since it is more accurate. Weight is how heavy an object is. Other units of measuring weight include grams, kilograms, and pounds.

When measuring items, you cannot interchangeably use the terms fluid ounces and ounces since they do not refer to the same thing. It is essential to be careful when reading recipes to measure your ingredients accurately.

This table summarizes the differences between fluid ounces and ounces.

  Ounces  Fluid ounces
  Abbreviated as ‘’oz’’Abbreviated as ‘’fl.oz”
Measures weightMeasures volume
16 ounces equal to 1 pound16 fluid ounces equal to 1 pint
One ”oz” equals 28.3495 grams (by the international system)One fl. oz equals 29.5735 ml (by the customary system)

How can you convert fluid ounces to cups?

Knowing how to convert ounces to cups or vice versa is helpful, especially when dealing with baking or other recipes. With the following chart, it can be easier;

1 cup = 8 fl oz

2 cups = 16 fl oz

5 cups = 40 fl oz

0,125 cups = 1 fl oz

It is possible to convert any number of cups to fluid ounces by multiplying by 8. For example, if you have 10 cups of a liquid, multiply by 8. i.e., 10 x 8 = 80 fl oz. Conversely, to convert fluid ounces to cups, divide by 8. For example, 100 ounces will be 100/8 = 12.5 cups.

What are the types of cups available?

There are two main kinds of cup volumes used in the United States, namely;

The legal cup

This cup volume is 240 milliliters, commonly used in measuring recipes, serving size, and food labeling. This measurement is applicable when converting cups to fluid ounces or the other way around.

Standard cup

This type of cup is slightly different from the legal cup, and it holds 236 milliliters of fluid/liquid. This cup also contains ½ pint of liquid.

Other types of cups volumes include;

Coffee cup

This cup has a capacity of 118 ml and used to measure coffee made with 148 milliliters of water.

Metric cup

It contains 250 milliliters

How can you convert ounces to grams and vice versa?

Both grams and ounces are units of measurement relating to the concept of weight and mass. The acceptable metric unit for measuring mass is the gram. When a pound is divided into 16 equal parts, it results in an ounce, which is used to measure mass in the US.

It is possible to convert ounces to grams or grams to ounces using a relevant conversion factor. The following steps help convert ounces to grams

 Step 1. Convert ounces to pounds

1 pound = 16 ounces.  For example, 100 ounces will be equal to 100/16 = 6.25 pounds

Step 2. Convert pounds to kilograms

One kilogram equals 2.2 pounds. To do this conversion, you will divide the number of pounds by 2.2. For example, 6.25 pounds will be equal to 6.25/2.2 = 2.8409 kilograms

Step 3. Convert the kilograms to grams.

 One kilogram is equal to 1000 grams. Converting kilograms to grams, you will multiply by 1000. For example, 2.8409 kilograms will be equal to 2.8409 x 1000 = 2840.9 grams.

1 ounce is, therefore, equal to 28.4 grams

The steps for converting grams to ounces are a reverse of the above, and they involve;

Step 1. Convert the gram to kilograms.

Since 1 kilogram = 1000 grams as seen above, you will divide the grams by 1000. For example, 28.4 grams equal to 28.4/1000 = 0.0284 kilograms

Step 2. Convert kilograms to pounds

1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds. Multiply the number of kilograms you have by 2.2. For example, 0.0284 x 2.2 = 0.06248 pounds.

Step 3. Convert pounds to ounces

One pound equals 16 ounces. You will multiply the number of pounds by 16. For example, 0.06248 x 16 = 0.99968 which is approximately 1 ounce.

Therefore, one ounce is equal to 28.4 grams, or 1 gram equals 1/28.4 = 0.0352 ounces. It is, therefore, possible to use this conversion factor to convert grams to ounces.

What is the difference between liquid and dry measuring cups?

Liquid measuring cups are made of plastic or glass with a handle. You can pour a liquid into this container and use a measuring line to bring it even without overflowing. Conversely, dry measuring cups measure dry ingredients such as flour. They hold the exact amount labeled, and you can use a flat edge to level the content.

What is the difference between liquid and dry measuring cups?

How can you make accurate measurements?

Wrong measurements can ruin your recipe’s outcome. To avoid such disappointments, always use the proper measuring cups. For example, when measuring dry ingredients, use a dry measuring cup, as this will give you the exact amount you want. If you’re going to measure your baking flour, use a spoon and scoop it into a dry measuring cup. Take a flat edge and push the flour across the top of the cup to level it and remove the excess.

You can also use a scale instead of a dry measuring cup for accurate measurements.

It would help if you used a liquid measuring cup to avoid spilling over liquids. Ensure that you pour the right amount you need, and be careful not to splash it on your kitchen counter.

Wrapping up

According to the US system of measurements, there are 2 cups in 16oz. Knowing this relationship is crucial as it can enable you to convert any number of cups to ounces and vice versa. But, it is critical to understand the units you are dealing with, whether ounces (for measuring weight) or fluid ounces for measuring volume.

The type of cup you use is crucial for accurate measurements as this will determine the outcome of your recipe. As a rule of thumb, always use a liquid measuring cup when dealing with oil, milk, yogurt, or water. Be sure to also use a dry measuring cup for dry ingredients like sugar and flour, as doing this will prevent spillage and splashing of your kitchen tops.

References:

https://coda.io/@laila-robinson/cooking-measurements-conversion-chart/how-many-cups-is-16-ounces-12

https://www.asknumbers.com/16-oz-to-cups.aspx