Cup (US)

Definition

The US cup is a unit of volume commonly used in cooking and food preparation. It is a customary (non-SI) unit defined as 236.588 mL.

History

The concept of measuring ingredients in cups dates back to the early 20th century. The US standardized the cup in 1976 to facilitate cooking and baking. Prior to this, measurements varied widely, leading to inconsistencies in recipes.

Uses

The US cup is predominantly used in cooking, especially in recipes from the United States. It is essential in both amateur and professional kitchens for accurate ingredient measurement. The cup is also used in nutrition labeling and dietary guidelines.

Conversions

  • 1 US cup = 236.588 mL
  • 1 US cup = 8 fluid ounces
  • 1 US cup = 0.236588 liters

Fun Facts

  • A common misconception is that a "cup" can vary; however, in the US, it is strictly defined.
  • The cup's use is prevalent in the US and Canada, while other countries often use metric measurements like liters or milliliters.
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