When it comes to baking and cooking, measuring ingredients precisely is crucial for achieving the perfect results. One of the most commonly used ingredients is butter, which can be measured in sticks, tablespoons, or cups depending on the recipe. If you have a recipe that calls for butter in cups, knowing how to convert sticks of butter into cups can ensure your baked goods turn out just right.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is:
- 1 stick of butter = 1/2 cup of butter
- 2 sticks of butter = 1 cup of butter
So if a recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, you would need 2 sticks. Each stick contains 4 ounces or 1/2 cup. Below we’ll go into more detail on butter measurements and provide a handy conversion chart.
Butter Measurement Conversions
When buying butter in the store, it usually comes in rectangular sticks wrapped in waxed paper. Each stick is 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons, with 4 ounces of butter per stick. A full pound of butter contains 4 sticks or 2 cups.
Here are some common butter measurements and conversions:
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) of butter = 1/2 ounce = 1/8 cup
- 2 tablespoons (tbsp) of butter = 1 ounce = 1/4 cup
- 4 tablespoons (tbsp) of butter = 2 ounces = 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp
- 8 tablespoons (tbsp) of butter = 4 ounces = 1/2 cup = 1 stick
- 16 tablespoons (tbsp) of butter = 8 ounces = 1 cup = 2 sticks
Butter Conversion Chart
This butter conversion chart summarizes the common measurements:
| Butter | Tablespoons | Ounces | Cups | Sticks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp | 1/2 ounce | 1/8 cup | 1/16 stick |
| 2 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 1 ounce | 1/4 cup | 1/8 stick |
| 4 tbsp | 4 tbsp | 2 ounces | 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp | 1/4 stick |
| 8 tbsp | 8 tbsp | 4 ounces | 1/2 cup | 1/2 stick |
| 16 tbsp | 16 tbsp | 8 ounces | 1 cup | 2 sticks |
Measuring Butter for Baking
When it comes to baking, precisely measuring butter is important for getting the right texture and taste. Too little butter can make baked goods dry and crumbly. Too much can lead to greasy results. Here are some tips for measuring butter for baking:
- Use stick butter, not whipped – Whipped butters incorporate air which alters volume.
- Check your conversion – Double check online calculators to confirm butter conversions.
- Use proper measuring cups and spoons – Liquid measuring cups for stick butter can compress it.
- Level off the top – Scrape off excess butter so it’s level with the top of the cup.
- Soften butter – Let refrigerated butter sit out to soften for easier measuring.
- Pack it tightly – Pack butter firmly into the cup for an accurate measure.
- Measure precisely – Don’t round butter measurements up or down.
Taking these steps helps ensure your butter measurements are precise. When in doubt, check and recheck your butter conversion math.
Measuring Other Fats for Baking
In addition to butter, other fats like shortening, lard, and oil are common in baking. Here’s a quick guide to measuring them accurately:
Shortening
– Use solid shortening, not liquid oils
– Pack shortening firmly into cups
– Level off the top with a knife
Lard
– Measure solid lard by pressing firmly into cups
– Measure melted lard in liquid measuring cups
– 1 cup lard = 2 sticks butter
Oil
– Use liquid measuring cups only
– Add oil slowly and check the level
– Wipe off drips from the outside before reading measurement
Tips for Measuring Any Ingredient
In addition to butter and fats, there are some overall best practices to ensure you measure all baking ingredients accurately:
- Use the right tools – Dry measuring cups for dry ingredients, liquid cups for wet ingredients.
- Measure over a surface – To catch extra that may overflow cups.
- Level off ingredients – Use a knife or other straight edge.
- Measure from eye level – Reduce parallax errors by viewing measurements at cup height.
- Pack densely or fluff lightly – Based on the ingredient type.
- Avoid overfilling – Ingredients overflowing cups will compress and give false reading.
If you follow these tips for all your ingredient measuring, you’ll be on your way to perfect baked goods every time. Precise ingredient amounts really do make a big difference!
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about measuring butter:
How much butter is 250 grams?
250 grams of butter equals:- 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks)- 10 ounces- 20 tablespoons
What’s the difference between 1/3 cup and 1/3 stick of butter?
1/3 cup of butter equals 5 1/3 tablespoons or about 2 2/3 ounces. 1/3 stick of butter equals 4 tablespoons or 2 ounces.
Why does my measuring cup have less butter than expected?
If your measured butter seems less than expected, you may have compressed it in the cup by not packing it tightly enough. Always pack butter firmly into cups.
How do I measure butter sticks without a scale?
Use these equivalents: – 1/2 stick = 1/4 cup – 1 stick = 1/2 cup – 1 1/2 sticks = 3/4 cup – 2 sticks = 1 cup
Can I use tub butter instead of sticks for baking?
Tub butter will work but you must pack it very firmly into cups to achieve the proper volume. Stick butter is preferable.
Conclusion
Knowing how to convert between butter sticks, tablespoons, ounces, and cups is an essential kitchen skill for baking success. Remember these key takeaways:
- 1 stick butter = 1/2 cup = 8 tbsp = 4 oz
- 2 sticks butter = 1 cup = 16 tbsp = 8 oz
- Measure precisely and pack butter firmly
- Use our handy butter conversion chart
- Follow tips for measuring all baking ingredients accurately
With the right techniques and measurements, your cookies, cakes, pie crusts and more will turn out perfectly every time. Happy baking!
