Whether a cube of butter equals one cup is a common baking question. Understanding butter measurements allows bakers to accurately follow recipes and get consistent results.
Quick Answer
In most cases, a cube of butter does equal one cup. The typical stick of butter contains 8 tablespoons, with each tablespoon equaling 1/2 ounce. Since there are 16 tablespoons in a cup and 8 tablespoons in a stick, a whole stick perfectly fills a one-cup measure.
Butter Basics
Butter is made by churning cream until the fat molecules separate from the liquid, or buttermilk. What’s left is the solid butterfat. In the United States, commercial butter must contain at least 80% butterfat to be labeled as “butter.” The remaining percentage is water and milk solids.
Butter is sold in sticks, also called blocks. One stick of butter weighs 4 ounces and contains 8 tablespoons. Since there are 16 tablespoons in a cup, two sticks perfectly fill a measuring cup. Butter sticks are typically 1-1/2 inches wide, 1-1/2 inches high, and 4 inches long.
Standard Butter Measurements
Here are the standard butter measurements to remember:
- 1 teaspoon = 1/3 tablespoon = 1/6 ounce
- 1 tablespoon = 1/2 ounce = 2 teaspoons
- 1 stick = 8 tablespoons = 4 ounces = 1/2 cup = 1/4 pound
- 1 cup = 2 sticks = 16 tablespoons = 8 ounces = 1/2 pound
Does a Cube Always Equal a Cup?
In most cases, yes – a single cube or stick of butter does equal one cup. However, there are a few exceptions to be aware of:
European-Style Butter
European-style butters are often packaged in smaller blocks than American butter. Common sizes include:
- 250 grams = 2/3 cup
- 225 grams = 1/2 cup
- 200 grams = 1/2 cup
So be sure to check the weight if using imported butter, as the cubes may not perfectly match a cup.
Measuring Issues
Even when using American butter sticks, the measurements may not precisely equal one cup if:
- The butter is not cut evenly and squarely
- The butter has been stored incorrectly and absorbed humidity
- You are not leveling off the cup measurements
For accuracy, use flat, evenly cut butter sticks and level off the cup measurements using a straight edge.
Recipes Specifying Weight
Some recipes call for butter by weight instead of volume. Common amounts include:
- 4 ounces = 1 stick
- 8 ounces = 2 sticks = 1 cup
- 12 ounces = 3 sticks
- 16 ounces = 4 sticks = 2 cups = 1 pound
When following recipes using weight, the butter measurements may not perfectly match cup equivalents.
When Precision Matters
For most baking purposes, the cup equivalents provide close enough accuracy. However, for certain delicate baking and pastry applications, precision becomes more important.
Volume vs. Weight
Using weight instead of volume measures can increase accuracy. Reasons why weight is more precise include:
- Volume measures can vary based on factors like humidity, packing, and leveling.
- Weight is not affected by environmental conditions.
- Weight provides a standard, objective measurement.
Metric Weights
Using the metric system can also improve precision. Metric weight equivalents for butter include:
1 stick = 4 ounces = 113 grams |
2 sticks = 8 ounces = 226 grams |
4 sticks = 16 ounces = 454 grams |
When accuracy is critical, weighing butter in grams provides an exact, standardized measurement.
Temperature Matters Too
Along with the weight versus volume issue, temperature is another variable affecting butter measurements. Butter changes density depending on its temperature:
- Cold butter is more dense and compact.
- Softened butter takes up more volume.
This means butter at different temperatures can produce slightly different measurements when using cup equivalents. For most baking, these small differences won’t matter. But again, for delicate baking, it’s ideal to measure butter at a consistent temperature.
Recommended Temperatures
For accuracy, butter should be measured at cool room temperature. Ideal temperatures include:
- 60°F to 70°F for creaming
- 65°F to 67°F for laminating dough
Weighing or measuring butter straight from the refrigerator won’t produce consistent results. Instead, allow refrigerated butter to sit at room temperature until cooled but still pliable.
Tips for Measuring Butter
Follow these tips for achieving the most accurate butter measurements:
- Bring cold butter to room temperature before measuring.
- Use cool room temperature butter for creaming and dough laminating.
- Cut and shape butter into uniform cubes or rectangles.
- Pack butter firmly into cups and level off the top.
- For weight, use kitchen scales and the metric system.
- Standardize your practices for consistency.
Butter Substitutes
There are several alternatives to using pure butter in baking. When substituting, keep in mind how the cup measurements may differ:
Margarine
Margarine cups typically equal butter cups. However, sticks may be shorter than butter. Check labeling as products vary.
Butter Blends
Blends of butter with oils or other fats generally measure the same as pure butter. But check labels to be sure.
Oils
Replacing butter with oil uses different cup measurements. For example:
- 1 cup butter = 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup butter = 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup butter = 2/3 cup coconut oil
Adjust recipes to account for differences in cup equivalents.
Shortenings
Like oils, shortenings use different cup measures than butter. For example:
- 1 cup butter = 1 cup shortening
- 1 stick butter = 1/2 cup shortening
Check substitution ratios to adapt recipes correctly.
The Bottom Line
So in summary, here’s what to remember about whether a cube of butter equals one cup:
- Standard American butter sticks and cubes equal one cup measurements.
- Some exceptions include European butters, imprecise cutting, and recipes specifying weight.
- For precision, weigh butter instead of using cup measures.
- Temperature affects butter density; use cool room temperature butter.
- Margarine and butter blends equal butter; oils and shortenings use different measures.
Knowing these tips allows bakers to accurately substitute and measure butter for recipes.
Butter Measurement FAQs
Should butter be packed or loose in cups?
For accuracy, butter should be firmly packed into measuring cups and leveled off. Packing maximizes consistency and minimizes air pockets.
Why weigh butter instead of using cups?
Weight is more precise because it provides a standard measurement not affected by environmental factors. For delicate baking, weigh butter in grams for precision.
What’s the temperature for measuring butter?
Measure butter at cool room temperature, between 60°F-70°F. Refrigerated butter is too firm; softened butter is too loose. Let hard butter sit out until cooled but still pliable.
Can you substitute oil for butter?
Yes, you can replace butter with oil. However, oils use different cup measurements. Adjust recipes to account for differences in cup equivalents.
Is European butter measured differently?
Often yes, European-style butter comes in smaller blocks than American butter sticks. Check the grams or volume equivalents, as European butter may not match cup measures.
Butter Baking Tips
Along with measurement advice, here are some helpful butter baking tips:
- Cream butter properly with sugar to incorporate air.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added to avoid gluten development.
- Keep butter cool but malleable for flaky pastries.
- Add eggs to batter at room temperature.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
- Don’t over-bake goods made with butter.
With the right techniques and measurements, butter can help create tender, delicious baked goods. Understanding proper measuring methods is key to baking success.