One-third of a cup is an amount that comes up often in cooking and baking recipes. Knowing what this measurement translates to in more specific units like fluid ounces or milliliters is important for accurately following recipes. This article will provide a detailed look at what exactly 1/3 cup means and how to measure it properly.
What is a Cup?
First, it’s important to understand exactly what a “cup” refers to in cooking measurements. A cup is a standard unit used in recipes in the United States and some other countries. 1 cup is equal to 8 fluid ounces or 236.588 milliliters.
Cups used for measuring ingredients are usually either:
- Liquid measuring cups – clear cups with pour spouts and measuring lines marked in cups, ounces, and milliliters
- Dry measuring cups – metal or plastic scoops designed to measure dry ingredients by filling the cup and leveling it off
For the purposes of this article, “cup” refers to the liquid measuring cup definition of 8 fluid ounces or 236.588 mL.
What Does 1/3 Cup Mean?
Now that we understand how a standard cup is defined, 1/3 cup simply means one-third of that amount.
To calculate one-third:
- Take the total amount: 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
- Divide by 3: 8 oz ÷ 3 = 2.666 oz
Therefore, 1/3 cup equals 2.666 fluid ounces or 79.529 milliliters.
Here is a summary:
Fraction | Fluid Ounces | Milliliters |
---|---|---|
1/3 cup | 2.666 oz | 79.529 mL |
How to Measure 1/3 Cup
Now that you know the equivalent fluid ounces and milliliters for 1/3 cup, how do you actually measure it? Here are some tips:
Using a Liquid Measuring Cup
1. Select a clear 1-cup or 2-cup liquid measuring cup that has fraction markings.
2. Add the liquid (or oil, syrup, etc.) until it reaches the 1/3 cup line. The liquid should be level with the line and not domed above it.
3. Check the measurement at eye level for accuracy.
4. Pour the 1/3 cup measured liquid into the mixing bowl or other container.
Using a Dry Measuring Cup
1. Select a 1/3 cup dry measuring cup. This will be a smaller cup than the typical 1 cup size.
2. Spoon the dry ingredient (flour, sugar, etc.) into the cup, mounding it slightly over the top.
3. Use a straight edge like a butter knife to sweep off the excess over the top of the cup, leveling the ingredients.
4. The remaining amount inside the cup is 1/3 cup.
5. Dump the measured dry ingredients into the mixing bowl.
Using Measuring Spoons
1. Locate the 1/3 cup measurement on your set of measuring spoons. It will likely be the largest spoon.
2. Scoop the ingredient until the spoon is full and mounded slightly.
3. Use the straight edge of a butter knife to level off the excess.
4. The leveled spoonful equals 1/3 cup.
5. Add it to the mixing bowl.
Using a Scale
For ultimate precision, you can use a kitchen scale to measure 1/3 cup by weight in grams:
- 1/3 cup water weighs approximately 79 grams
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour weighs approximately 38 grams
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar weighs approximately 66 grams
Tare the scale before adding the ingredient. Measure until the displayed weight matches what 1/3 cup should weigh in grams.
When to Use 1/3 Cup
Here are some examples of when 1/3 cup may be used in recipes:
Baking
Many baking recipes call for fractional cup measurements like 1/3 cup. Some instances include:
- Measuring out part of the required flour or sugar
- Adding a portion of an ingredient like chocolate chips, nuts,etc.
- Measuring out part of the required milk, water, oil, or other liquid
Using the precise 1/3 cup measure leads to the right proportion of ingredients and the desired baked good texture.
Cooking
1/3 cup amounts are common when preparing sauces, oatmeal, cereal, soups, and more. Some examples:
- Whisking 1/3 cup milk into a roux to make a sauce
- Adding 1/3 cup diced onions when cooking
- Using 1/3 cup broth or water to thin out a soup or gravy
The small quantity allows cooks to gradually build flavors and reach the desired consistency.
Drinks
Some drink recipes may call for a 1/3 cup liquid measure, like:
- Adding 1/3 cup cream or milk to coffee or tea
- Combining 1/3 cup juice with other ingredients for a smoothie or cocktail
- Mixing a 1/3 cup liqueur for a mixed drink recipe
Using an accurate 1/3 cup measure achieves the right drink balance and flavor.
Serving Sizes
Nutrition facts labels and diet plans will sometimes list a serving size as 1/3 cup. Examples include:
- Cold cereal with a 1/3 cup serving size
- Ice cream or gelato with a serving of 1/3 cup
- Chips, pretzels, or other snacks sized as 1/3 cup servings
Paying attention to precise 1/3 cup serving sizes makes it easier to control portions and stick to a healthy diet.
1/3 Cup Equivalents and Substitutions
In a pinch, you can use the following convenient substitutions for a 1/3 cup measure:
1/3 cup equivalent |
---|
5 and 1/3 tablespoons |
16 teaspoons |
Approximately 4 ounces in weight |
1/6 of a 48 ounce bottle of liquid |
You can also substitute 1/3 cup with any of these approximate options:
- 3 tbsp + 1 tsp
- 4 tbsp + 1 tsp
- 10 tbsp + 2 tsp
The ratios won’t be exact but can work in a pinch. Stick to recipes requiring 1/3 cup measure whenever possible for best results.
Why Precision Matters
You may be wondering why it’s so important to precisely measure 1/3 cup instead of just estimating. There are a few reasons why accuracy is key:
Balanced Recipes
Recipes are carefully formulated with ingredients in specific proportions. Too much or too little of one ingredient can throw the whole recipe off. Precise 1/3 cup measures maintain the ideal balance.
Food Safety
In some recipes, adding too much of an ingredient like acid, liquid, eggs, etc. poses food safety risks. Closely adhering to accurate 1/3 cup measures avoids this danger.
Achieving Desired Results
Delicate baked goods and finicky recipes rely on correct measurements. Success, texture, flavor, and appearance can be ruined if measures like 1/3 cup are inaccurate.
Diet and Nutrition
Sticking to exact serving sizes like 1/3 cup allows you to track nutrients and calories for weight loss, healthy eating, and medical diets.
Tips for Measuring 1/3 Cup Accurately
Use these tips for consistently measuring 1/3 cup ingredients flawlessly:
- Use clear liquid measuring cups with easy-to-read fraction markings for liquid ingredients.
- Use dry measuring cups designed for 1/3 cup or invest in a complete set with all fraction sizes.
- Level off dry ingredients evenly using a straight edge.
- Verify the measurement is at the proper line when viewed at eye level.
- When in doubt, weigh ingredients like flour or sugar to guarantee a precise 1/3 cup.
- Measure over a surface with a rim to catch spills and excess ingredients.
- Measure liquids at the lip of the cup, not the bottom.
- Use measuring spoons for sticky ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or nut butter.
- Don’t scoop measuring cups into ingredients; this packs it down. Instead, spoon ingredients lightly into cups.
Questions and Answers
Here are answers to some common questions about 1/3 cup measurements:
What does 1/3 of a cup look like?
1/3 cup looks like:
- Slightly more than 3 tablespoons
- About the volume of a golf ball or ping pong ball
- Equivalent to 16 teaspoons
Can I use any cup to measure 1/3 cup?
No, you should use a proper liquid or dry measuring cup with standard sizes. Improvised containers won’t have accurate markings for 1/3 cup.
What if I don’t have measuring cups? Can I estimate?
It’s better to use proper measuring cups to ensure accuracy. If you must estimate, use a Tablespoon conversion of slightly more than 3 Tbsp. Estimating by weight also works as long as you have a kitchen scale.
How many ounces in 1/3 cup?
There are 2.666 fluid ounces (oz) in 1/3 cup since 1 cup contains 8 fluid oz.
How many deciliters are in 1/3 cup?
There are approximately 8 deciliters (dL) in 1/3 cup since 1 cup is around 24 dL.
How many pints are in 1/3 cup?
There are 0.211 pints (pt) in 1/3 cup because 1 cup equals 0.5 pt.
Conclusion
Whether you’re measuring out ingredients for baking, cooking, or just enjoying a serving of snacks, it’s important to know precisely what 1/3 cup equates to. This versatile fraction of a cup commonly appears in all types of recipes and portion sizes.
With some practice, measuring out 1/3 cup accurately becomes second nature. Always use proper measuring tools and level off ingredients for the most precision. Remember that 1/3 cup translates to 2.666 fluid ounces, about 79.5 mL, or a hair over 3 tablespoons.
Understanding exact 1/3 cup measures translates recipes correctly and helps you achieve desired results. So next time a recipe calls for 1/3 cup of anything – you’ll know exactly how much to use!