When it comes to cooking and baking, measuring ingredients precisely is crucial for achieving the desired results. One of the most common measurements used in recipes is the cup. However, sometimes a recipe may call for a fraction of a cup, like 2/3 cup, and it can be tricky to visualize what that looks like. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of how much 2/3 cup equals in other measurements.
Quick Answer
2/3 cup is equivalent to:
- 5.33 fluid ounces
- 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
- 160 ml
- 130 grams of water
Measuring Cup Equivalents
Since 2/3 cup is a volume measurement, the easiest way to measure it precisely is with an actual measuring cup. Most standard measuring cups have measurements in cups, fluid ounces, and milliliters. Here’s how 2/3 cup converts to other measurements on a measuring cup:
| Measurement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cups | 2/3 cup |
| Ounces | 5 1/3 fluid ounces |
| Milliliters | 160 ml |
So if you need to measure 2/3 cup precisely, you can fill your measuring cup up to the 2/3 cup line, the 5 1/3 fluid ounce line, or the 160 ml line. All three will give you the exact same amount.
Tablespoon and Teaspoon Equivalents
Measuring cups are not always readily available, so it’s useful to know tablespoon and teaspoon equivalents as well. Here’s how 2/3 cup converts to tablespoons and teaspoons:
| Measurement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tablespoons | 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons |
| Teaspoons | 32 teaspoons |
So if you need to measure 2/3 cup and don’t have a measuring cup, you can use 10 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons, or 32 teaspoons. Be sure to level off the tablespoons and teaspoons for the most accurate measurement.
Weight Equivalents
In some recipes, weighing ingredients is more accurate than measuring by volume. Here are the weight equivalents for 2/3 cup:
| Ingredient | Weight |
|---|---|
| Water | 130 grams |
| Flour | 85 grams |
| Sugar | 132 grams |
| Butter | 142 grams |
These weights are based on the density of each ingredient. Keep in mind that weight measurements should still be quite precise for baking recipes.
Common Substitutions
For convenience, 2/3 cup can also be substituted with common household items or containers in a pinch. Here are some common 2/3 cup substitutions:
- 1 small box of raisins (3.5 oz size)
- About 11 heaping tablespoons
- 3/4 stick of butter
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons
- 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup
While these substitutions may not be exact, they can work well in recipes where precision is less important, like breads and casseroles. For baked goods, it’s best to measure as precisely as possible.
Sample Recipes Using 2/3 Cup
To give a practical example of using 2/3 cup in cooking and baking, here are a couple sample recipes that include 2/3 cup as an ingredient:
Blueberry Muffins
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with liners.
- Whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined. Gently fold in blueberries.
- Scoop batter into prepared tin, filling cups about 3/4 full.
- Bake 18-22 minutes until lightly golden on top.
Three Bean Salad
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 (15 oz) can green beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans, drained
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic and oregano. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine green beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, onion and bell pepper.
- Pour dressing over bean mixture and toss to coat. Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Tips for Measuring 2/3 Cup
Here are some helpful tips for successfully measuring 2/3 cup for your recipes:
- Use measuring spoons or a measuring cup for the greatest accuracy.
- When using a liquid measuring cup, view the amount at eye level to get the most precise measurement.
- To measure dry ingredients like flour or sugar, spoon ingredient into the measuring cup and level off with a knife.
- When measuring sticky ingredients like honey or peanut butter, spray the measuring cup with nonstick spray first for easy pouring.
- For convenience, pre-measure mixes of common fractions like 2/3 cup flour + 1/3 cup sugar ahead of time.
- Use a food scale for the most precise measurement by weight.
- Always use exact measurements called for in baked goods recipes for best results.
FAQs
Why do recipes use fractions like 2/3 cup rather than more common measurements?
Recipes use fractions of cups for greater precision. Getting an exact measure of common fractions like 1/3, 1/2, or 2/3 cups allows more consistency in baking recipes. Using precise standard fractions also makes it easier to scale recipes up or down.
Can I substitute 2/3 cup with 3/4 cup or 1 cup in recipes?
It’s not recommended to substitute fractions with other measurements, especially in baking recipes. The slight variance in amounts could throw off the chemistry of baked goods. For non-baked items like casseroles, some substitution is possible, but the end result may be slightly different than intended.
Is there a conversion chart for other fractions of cups?
Yes, there are conversion charts available that provide equivalents for other cup fraction like 1/4, 1/3, 3/4, etc. Converting to tablespoons and fluid ounces works the same way as 2/3 cup. Measuring precisely by the actual fraction is always the most accurate method.
Conclusion
Knowing how to accurately measure 2/3 cup is important for both beginning and experienced cooks alike. Whether you use a measuring cup, tablespoons, teaspoons, weight, or substitutions, being precise with your measurement will lead to better results in recipes. Following standard fraction conversions will make measuring simple. With the various equivalents and tips provided here, you can measure 2/3 cup for recipes with confidence.
