Cup (unit) facts for kids
A cup is a common unit of measure used in many kitchens around the world. It helps us measure how much liquid or dry stuff we need for cooking and baking. Think of it like a small container that holds a specific amount.
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What is a Cup?
In cooking, a cup is a way to measure the volume of ingredients. Volume tells you how much space something takes up. When a recipe says "1 cup of flour," it means you should use a measuring cup that holds that exact amount. This helps make sure your food turns out just right!
Cups in Cooking
Measuring cups are super important for following recipes. They come in different sizes, like 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, and 1/4 cup. You can find them for both liquids (like water or milk) and dry ingredients (like flour or sugar). Liquid measuring cups often have a spout and a clear side so you can see the level easily. Dry measuring cups are usually designed to be leveled off with a straight edge.
Different Kinds of Cups
It might seem simple, but the size of a "cup" can actually be a little different depending on where you are in the world!
US Customary Cup
In the United States, the most common cup size is called the US customary cup. This cup is officially defined as:
- 8 fluid ounces
- 16 tablespoons
- About 236.59 millilitres (mL)
Most American recipes use this size, so if you're using a recipe from the US, this is the cup you'll need.
Metric Cup
Many other countries, especially those using the metric system, use a slightly different cup size. This is often called the metric cup.
- It is usually defined as 250 millilitres (mL).
- This is a bit larger than the US customary cup.
Countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa often use the 250 mL metric cup in their recipes.
Imperial Cup
You might also hear about the imperial cup. This is an older unit of measure that was used in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.
- The imperial cup is about 284.13 millilitres (mL).
- It's not used much anymore for cooking, as most countries have switched to metric measurements.
Why Do We Use Cups?
Using cups makes cooking easier for everyone. Instead of weighing every ingredient, which can be tricky, cups offer a quick and simple way to get the right amount. They are especially handy for home cooks who might not have a kitchen scale. Plus, many recipes have been written using cup measurements for a very long time, making them a traditional and familiar way to cook.
Images for kids
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Coffee carafe showing gradations for measuring water (right) and brewed coffee (left) in multiples of non-standard US customary cups.
See also
In Spanish: Taza (unidad de volumen) para niños
