How do you measure a half cup of butter?

November 28, 2025 •

2 min read

Did you know that in the US, one standard stick of butter is equivalent to a half cup? Learning how to measure a half cup of butter precisely is essential for baking, and fortunately, there are several straightforward methods to get it right every time, regardless of the tools you have on hand.

Quick Summary

A guide to accurately measuring a half cup of butter using multiple methods, including relying on wrapper markings, a digital scale, and the water displacement technique.

Key Points

Easiest Method: Use the pre-marked wrapper on a stick of butter, as one standard stick equals exactly 1/2 cup.
Most Accurate Method: Weigh the butter with a digital kitchen scale for precision, aiming for 4 ounces or 113 grams for a half cup.
No-Tool Method: Use the water displacement technique by filling a liquid measuring cup with 1 cup of water and adding butter until the level reaches 1 1/2 cups.
Tablespoon Conversion: Remember that a half cup of butter is equivalent to 8 tablespoons, useful for bulk butter without markings.
For Softened Butter: When a recipe requires softened butter, press it firmly into a dry measuring cup to avoid air pockets and level off the top.
Measure Before Melting: If your recipe calls for melted butter, measure the solid butter first using any of the standard methods before heating.

The Easiest Way: Using a Stick with Wrapper Markings

Utilizing the pre-marked wrapper on a standard American stick is a common method for measuring a half cup of butter. A typical 1-pound box contains four sticks, each measuring 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons. These wrappers often feature markings for 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup, and tablespoon increments.

Step-by-Step with a Stick Wrapper

Unwrap and Locate: Partially unwrap the stick and find the measurement lines on the wrapper.
Cut: Use a sharp knife to cut along the '1/2 cup' or '8 tbsp' line.

For Maximum Accuracy: Weighing with a Kitchen Scale

For precise baking results, a digital kitchen scale is highly recommended. A half cup of butter weighs 4 ounces or approximately 113 grams.

Weighing Cold Butter

Tare the Scale: Place parchment paper or a bowl on the scale and zero it out.
Weigh: Add cold butter until the scale reads 4 ounces or 113 grams.

The No-Scale Method: Water Displacement

When a scale is not available, the water displacement method can be used for measuring solid ingredients like butter.

How to Use Water Displacement

Fill and Add: Fill a liquid measuring cup (at least 2 cups) with 1 cup of cold water. Add chunks of cold butter until the water level rises to the 1 1/2-cup mark.
Remove and Dry: Carefully remove the butter and pat it dry.

Using Tablespoons for Bulk Butter

If you have bulk butter without markings, you can measure out 8 level tablespoons, as a half cup is equal to 8 tablespoons.

Spoon Measurement Process

Scoop and Level: Use a tablespoon measuring spoon, leveling off the top.
Count: Repeat eight times for a half cup.

Handling Softened or Melted Butter

For softened butter, pack it firmly into a dry measuring cup. To measure melted butter, first measure the butter while solid using one of the above methods, then melt it.

Comparison of Butter Measuring Methods


Method	Best For	Accuracy	Required Tools	Notes
Stick Wrapper	Quick measurements with American sticks.	High	Knife	Convenient with marked sticks.
Kitchen Scale	Precise baking, metric conversions.	Highest	Digital kitchen scale	Recommended for accuracy.
Water Displacement	Irregular butter pieces, no scale.	Medium-High	Liquid measuring cup (2-cup), water	Alternative when other tools are unavailable.
Tablespoon Count	Smaller amounts, bulk butter.	Medium	Tablespoon measuring spoon	Requires careful leveling.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Method

The most suitable method for measuring a half cup of butter depends on your needs and available equipment. Using stick wrapper markings is simple, while a kitchen scale offers maximum accuracy for baking. The water displacement method or counting tablespoons are viable alternatives when a scale is not an option. Remember that one stick of butter equals 1/2 cup. For information on butter temperature in baking, see {Link: Serious Eats https://www.seriouseats.com/best-way-to-soften-butter-5248278}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in the United States, one standard 4-ounce stick of butter is exactly equal to a half cup.

A half cup of butter is equivalent to 8 tablespoons.

Using a digital kitchen scale to measure by weight (113 grams or 4 ounces for 1/2 cup) is the most accurate method for consistent baking results.

You can use a liquid measuring cup with the water displacement method. Do not pack softened butter into a liquid measuring cup, as it can cause inaccuracies.

The water displacement method involves filling a liquid measuring cup with a specific amount of water (e.g., 1 cup) and adding butter until the water level rises to the desired volume (e.g., 1 1/2 cups for a half cup of butter).

For softened butter, pack it firmly into a dry measuring cup and level it off. For melted butter, measure the butter in its solid state first, then melt it as directed by the recipe.

If your butter is unmarked, you can use a kitchen scale for weight (113g), the water displacement method, or simply measure out 8 level tablespoons.