How Many Cups Is 1 Diced Red Pepper? A Definitive Kitchen Guide

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Michigan State University Extension, one large sweet bell pepper typically yields 1 cup when chopped. However, the question of how many cups is 1 diced red pepper requires more precision, as the total volume depends heavily on the pepper's size and the fineness of the dice.

Quick Summary

The volume of a diced red pepper depends on its size, with yields ranging from ¼ cup for a small pepper to 2 cups for a very large one, making standardized measurements important for recipe consistency.

Key Points

Size is the Main Factor: A red pepper's size—small, medium, or large—determines its final volume when diced, with a large pepper yielding up to 2 cups.
Dicing Affects Density: A finer dice will create a more compact volume in a measuring cup than a coarser dice, as it minimizes trapped air.
Estimate Based on Size: A medium pepper generally yields 1 to 1.5 cups, a reliable estimate for most recipes.
Weight is Most Accurate: For perfect precision, especially in baking or canning, measure the pepper by weight rather than volume.
Prepare Peppers for Best Results: Always remove the seeds and white membranes for a cleaner flavor and to ensure a more accurate, less bulky measurement.
Utilize Freezing: Excess diced red pepper can be frozen for later use in cooked dishes like soups or stir-fries.

Why Pepper Size Matters

When a recipe calls for "1 diced red pepper," the instruction can be misleading due to the natural variation in vegetable size. Red bell peppers, which are simply ripened green peppers, come in a range of sizes that drastically affect the final volume. A small, palm-sized pepper will yield a much different volume than a large, oversized one you might find in a supermarket.

The Impact of Dicing Size

Another critical factor is the size of the dice. A recipe requiring a fine dice, such as for a delicate salsa or relish, will result in a more compact final volume compared to a coarse, ½-inch dice for a stir-fry. The air pockets trapped between larger pieces mean less pepper fits into a measuring cup. For maximum accuracy, weight is the gold standard for measuring ingredients in professional kitchens.

Conversion by Pepper Size

To provide a practical guide, here are the approximate yields based on bell pepper size, using standard ½-inch dicing as a benchmark:

Small Bell Pepper (~6 ounces): Approximately 1 cup.
Medium Bell Pepper (~8-10 ounces): Approximately 1 to 1.5 cups.
Large Bell Pepper (~12 ounces): Up to 2 cups.
Mini Sweet Pepper: A single mini pepper yields considerably less, often just a quarter of a cup when diced, depending on its specific dimensions.

Comparison Table: Red Pepper Yields

For quick reference, this table summarizes the common conversions for a whole, cored, and seeded red bell pepper.


Pepper Size	Approximate Weight	Diced (½ inch)	Sliced	Chopped (General)
Small	6 oz / 170g	1 cup	~1.5 cups	~1 cup
Medium	10 oz / 283g	1.5 cups	~2 cups	~1.5 cups
Large	12 oz / 340g	2 cups	~2.5 cups	~2 cups

Tips for Accurate Dicing and Measurement

Precision is key in cooking, and a few techniques can help you achieve a consistent yield every time.

Stabilize Your Pepper: Cut a small slice from the bottom to create a flat, stable base. This makes dicing safer and easier.
Remove Membranes and Seeds: The pithy white membranes and seeds take up volume and can be bitter. Thoroughly remove them before dicing to ensure a pure pepper flavor and consistent density.
Use a Scoop and Level Method: For the most accurate cup measurement, spoon the diced pepper into the measuring cup and gently press it down to remove excess air, then level off the top.
Consider Freezing Excess: If you have extra red pepper, it freezes remarkably well. Dice it to your desired size, spread it on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. It's perfect for cooked dishes like stir-fries or soups later on.

Versatile Uses for Diced Red Pepper

Diced red pepper can be used in a huge variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your cooking:

Stir-fries and Curries: The sweet flavor and color of red pepper add a wonderful dimension to Asian-inspired dishes.
Salsas and Relishes: Fine-diced red pepper is a classic ingredient in fresh salsas, adding sweetness and crunch.
Pasta Sauces and Stews: Adding diced red pepper can deepen the flavor profile of a slow-cooked sauce or chili.
Omelets and Scrambles: Toss some finely diced red pepper into your morning eggs for a burst of color and nutrients.
Roasted Red Pepper Dip: A large quantity of roasted and puréed red pepper can be used to make dips like muhammara or romesco.

Conclusion: The Best Way to Measure

Ultimately, there is no single answer for how many cups is 1 diced red pepper because of the size variability of the vegetable. The best approach is to follow a general guideline based on the pepper's size—a large one yields roughly two cups, a medium one yields 1 to 1.5 cups, and a small one yields about 1 cup. For recipes where exact volume is critical, either measure by weight or purchase multiple peppers and measure out the required volume after dicing. This ensures consistency and prevents guesswork in the kitchen.

For more detailed vegetable conversions and nutritional information, visit the official MyPlate.gov website: MyPlate.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red bell peppers are simply green peppers that have been allowed to ripen longer on the vine. This maturation process makes them sweeter, higher in nutrients like Vitamin A and C, and often more expensive due to the longer growing time.

A standard cup of diced red bell pepper weighs approximately 149 grams or about 5 ounces, though this can vary slightly based on how compactly the pepper is packed.

Yes, you can substitute other bell peppers, but be aware of the flavor differences. Red peppers are the sweetest, while green peppers have a more grassy, less sweet flavor. Using a different color may subtly change the taste profile of your dish.

To quickly core a pepper, hold it upright and slice down around the four sides, avoiding the core. Then, place the four flat panels skin-side down and slice them into strips before dicing them into cubes.

For short-term storage, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze diced peppers by flash-freezing them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag.

Recipe writers often use a standardized 'average' size for their ingredient conversions, but peppers vary significantly. Your personal dicing technique (fine versus coarse) and the specific size of your pepper will cause variations from their estimate.

For maximum accuracy and consistency, measuring ingredients like peppers by weight is superior. Weight measurements are unaffected by variables like dicing size and air pockets, ensuring repeatable results every time.