How much cherry tomatoes is 2 cups?

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to cooking conversion guides, roughly 25 to 30 whole cherry tomatoes are equivalent to 2 cups, though this can vary based on size. This common question arises frequently when following recipes that call for specific volumes rather than weight, leaving home cooks to wonder exactly how much cherry tomatoes is 2 cups.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the volume-to-count conversion for cherry tomatoes, detailing the variables that affect measurement, the approximate weight in grams and ounces, and providing a comparison with grape tomatoes. It offers practical advice for getting accurate measurements for any recipe.

Key Points

Count Approximation: About 25 to 30 whole cherry tomatoes constitute 2 cups, though this number varies by tomato size.
Chopped vs. Whole: For chopped or diced tomatoes, you will need more individual tomatoes to fill 2 cups due to denser packing.
Accurate Weight: For precise recipes, 2 cups of whole cherry tomatoes weigh approximately 298-300 grams (10.6 oz).
Grape Tomato Differences: Grape tomatoes are smaller and denser than cherry tomatoes, meaning more are needed to fill a cup and they offer a different texture and burst.
Best Measurement Practice: For most recipes, using a dry measuring cup is fine, but for high-precision cooking, a kitchen scale is the most reliable tool.

Understanding Cherry Tomato Measurements

When a recipe calls for a specific volume of ingredients like "2 cups," measuring accuracy becomes crucial. Unlike flour or sugar, produce such as cherry tomatoes have inconsistencies in size and density, which can influence the final measurement. The size of the tomato, whether it's whole or chopped, and the variety all play a role in determining how many cherry tomatoes fill a cup.

The Whole Tomato Count

For a standard recipe asking for 2 cups of whole cherry tomatoes, the approximation of 25 to 30 tomatoes is a reliable starting point. This is based on an average-sized cherry tomato. Smaller varieties will require more to reach the 2-cup mark, while larger ones will require fewer. It is important to note that a dry pint of whole cherry tomatoes is also approximately equivalent to 2 cups.

Whole vs. Chopped Measurements

Measurement significantly changes when the tomatoes are prepared differently. For example, 2 cups of whole cherry tomatoes will be different from 2 cups of chopped or sliced tomatoes. When chopped, the tomatoes pack more tightly into the measuring cup, requiring more individual tomatoes to achieve the same volume. For chopped or diced tomatoes, one source suggests it can take 27 to 28 cherry tomatoes to reach 1 cup. Therefore, to get 2 cups of chopped cherry tomatoes, you would need closer to 55 tomatoes.

Weight Conversions for 2 Cups of Cherry Tomatoes

For more precise cooking and baking, weight is the gold standard for measurement. Weighing your ingredients removes the variability associated with inconsistent sizing. For cherry tomatoes, weight conversions are relatively straightforward.

Grams and Ounces

In grams: A single cup of whole cherry tomatoes is typically about 149-150 grams. Therefore, 2 cups of whole cherry tomatoes is approximately 298-300 grams. If the tomatoes are sliced, a single cup can weigh more due to the denser packing, around 175-180 grams. This would mean 2 cups of sliced cherry tomatoes could weigh up to 360 grams.
In ounces: The weight in ounces follows a similar pattern. One cup of whole cherry tomatoes is about 5.3 ounces, which means 2 cups is approximately 10.6 ounces. For sliced tomatoes, 1 cup is around 6 ounces, making 2 cups about 12 ounces.

Table: Cherry vs. Grape Tomato Equivalents

Many recipes are forgiving and allow for substitutions between similar ingredients. Cherry and grape tomatoes, while similar, have distinct characteristics that affect how they are measured and how they perform in a dish.


Feature	Cherry Tomato	Grape Tomato
Shape	Round, like a cherry	Oblong, like a grape
Skin	Thinner, more delicate	Thicker, more durable
Juiciness	High water content, juicy burst	Meaty, less watery
Size	Generally larger	Generally smaller
Average Count/Cup	~13-15 (for 1 cup)	~30 (for 1 cup)
Approximate 2 Cup Count	~26-30	~60

Tips for Accurate Measurement

To ensure your recipes turn out perfectly, consider these tips when measuring your cherry tomatoes:

Use a Dry Measuring Cup: For whole cherry tomatoes, use a standard dry measuring cup and do not press the tomatoes down. Fill the cup to the brim, leveling off any excess. This method assumes the air gaps between the tomatoes are part of the volume.
For Chopped Tomatoes: When a recipe calls for chopped tomatoes, chop them to the size specified, then pack them loosely into the measuring cup for a consistent result.
Prioritize Weight for Precision: If you have a kitchen scale, use it. The difference in weight between two containers of whole cherry tomatoes can be substantial. For recipes that require precise liquid-to-solid ratios, such as sauces or salsas, weight is more reliable than volume.
Account for Water Content: Cherry tomatoes have a high water content. If you are substituting them for a less juicy tomato, you may need to adjust the liquid in your recipe slightly. Simply Recipes offers a detailed explanation of the differences between cherry and grape tomatoes and how to substitute effectively.
Consider the Recipe: For a salad, a precise count is less critical, and you can eyeball the amount. For a baked dish or a sauce, accuracy matters more, and using a scale is recommended.

Conclusion

Understanding how much cherry tomatoes are in 2 cups depends on how they are prepared. For whole tomatoes, a rough estimate is 25-30, while for chopped tomatoes, the number is significantly higher, closer to 55. For ultimate accuracy, relying on weight provides the most consistent results for any cooking application. Regardless of the measuring method, considering the size and variety of your tomatoes ensures you get the desired flavor and texture in your finished dish.

Note: The conversion estimates are based on averages and can vary. Always use your best judgment and consider the recipe's requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

2 cups of whole cherry tomatoes weigh approximately 298-300 grams, or 10.6 ounces. For sliced or chopped tomatoes, the weight will be slightly higher, closer to 12 ounces, as they pack more densely.

Yes, 2 cups of liquid volume is equivalent to 1 pint. In many grocery stores, a standard container of cherry tomatoes is called a 'pint,' which is approximately 2 cups of whole tomatoes, assuming standard sizing.

Grape tomatoes are typically smaller and denser than cherry tomatoes. Therefore, you would need more of them to fill 2 cups, with an approximate estimate of 60 individual grape tomatoes needed.

Yes, it matters significantly. Two cups of whole cherry tomatoes will use fewer individual tomatoes than two cups of chopped cherry tomatoes. Recipes usually specify how to prepare them before measuring.

Using a kitchen scale is the most accurate method. Volume measurements can vary based on the size, shape, and density of the produce, whereas weight provides a consistent and precise measurement every time.

A dry pint is a volume measurement that is often used for small produce like berries and tomatoes. For cherry tomatoes, a standard dry pint container from the store typically holds approximately 2 cups of whole tomatoes.

Yes, you can substitute grape tomatoes for cherry tomatoes in most recipes. However, keep in mind that grape tomatoes are meatier and less juicy, so they will not provide the same juicy burst when cooked.