How Much is 2 Ounces of Butter? Conversions and Baking Tips

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

A half-stick of butter is equal to 2 ounces, a standard measurement often called for in baking and cooking recipes. Understanding this simple conversion can save you a last-minute trip to the store and ensures accuracy in your culinary creations.

Quick Summary

This guide provides practical conversions for 2 ounces of butter, explaining how it translates to half a stick, 4 tablespoons, and 57 grams. It also covers easy methods for measuring butter without a stick, including using a scale or water displacement, and offers suggestions for recipes that use this specific amount.

Key Points

2 Ounces of Butter is Half a Stick: In the US, a standard stick of butter is 4 ounces, so 2 ounces is exactly half a stick.
Equivalents for Baking: 2 ounces of butter is equal to 4 tablespoons and 1/4 cup, making it easy to measure using standard kitchen tools.
Precise Grams: For metric recipes, 2 ounces of butter is approximately 57 grams, which can be measured accurately with a kitchen scale.
Several Measuring Methods: You can use the markings on a butter stick wrapper, the water displacement method, or a tablespoon to measure the correct amount.
Versatile for Small Batches: This quantity is ideal for preparing sauces, pan-frying, or baking small-batch treats like cookies and mug cakes.

Understanding Standard Butter Measurements

Butter is a fundamental ingredient in countless recipes, and getting the measurement right is crucial for a successful outcome, especially in baking. While American recipes often call for butter by the stick, many other recipes or digital scales use weight in ounces or grams. Knowing these conversions by heart can simplify your cooking process and help you adapt recipes from around the world.

The Simple Conversion: 2 Ounces of Butter

So, how much is 2 ounces of butter? The most straightforward answer for anyone in the United States is that 2 ounces is precisely half of a standard 4-ounce stick of butter. This amount is equivalent to a quarter of a cup, or 4 tablespoons.

For those who prefer using a kitchen scale for maximum accuracy, 2 ounces of butter is equal to approximately 57 grams. This is particularly useful when adapting international recipes or when working with irregularly shaped blocks of butter.

How to Measure 2 Ounces of Butter

If you don't have a kitchen scale, or you're working with a large, un-premeasured block of butter, here are several reliable methods for measuring out 2 ounces accurately.

Using the Wrapper: Most standard butter sticks have clear markings printed on their foil wrappers. These lines typically indicate tablespoons and often quarter-cup (2 oz) increments. Simply unwrap the butter stick and slice it at the 2-ounce mark.
The Water Displacement Method: This technique is particularly helpful if you're measuring softened or irregularly shaped butter. Fill a liquid measuring cup with one cup of water. Submerge your butter into the water until the water level rises by 1/4 cup (or 2 fluid ounces). The amount of butter you've added is 2 ounces.
Counting Tablespoons: Since 2 ounces of butter equals 4 tablespoons, you can simply use a tablespoon to scoop and level off the butter. This works best with softened butter, which can be easily packed into the spoon for an accurate measure.

Comparison Table: 2 Ounces of Butter Conversions


Measurement	Conversion	How to Measure	Notes
Sticks	1/2 stick	Cut a standard US stick of butter at the halfway mark indicated on the wrapper.	The quickest and most common method in the US.
Tablespoons	4 tablespoons	Use a standard tablespoon to measure out the softened butter.	Good for smaller amounts or for adding directly to a pan.
Cups	1/4 cup	Use a dry measuring cup and pack the softened butter into it, then level with a knife.	Best for recipes that specify cup measurements.
Grams	57 grams	Use a digital kitchen scale for the most precise measurement.	Recommended for professional baking or international recipes.

Culinary Uses for 2 Ounces of Butter

Two ounces of butter is a versatile amount, perfect for a wide range of cooking and baking tasks. It's often used for smaller-batch recipes or as a finishing touch for larger dishes. Here are a few examples:

Sauce Base: Create a simple, delicious brown butter sauce for pasta or vegetables. You can toast the butter until it's a deep amber color, which adds a nutty, rich flavor.
Toast and Spreads: Combine 2 ounces of softened butter with fresh herbs, garlic, or honey to create a flavorful compound butter for spreading on bread or serving with steak.
Baking Small Batches: Many recipes for small-batch cookies, biscuits, or mug cakes call for this exact amount of butter.
Pan Frying: Use it for pan-frying eggs, pancakes, or a single chicken breast, adding richness and a golden-brown crust.

Conclusion: Mastering the Measurement

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice baker, understanding basic kitchen conversions is a skill that will serve you well. Knowing that 2 ounces of butter is a reliable equivalent for half a stick, 4 tablespoons, or 57 grams makes any recipe more approachable. With the measuring techniques and recipe ideas provided, you can confidently tackle your next culinary project. For more precise measurements and detailed conversion charts for various ingredients, the Dairy Farmers of Canada provides excellent resources. Mastering this small but mighty ingredient is the first step towards perfect, repeatable results in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

2 ounces of butter is not considered a large amount and is often used for smaller recipes. For reference, it is half a standard stick of butter and contains approximately 407 calories and 46 grams of fat, so it's best used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

If your butter is already soft, use a dry measuring cup. Pack the softened butter firmly into a 1/4-cup measure, scraping it level with a flat knife. You can also use a tablespoon measure and pack four level tablespoons.

Yes, using a digital kitchen scale is the most accurate way to measure. Simply place a small bowl on your scale, tare it to zero, and add butter until the scale reads 2 ounces (or 57 grams).

For this method, fill a 2-cup liquid measuring cup with 1 cup of water. Add pieces of butter until the water level reaches the 1 1/4-cup line. The volume of butter added is 1/4 cup, or 2 ounces.

There are 4 tablespoons in 2 ounces of butter.

Yes, 2 ounces of butter is equivalent to 1/4 cup.

Store leftover butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. For longer storage, you can freeze it by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag.