Standard US Conversions for 1/3 Cup
For many home cooks, the most frequent conversion for a 1/3 cup involves tablespoons and teaspoons, especially when a measuring cup is dirty or missing. The math is simple: since one standard US cup contains 16 tablespoons, one-third of a cup is 16 divided by 3, which equals approximately 5.33 tablespoons. This translates perfectly into a combination of standard measuring spoons.
The Tablespoon and Teaspoon Method
The most precise way to measure 1/3 cup using smaller utensils is a straightforward combination:
- 5 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon
This method is remarkably accurate and proves invaluable for recipes where precise ratios are key, such as in baking. If you only have a 1/4 cup measure, you can fill that once and then add a single tablespoon and a single teaspoon to get very close to the required amount.
1/3 Cup in Metric and Other Volume Units
While US Customary units are common in American recipes, many international cookbooks and baking resources use the metric system. It's also helpful to know the fluid ounce conversion.
Metric Conversion (Milliliters)
For liquids, 1/3 US customary cup converts to approximately 79 milliliters (mL). However, some rounded metric conversion charts may list it as 80 mL, which is a perfectly acceptable approximation for most cooking applications. This is a great reference if you are using a measuring jug with metric markings.
Imperial and US Fluid Ounces
In the US system, where one cup is 8 fluid ounces, 1/3 of a cup is 2.67 fluid ounces. This is a standard volumetric conversion for liquids.
The Challenge: Measuring Dry Ingredients by Weight
For serious bakers, measuring by weight is far more accurate than by volume, as the density of dry ingredients can vary. A kitchen scale is the most reliable tool for this purpose. The weight of 1/3 cup will change depending on the ingredient. Here's a comparison table for common baking items:
| Ingredient (US 1/3 Cup) | Weight (Grams) | Approximate Ounces |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour (scooped) | ~42 g | ~1.5 oz |
| Granulated Sugar | ~67 g | ~2.4 oz |
| Packed Brown Sugar | ~73 g | ~2.6 oz |
| Honey/Molasses | ~113 g | ~4.0 oz |
| Water (liquid) | ~79 g | ~2.8 oz |
| Cocoa Powder | ~28 g | ~1.0 oz |
Note: These are approximate weights based on a standard US Customary cup and can vary based on how an ingredient is packed or sifted.
How to Measure with Confidence
Even without a dedicated measuring cup, precision is possible. The combination of measuring spoons is the most common hack, but other methods exist for approximation. For liquids, you can use a clear drinking glass, measure 1 cup of water, and then visually divide it into thirds to get a decent estimate, although this is less precise. For solids, using a kitchen scale is the gold standard for accuracy and consistency, preventing common baking mistakes like an overly dense cake due to too much flour. For more general information on conversions, you can consult resources from reliable sources like the Exploratorium's detailed guides.
Conclusion
Knowing what is 1 ⁄ 3 cup and its various equivalents empowers you in the kitchen. Whether you're combining tablespoons and teaspoons for a precise measurement, using a metric conversion for a European recipe, or weighing ingredients for baking accuracy, this knowledge is fundamental. A 1/3 cup is a simple fraction of a larger unit, but mastering its conversions is a cornerstone of confident and successful cooking and baking.
