Updated 27 July 2026 · Written by Sofia Romano
A US cup holds 8 fluid ounces of liquid. For dry ingredients, though, ounces measure weight, not volume, so a cup of flour and a cup of sugar weigh different amounts. Use 8 fluid ounces for liquids, and a scale for dry ingredients by weight.
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces (liquid). Dry ounces vary by ingredient, so weigh dry ingredients on a scale.
Fluid Ounces vs Dry Ounces
This is the confusing part. Fluid ounces measure volume, so a cup of any liquid is 8 fluid ounces. Dry ounces measure weight, so a cup of flour weighs about 4.25 ounces while a cup of sugar weighs about 7 ounces. Never assume a cup equals 8 ounces by weight.
When to Use a Scale
For accurate baking, weigh dry ingredients in grams or ounces rather than measuring by the cup, since packing and settling change the volume. A kitchen scale removes the guesswork.
Quick Reference
| Amount | Fluid ounces |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 8 fl oz |
| 1/2 cup | 4 fl oz |
| 1/4 cup | 2 fl oz |
| 2 cups (1 pint) | 16 fl oz |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8 ounces the same as 1 cup?
For liquids, yes, 1 cup equals 8 fluid ounces. For dry ingredients, no, because a cup measures volume while ounces measure weight, and they differ by ingredient.
How many ounces in a cup of coffee?
A standard cup of brewed coffee is 8 fluid ounces, though coffee mugs are often larger, around 12 ounces.
