Liters to Cups Converter
Convert liters to US cups instantly. 1 L ≈ 4.227 cups (1 US cup = 236.588 mL). Scale metric recipes for American kitchens.
How to Convert Liter to Cup
Divide liters by 0.236588, or multiply by 4.22675. One US legal cup is exactly 236.588 milliliters.
Conversion Formula:
value / 0.236588Conversion Examples
Example: 1 liter to cups
- 1 ÷ 0.236588 ≈ 4.23 cups
1 L ≈ 4.23 US cups
Standard kitchen conversion.
Example: 0.5 liter to cups
- 0.5 ÷ 0.236588 ≈ 2.11 cups
0.5 L ≈ 2.11 US cups
Half liter to cups.
Conversion Chart
| Liter | Cup |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4.2268 |
| 2 | 8.4535 |
| 3 | 12.6803 |
| 4 | 16.907 |
| 5 | 21.1338 |
| 6 | 25.3605 |
| 7 | 29.5873 |
| 8 | 33.8141 |
| 9 | 38.0408 |
| 10 | 42.2676 |
| 15 | 63.4014 |
| 20 | 84.5351 |
| 30 | 126.8027 |
| 60 | 253.6054 |
| 100 | 422.6757 |
Conversion Formula
liters ÷ 0.236588 = US cups (because 1 US cup = 236.588 mL = 0.236588 L).
Quick Conversion Tip
Multiply liters by ~4.23 for a quick estimate; use 0.236588 for exact US cups.
Unit Definitions
Liter (L)
A liter is a metric volume unit equal to one cubic decimeter. It is widely used for beverages, science, and everyday measurements.
1 liter = 0.001 cubic meter ≈ 61.0237 cubic inches ≈ 0.264172 US gallons
US Cup (cup)
A US cup is a kitchen volume unit commonly used in cooking and baking recipes.
1 cup = 236.588 milliliters = 8 US fluid ounces = 16 tablespoons
Common Use Cases
- Converting European metric recipes to US cup measures.
- Batch scaling drinks or broth from liters to cups.
- Teaching metric–US customary volume conversion.
- Checking packaging labeled in liters against cup tools.
Understanding the Conversion
One US cup = 236.588 mL, so 1 liter (1,000 mL) ≈ 4.227 US cups. Divide liters by 0.236588 or multiply by 4.22675.
Example: 1 L ≈ 4.23 cups; 2 L ≈ 8.45 cups. This is the US customary cup used in most American recipes—not the smaller metric cup (250 mL) used in some countries.
When a European recipe lists milliliters or liters, this converter helps you measure with US cup scoops.
FAQs
How many US cups are in 1 liter?
About 4.23 US cups (1,000 ÷ 236.588).
Is a US cup the same as 250 mL?
No. A US cup is 236.588 mL. Some countries use a 250 mL "metric cup."
How do I convert liters to cups?
Divide liters by 0.236588 or multiply by 4.22675.