Need to know how many cups in a quart for a recipe that you're working on? Everything you need for easy conversion between cups and quarts is shared here with tips to make the switch back and forth easier than ever!
Just a few quick tips to make your cups to quarts conversion super easy!!
Have you ever found yourself wondering how big is a quart? Quarts are one of those units of measurement that tend to confuse people.
It’s easy to picture how big a cup is or convert 8 ounces to 1 cup, but when it comes to quarts, it’s not so tangible. So, let’s make it easy!
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Quart? Cups? Why would someone need to know this?
Whether you are reducing a recipe that calls for a quart, looking to use a measuring cup to reach 1 quart because you’re on vacation and only have a measuring cup, or just want to know exactly how much ice cream is in that quart-sized container, this article explains it all.
Cups to Quarts
Let’s start with the basics. A quart comes from the English unit of measurement, “quarter gallon.” That’s right! Another unit of measurement- a gallon!
Most of the time, when a quart is referred to, especially in the culinary world, it is referring to a liquid quart. Conversions can be confusing enough, so instead of differentiating between a liquid quart and a dry quart, which gets into bushels, we will focus on liquid quarts, since that’s what matters most when it comes to cooking and baking.
Measuring Liquid Ingredients vs. Dry Ingredients
When it comes to baking, measurements play an important role in how well the final product comes out. Learning how to precisely measure ingredients ensures that no mishaps or mistakes, like the recipe being too moist, dry or crumbly, or not rising properly, happen along the way.
You may be surprised to hear, but there are actually two different kinds of measuring cups that are supposed to be used depending on if you are measuring out liquid or dry ingredients.
Measuring cups meant for liquids have pour spouts on the sides that make it easier to transfer the measured liquid to a larger container, but they're also there to ensure that you don’t overfill the cup.
Measuring cups, on the other hand, are for dry ingredients and have a smooth brim with a flat top. Generally, to properly measure dry ingredients, take a butter knife and slide it across the top so that a clean, even amount of dry ingredients remains.
However, certain dry ingredients have special rules. Items like brown sugar commonly include instructions that the measurement should be firmly packed. Unlike flour, which should not be tightly packed because the recipe will be too dry.
To properly measure flours and powders, take a smaller spoon and scoop it into the measuring cup until there is enough to fill the measuring cup. Use the flat side of a butter knife to level the top and make an even amount.
For other dry items, such as rice, oats, and granulated sugars, fill the measuring cup until it is full, then gently shake it until just right.
For liquid ingredients, either use an exact measuring cup that has a spout (for example, a cup that only holds ¼ cup) or a larger measuring cup with graduated amount lines. For the latter, set the measuring cup on a flat, level surface, and slowly pour out the liquid ingredient until it reaches the desired amount.
To best do this, bend down so that you are eye level with the measuring cup, which gives the most precise measurement.
Conversions
1 US liquid quart is equal to ¼ gallon, 2 pints, 4 cups, and 32 ounces. Note that a dry quart is equal to 4.6546 cups, which is important when doing conversions for any dry ingredient.
Table 1. Conversions: Cups to Quarts, etc.
| Cups | Pints | Quarts | Gallons | Ounces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 c | 1 pt | ½ qt | ⅛ gal | 16 oz |
| 4 c | 2 pt | 1 qt | ¼ gal | 32 oz |
| 8 c | 4 pt | 2 qt | ½ gal | 64 oz |
| 12 c | 6 pt | 3 qt | ¾ gal | 96 oz |
| 16 c | 8 pt | 4 qt | 1 gal | 128 oz |
Do you remember the old math graphic in school? It was called Mr. Gallon, had a big G with C's, P's, and Q's, and basically outlined this quick conversion info:
- 2 cups = 1 pint
- 2 pints = 1 quart
- 4 quarts = 1 gallon
As if it’s all starting to add up, now you can start to visualize everything that’s a quart! That cardboard 32-ounce box of beef broth, the large wonton soup from the Chinese restaurant, or a container of your favorite flavor of sherbet.
Whether you are just looking to better understand standard units of measurement or are in the middle of a culinary adventure and need to make a quick conversion, this article will give you the answers you need and more!
Including how big a quart really is, where the measurement comes from, the difference between liquid ingredients and dry ingredients, how to properly measure the two, a conversion table, and items commonly found in quart-sized containers.
More Measurement Conversions
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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