Convert Liters to Cups - Volume Converter
This tool converts a volume value given in liters to US customary cups using the fixed relationship 1 US cup = 236.5882365 milliliters. It is intended for everyday cooking, lab-approximation, and quick engineering checks where the US cup is the desired target unit.
If you need a different cup definition (metric cup = 250 mL or imperial cup ≈ 284.130625 mL) choose a converter configured for that cup variant or apply the milliliter-based steps from the methodology section. For measurements requiring traceable accuracy, follow calibration and uncertainty guidance in the methodology and citations.
Governance
Record 02f1a28d4e83 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Interactive Converter
Convert between liter and us cup with precision rounding.
Quick reference table
| Liter | US Cup |
|---|---|
| 1 L | CUP 4.2268 cup |
| 5 L | CUP 21.1338 cup |
| 10 L | CUP 42.2675 cup |
| 25 L | CUP 105.6688 cup |
| 50 L | CUP 211.3376 cup |
| 100 L | CUP 422.6753 cup |
Methodology
Base quantities: 1 liter = 1000 milliliters. The converter applies the exact milliliter ratio for the chosen cup type. For the US customary cup the exact value used is 236.5882365 mL.
To convert, the converter multiplies liters by the ratio (1000 mL per liter) divided by the cup volume in milliliters. This is a fixed mathematical conversion independent of temperature or pressure because it is a change of units, not a physical property measurement.
Accuracy and traceability: unit conversions are exact given the constants used, but real-world measurement uncertainty comes from the instrument used to measure volume (graduated cylinder, pipette, kitchen measuring cup). For laboratory-grade work use calibrated equipment and follow ISO/IEC 17025 recommendations for measurement uncertainty and traceability.
Worked examples
0.5 L → 0.5 × (1000 ÷ 236.5882365) ≈ 2.113376 US cups
1 L → 1 × (1000 ÷ 236.5882365) ≈ 4.226753 US cups
3.785411784 L (1 US gallon) → 3.785411784 × (1000 ÷ 236.5882365) = 16 US cups exactly by definition of the gallon/cup relationship
F.A.Q.
Which cup definition does this converter use?
This converter uses the US customary cup (1 US cup = 236.5882365 mL). If you need a metric cup (250 mL) or imperial cup (~284.130625 mL), use a converter set to that cup variant or convert via milliliters using the formula in the methodology section.
How precise is the conversion?
The mathematical conversion between liters and cups is exact given the constants. Practical precision depends on how the input volume was measured. For traceable results in laboratories, follow ISO/IEC 17025 for calibration and declare measurement uncertainty as recommended by NIST and ISO guidance.
How do I convert cups back to liters?
Invert the formula: liters = cups (US) × 236.5882365 ÷ 1000, or liters = cups × 0.2365882365. Use the same cup definition consistently.
Can temperature or pressure change the conversion?
Unit conversion itself is independent of temperature and pressure because it is a change of units. However, the measured volume of some materials (notably gases or temperature-sensitive liquids) can vary with temperature; where that matters, control or correct for temperature per applicable standards.
What are recommended practices for accurate volume measurement?
Use appropriately sized calibrated volumetric equipment, allow liquids to stabilize, read at the bottom of the meniscus for aqueous solutions, and account for measurement uncertainty. For regulated or high-accuracy work, keep calibration records and follow ISO/IEC 17025 and related NIST guidance.
Sources & citations
- NIST Reference: Units and Constants (NIST Physics Laboratory) — https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/
- BIPM: The International System of Units (SI Brochure) — https://www.bipm.org/en/publications/si-brochure
- ISO 80000: Quantities and units (overview) — https://www.iso.org/standard/69464.html
- ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories — https://www.iso.org/standard/66912.html
- OSHA Laboratory Safety and Measurement-Related Guidance — https://www.osha.gov/laboratory-safety
- NIST SP 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units — https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811
Further resources
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: 02f1a28d4e83What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-22 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-22 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 22, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-22 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: c80732f3fbb8
