Butter Conversion Calculator - Sticks, Cups, Tablespoons & Grams
Convert butter measurements between sticks, cups, tablespoons, ounces, and grams. Complete guide for US and European butter conversions.
Interactive Butter Conversion Calculator
Quick Answer
1 stick of butter equals 1/2 cup, 8 tablespoons, 4 ounces, or 113 grams. Most US butter sticks have tablespoon markings on the wrapper for easy measuring.
Chef Steven Harty
Professional Chef
30+ years experience
30+ years professional experience, trained under Rick Bayless. Specializes in precision cooking.
Education
Culinary Training under Chef Rick Bayless
Complete Butter Conversion Chart
| Sticks | Cups | Tablespoons | Ounces | Grams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 1/8 | 2 tbsp | 1 oz | 28g |
| 1/2 | 1/4 | 4 tbsp | 2 oz | 57g |
| 3/4 | 3/8 | 6 tbsp | 3 oz | 85g |
| 1 | 1/2 | 8 tbsp | 4 oz | 113g |
| 1 1/4 | 5/8 | 10 tbsp | 5 oz | 142g |
| 1 1/2 | 3/4 | 12 tbsp | 6 oz | 170g |
| 1 3/4 | 7/8 | 14 tbsp | 7 oz | 198g |
| 2 | 1 | 16 tbsp | 8 oz | 227g |
| 3 | 1 1/2 | 24 tbsp | 12 oz | 340g |
| 4 | 2 | 32 tbsp | 16 oz | 454g |
Understanding Butter Sticks
US Standard Stick Size
- • Weight: 4 ounces (113g)
- • Volume: 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons)
- • Dimensions: ~4.75" long × 1.25" wide
- • Package: Usually 4 sticks per pound
Wrapper Markings Guide
Most US butter wrappers have tablespoon markings printed on them, making measurement easy:
- • Each mark = 1 tablespoon
- • 8 marks total per stick
- • Cut at the line for precise measurements
- • No need to dirty measuring spoons!
How to Cut Butter Accurately
- Keep butter in wrapper
- Find the tablespoon marking you need
- Use a sharp knife to cut through wrapper and butter
- Unwrap only the portion you need
- Rewrap remaining butter and refrigerate
US vs European Butter
| Region | Package Size | Weight | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Stick | 1 stick | 113g (4 oz) | 1/2 cup |
| European Block | 1 block | 250g (8.8 oz) | ~1.1 cups (2.2 sticks) |
| US Pound | 4 sticks | 454g (16 oz) | 2 cups |
Converting European Butter
European butter typically comes in 250g blocks. To convert:
- • 250g block = approximately 2.2 US sticks
- • 125g (half block) = approximately 1.1 sticks
- • For recipes: use weight measurements when possible
- • Kitchen scale eliminates conversion errors
Measuring Butter Techniques
Using Wrapper Markings
The easiest method! Cut butter while still in wrapper at the tablespoon marks. 4 tbsp = 1/4 cup, 8 tbsp = 1/2 cup.
Water Displacement Method
For softened butter: Fill measuring cup with cold water to 1 cup mark. Add butter until water reaches 1.5 cups. You've added 1/2 cup butter.
Kitchen Scale Method
Most accurate! Place bowl on scale, tare to zero, add butter until you reach desired weight. 113g = 1 stick = 1/2 cup.
Softened vs Cold Butter
Cold butter: Use wrapper markings or scale for accuracy.
Softened butter: Pack firmly into measuring cup, level off with knife, or use water displacement method.
Common Recipe Butter Amounts
Cookie Recipes
- • 1-2 sticks typical amount
- • Chocolate chip: 2 sticks (1 cup)
- • Sugar cookies: 1.5 sticks (3/4 cup)
- • Shortbread: 2 sticks (1 cup)
Cake Recipes
- • 2-3 sticks typical amount
- • Pound cake: 4 sticks (2 cups)
- • Layer cake: 2 sticks (1 cup)
- • Cupcakes: 1.5 sticks (3/4 cup)
Pie Crust
- • 1.5 sticks typical amount
- • Single crust: 1-1.25 sticks
- • Double crust: 2.5-3 sticks
- • Keep butter very cold!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons in a stick of butter?
There are 8 tablespoons in 1 stick of butter. Each stick is typically marked with tablespoon measurements on the wrapper for easy cutting.
How many sticks is 1 cup of butter?
1 cup of butter equals 2 sticks. Since 1 stick = 1/2 cup, you need to double that to get 1 full cup.
How many tablespoons in 1/2 cup butter?
There are 8 tablespoons in 1/2 cup of butter, which is exactly 1 stick. This is one of the most common baking measurements.
How many grams in a stick of butter?
One stick of butter equals 113 grams (4 ounces). This is the standard US butter stick size.
How much is 1/4 cup butter in sticks?
1/4 cup of butter equals 1/2 stick or 4 tablespoons. You can cut a stick in half at the 4 tablespoon mark on the wrapper.
How to measure butter without a scale?
Use the tablespoon markings printed on butter wrappers. Cut at the appropriate line. Alternatively, use the water displacement method for softened butter.
How many ounces in a stick of butter?
One stick of butter equals 4 ounces by weight. Four sticks (1 pound) equal 16 ounces total.
How many sticks is 250g butter?
250 grams equals approximately 2.2 US sticks. European butter blocks are typically 250g, slightly larger than 2 US sticks.
Can I measure butter in tablespoons?
Yes! Each stick has 8 tablespoons. For smaller amounts, use the wrapper markings to cut exact tablespoon portions without dirtying measuring spoons.
How to measure melted butter?
Measure butter in solid form first using wrapper markings or scale, then melt it. Alternatively, use a liquid measuring cup for already-melted butter.
Chef Steven Harty
Professional Chef | 30+ Years Experience
Chef Harty brings over 30 years of professional culinary experience, having trained under renowned chef Rick Bayless. He specializes in precision cooking and measurement accuracy, ensuring all our cooking conversions and ingredient calculations are tested and verified in real kitchen conditions.
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