Converting Recipes: Metric vs. Imperial Made Simple

Nothing kills the joy of trying a new recipe like struggling with measurement conversions. But converting between metric and imperial doesn't have to be a math problem.

Common Conversions

Memorize the basics: 1 cup = 240ml, 1 tablespoon = 15ml, 1 teaspoon = 5ml. For weight, 1 ounce = 28 grams, 1 pound = 454 grams. But honestly, you don't need to memorize—digital tools do this automatically.

Digital Conversion Tools

Modern recipe platforms like KeepTheDish can convert entire recipes with one click. Select "Metric" or "Imperial" and all measurements update automatically. This is especially useful when sharing recipes with international family members or trying recipes from different countries.

Temperature Conversions

Oven temperatures are trickier: 350°F = 177°C, 400°F = 204°C. But again, digital tools handle this. Just set your preferred unit system, and all temperatures convert automatically.

When Precision Matters

For baking, precision is critical. Use a kitchen scale for weight measurements—they're more accurate than volume. Most digital scales can switch between grams and ounces, making international recipes foolproof.