Ingredient hub
Olive oil
Olive oil is liquid gold, but it is lighter than water (1ml does not equal 1g!). Measuring by volume is messy and inaccurate because oil clings to the cup, leading to under-portioning. Weighing is cleaner, faster, and accounts for the specific density (approx 0.915 g/mL), ensuring your dressings and sautés are perfectly balanced.
What is Olive oil?
Olive oil is liquid gold, but it is lighter than water (1ml does not equal 1g!). Measuring by volume is messy and inaccurate because oil clings to the cup, leading to under-portioning. Weighing is cleaner, faster, and accounts for the specific density (approx 0.915 g/mL), ensuring your dressings and sautés are perfectly balanced.
Liquids are not interchangeable with water in weight terms. Density changes with fat, sugar, and dissolved solids, so the same cup can convert above or below water-based assumptions. Use these density-based gram values when scaling sauces, drinks, and dressings.
Chef note:Chefs scale sauces by weight because density shifts quietly change flavor balance.
Quick convert
- US cup = 236.588 mL
- 1 tbsp = 14.787 mL
- 1 tsp = 4.929 mL
Kitchen Conversion Chart
Cups, tbsp, tsp, mL and oz — all in one printable reference for oils, liquids, dairy and sauces.
Liquids & oils
- Read liquids at eye level; oils are lighter than water (≈0.91–0.93 g/mL).
- For dressings, weigh oils for easier scaling.
FAQ
- Can I fry with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)?
- Yes, but be careful. EVOO has a lower smoke point (~375°F/190°C) than refined oils. It's great for sautéing, but for deep frying at high heat, refined olive oil or vegetable oil is safer and more neutral.
- Why weighs oil instead of using a spoon?
- Viscosity. Oils form a curved surface (meniscus) making eye-level reading hard, and they coat the measuring spoon, meaning you often add less than the recipe calls for. Weight is absolute.