"Teacup" as a Measurement: Conversion to Fluid Ounces (fl oz) & Milliliters (ml)
The "teacup" was a common, albeit informal, unit of liquid measure in older recipes, particularly from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its volume was not strictly standardized.
Historical "Teacup" Unit
Approximate US Fluid Ounces (fl oz)
Approximate Milliliters (ml)
Equivalent in US Cups (approx.)
1 Teacupful (common US interpretation)
4 US fl oz (1 US gill)
~118-120 ml
1/2 US cup
1 Teacupful (British interpretation, can vary)
~5-6 Imperial fl oz (~142-170 ml)
~140-170 ml
~2/3 to 3/4 US cup
Important Considerations for "Teacup" Measurements:
In **US historical recipes**, a "teacup" is most often interpreted as **4 US fluid ounces (1/2 US cup or about 120 ml)**. This was also known as a US gill.
In **British historical recipes**, a "teacup" could be larger, often around 5 to 6 Imperial fluid ounces (approximately 140-170 ml). An Imperial fluid ounce is slightly smaller than a US fluid ounce.
The actual teacups used at the time varied in size. Context from other ingredient amounts in the recipe might offer clues.
If a recipe also lists "cups" (implying standard US cups of 8 fl oz), then a "teacup" within that same recipe would almost certainly be the smaller 4 fl oz measure.
When in doubt with an American recipe, assume 4 US fluid ounces. For a British recipe, it might be slightly more, but the 4 fl oz/120ml is still a common starting point if no other context is available.
Modern teacups are not standardized for measurement and vary widely.
Visit kitchencalculator.app for other historical and international unit conversions.