A quick reference guide to common abbreviations used in recipes for both US Customary and Metric measurements of volume, weight, and temperature.
Volume Measurements
Abbreviation
Full Term
System
tsp (or t)
Teaspoon
US & Metric (varies slightly)
Tbsp (or T, Tbs, Tbls)
Tablespoon
US & Metric (varies by region)
fl oz (or fl. oz.)
Fluid Ounce
US & Imperial
c (or C)
Cup
US & Metric (varies)
pt
Pint
US & Imperial
qt
Quart
US & Imperial
gal (or G)
Gallon
US & Imperial
ml (or mL)
Milliliter
Metric
l (or L)
Liter
Metric
cc
Cubic Centimeter (equivalent to ml)
Metric
dl (or dL)
Deciliter
Metric
dstspn
Dessertspoon
UK/Australian (approx. 10ml)
Weight Measurements
Abbreviation
Full Term
System
mg
Milligram
Metric
g
Gram
Metric
kg
Kilogram
Metric
oz (or oz.)
Ounce (Avoirdupois)
US & Imperial
lb (or #)
Pound (Avoirdupois)
US & Imperial
Temperature Measurements
Abbreviation
Full Term
°C
Degrees Celsius
°F
Degrees Fahrenheit
Other Common Terms
Abbreviation/Term
Full Term/Meaning
approx.
Approximately
ea.
Each
doz (or dz)
Dozen (12)
pkg
Package
cont.
Container
mod.
Moderate (oven temperature)
med.
Medium
lg.
Large
sm.
Small
min.
Minute (time)
hr.
Hour (time)
Important Notes:
Capitalization for abbreviations like "Tbsp" or "tsp" can vary, but "T" or "Tbsp" usually means tablespoon, while "t" or "tsp" means teaspoon. When in doubt, context matters (e.g., 1 T flour vs 1 t salt).
Be aware that US, Imperial (UK), and Metric "standard" volumes for cups, pints, quarts, and gallons can differ significantly. Always check the origin of a recipe if precision is critical. For example:
1 US Cup ≈ 237 ml
1 Metric Cup (UK, AU, CA, NZ) = 250 ml
1 Imperial Pint ≈ 568 ml; 1 US Pint ≈ 473 ml
"Ounce" (oz) can refer to weight (avoirdupois ounce) or volume (fluid ounce, fl oz). Ensure you know which is intended.