How to Measure 2/3 Cup Using Only a 1/3 Cup
You're in the middle of a recipe, hands covered in flour, and you realize your measuring cup set doesn't have a 2/3 cup line. All you have is that little 1/3 cup measuring cup sitting there, mocking you. Sound familiar?
This happens to home bakers all the time. The good news is there are several easy ways to measure 2/3 cup using just a 1/3 cup — and some alternatives if you'd rather use different tools. Let me walk you through every option No workaround needed..
What Does "2/3 Cup" Actually Mean?
Before we get into the how-to, let's quickly talk about what 2/3 cup actually represents in practical terms. Two-thirds of a cup is roughly 10 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons, or about 158 milliliters if you're working with metric. It's one of those measurements that falls right in between standard cup fractions — not as simple as 1/2 cup, not as straightforward as 1/4 cup.
Here's the thing: 2/3 cup is exactly double 1/3 cup. That's the key to solving this whole problem.
The Simplest Solution: Use Your 1/3 Cup Twice
The most obvious answer is also the correct one. Even so, fill your 1/3 cup measure once, transfer it to your mixing bowl, then fill it again and add that to the bowl. Two 1/3 cup portions equal 2/3 cup. Done.
I know this sounds almost too simple, but honestly, this is what most people miss. They overthink it and start looking for complicated conversions when the answer is right in front of them. Just use it twice.
When This Works Best
This method is perfect when:
- You're measuring something pourable like milk, water, or oil
- The ingredient is already mixed well (like flour that hasn't been packed)
- You have a clear view of your mixing bowl
The only real downside is that you need to make two separate trips to the ingredient, which means two chances for a spill. Just pour slowly, and keep a paper towel nearby Most people skip this — try not to. Which is the point..
Alternative Methods Using Different Measuring Tools
Maybe you don't want to do two trips with the 1/3 cup. Or perhaps you need a more precise measurement for baking, where accuracy really matters. Here are other ways to hit that 2/3 cup mark Not complicated — just consistent..
Using a 1/2 Cup Measure
If you have a 1/2 cup measuring cup, here's your formula: 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons = 2/3 cup.
This works because:
- 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
- Adding 2 more tablespoons gets you to 10 tablespoons
- Adding 2 teaspoons finishes the job
Using Only Tablespoons
Sometimes you don't even need a cup measure. Here are the tablespoon equivalents for 2/3 cup:
- 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
- Or, if you want to keep it simple: 2/3 cup = approximately 10 and 2/3 tablespoons (but the first version is more accurate)
Using a Kitchen Scale (The Most Accurate Method)
If you really want precision — and for baking, sometimes you do — weigh your ingredient instead of measuring by volume.
Here's the rough conversion for common ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: about 85 grams
- Granulated sugar: about 133 grams
- Butter: about 151 grams
- Water or milk: about 158 grams
Different ingredients weigh different amounts per cup, so look up the specific weight for what you're measuring if you go this route And that's really what it comes down to..
Common Mistakes People Make
Here's where things go wrong for most home cooks.
Mistake #1: Eyeballing It
Don't just guess. That's why unless you're experienced, your eye will deceive you. That "looks about right" amount is usually off by 10-20%, which can throw off a recipe, especially baking Not complicated — just consistent. Simple as that..
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Type of Measuring Cup
Dry ingredients and liquid ingredients need different approaches. Practically speaking, for dry stuff like flour or sugar, use dry measuring cups and level off the top with a knife. For liquids, use a clear liquid measuring cup and check the measurement at eye level It's one of those things that adds up. Still holds up..
Mistake #3: Not Leveling Dry Ingredients
This is huge. A heaping 1/3 cup of flour is way more than a level 1/3 cup. Always level off dry ingredients with a straight edge for accuracy.
Practical Tips That Actually Help
A few things I've learned from years of cooking that make this whole measurement thing easier:
Mark your measuring cups. If you use a particular recipe often, use a permanent marker to add a 2/3 cup line to your 1/2 cup measure. Just fill it to 2/3 with water, mark the line, and you've got a custom 2/3 cup forever And it works..
Do the math before you start. Look at your recipe and see if you can combine measurements. If you need 2/3 cup of something and also 1/3 cup of something else, use your 1/3 cup three times total instead of looking for other solutions.
Keep a cheat sheet on your fridge. Print out a simple conversion chart and tape it inside a cabinet door. You'll refer to it more than you think.
FAQ
Can I use a 1/4 cup to measure 2/3 cup?
Yes. Still, use two 1/4 cups (that's 1/2 cup), then add 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons. This is a bit more work but totally accurate.
What's the easiest way to measure 2/3 cup of butter?
Cut a standard stick of butter in half lengthwise, then cut one of those halves in half again. Which means one full stick is 1/2 cup, and a quarter-stick is about 2 tablespoons. So: one full stick + one quarter-stick = 2/3 cup.
Is there a difference between US and metric 2/3 cup?
Yes. Also, a metric cup is 250 ml, so 2/3 metric cup is about 167 ml. Still, a US cup is about 237 ml, so 2/3 US cup is roughly 158 ml. Most US recipes use US customary measurements.
Why do some measuring sets not include a 2/3 cup?
Honestly, it's a cost and space thing. Manufacturers figure you can use 1/3 cup twice, or approximate with other measurements. It's not that they forgot — it's intentional.
The Bottom Line
Measuring 2/3 cup with a 1/3 cup is straightforward: just use it twice. That's it. But now you also know several backup methods if
