1/3 cup butter equals approximately 75.5 grams, 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon, or about 2.7 ounces. This guide covers 1/3 cup butter conversions in detail, including grams, tablespoons, ounces, and milliliters. Whether you are baking a cake or cooking a sauce, knowing these butter measurements will make your recipes easier and more accurate.
Baking and cooking rely on accurate measurements. When a recipe calls for 1/3 cup butter, it can be tricky to figure out exactly how much that is. Do you reach for a measuring cup? A kitchen scale? What if your recipe uses grams or ounces instead?
Understanding butter conversions makes a huge difference in your cooking results. A 1/3 cup butter measurement might seem simple, but getting it wrong can change the texture of your baked goods or the consistency of your sauces. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about 1/3 cup butter in a clear and easy way.
Below, you will find detailed conversions for 1/3 cup butter in grams, tablespoons, ounces, and milliliters. You will also learn practical tips for measuring butter accurately and discover how 1/3 cup butter fits into common recipes. Let us dive in.
Key Takeaways
- 1/3 cup butter equals 75.5 grams: This is the most common conversion bakers need for accurate measurements.
- 1/3 cup butter is 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon: Knowing this helps when you do not have a measuring cup on hand.
- 1/3 cup butter weighs about 2.7 ounces: Useful for recipes that list ingredients by weight.
- 1/3 cup butter in ml is approximately 79 ml: Great for liquid measurement conversions.
- 1/3 cup butter is about 2/3 of a standard stick: Most US butter sticks are 1/2 cup, so you need a little more than one full stick.
- Always use a kitchen scale for precision: Volume measurements can vary, but weight stays consistent.
📑 Table of Contents
What Is 1/3 Cup Butter?
1/3 cup butter is a volume measurement that equals one-third of a standard US cup. In the world of baking, this is a very common amount. Many cookie recipes, cake recipes, and sauce recipes call for this exact portion.
A standard US cup holds 240 milliliters. So 1/3 cup butter is roughly 80 milliliters. But volume is not the only way to measure butter. Weight matters too, especially for baking where precision is key.
Why Does 1/3 Cup Butter Matter?
Butter adds flavor, moisture, and structure to recipes. Too much or too little can ruin a dish. When a recipe specifies 1/3 cup butter, it means the baker has tested that exact amount. Changing it even slightly can affect the final result.
For example, using too much butter in cookies makes them flat and greasy. Using too little makes them dry and crumbly. That is why understanding 1/3 cup butter conversions is so important for consistent results every time you cook or bake.
How Many Grams Is 1/3 Cup Butter?
This is the most common question people ask. 1/3 cup butter equals approximately 75.5 grams. This conversion is based on the standard density of butter.
If you compare this to 1 cup butter in grams, which is about 227 grams, you can see that 1/3 cup is roughly one-third of that amount. This makes sense because 1/3 is one-third of a whole cup.
Here is a quick breakdown of common butter conversions:
- 1/3 cup butter = 75.5 grams
- 1/2 cup butter = 113.5 grams
- 1 cup butter = 227 grams
For the most accurate results, always use a digital kitchen scale. Volume measurements like cups can vary based on how packed the butter is. Weight measurements stay the same no matter what.
Comparing 1/3 Cup Butter to Half a Cup
If you want to understand 1/3 cup butter better, compare it to half cup butter. Half a cup of butter is about 113 grams. So 1/3 cup is noticeably less. It is about 67% of a half cup.
For a visual reference, think of a standard US butter stick. One stick equals 1/2 cup or 113 grams. So 1/3 cup butter is about 2/3 of one full stick. You would need to cut off roughly one-third of a stick to get the right amount.
If you want to learn more about half-cup butter measurements, check out our guide on half cup butter in grams.
Tablespoons and Ounces in 1/3 Cup Butter
1/3 cup butter also equals 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon. This is a helpful measurement when you do not have a 1/3 cup measuring tool on hand. Most kitchens have tablespoon measures, so this trick can save you in a pinch.
In terms of weight, 1/3 cup butter is approximately 2.7 ounces. This is useful when your scale measures in ounces instead of grams.
Here is a handy conversion table for 1/3 cup butter:
- 1/3 cup butter = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
- 1/3 cup butter = 2.7 ounces
- 1/3 cup butter = 75.5 grams
- 1/3 cup butter = 79 milliliters
Knowing these equivalents gives you flexibility. You can measure butter however is easiest for you in the moment. The key is to get the right amount for your recipe.
How Many Tablespoons in 1/3 Cup?
There are 16 tablespoons in a full cup. So 1/3 cup is about 5.3 tablespoons. Since you cannot measure 0.3 of a tablespoon easily, you round it to 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon. One teaspoon is 1/3 of a tablespoon, which makes the math work out perfectly.
If you want a deeper dive into tablespoon conversions, our article on tablespoons in 1/3 cup covers this topic in detail.
How to Measure 1/3 Cup Butter Accurately
Measuring butter correctly is an essential kitchen skill. There are a few different methods you can use to get 1/3 cup butter right every time.
Method 1: Use a Kitchen Scale
The most accurate way to measure 1/3 cup butter is by weight. Simply place your bowl on a scale, tare it to zero, and add butter until you reach 75.5 grams. This method eliminates any guesswork and gives you perfect results.
Professional bakers almost always use scales. Volume measurements can be off because butter density changes with temperature and how tightly it is packed. Weight measurements never change.
Method 2: Use the Water Displacement Method
If you do not have a scale, you can use the water displacement method. Fill a liquid measuring cup with 1/2 cup of water. Then add butter until the water level reaches 5/6 cup (about 200 ml). The butter you added will equal 1/3 cup.
This method works well for solid butter at room temperature. It is a clever trick that many home cooks swear by.
Method 3: Use the markings on the butter wrapper
Most butter sticks come with markings on the wrapper. A standard stick is 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons. Since 1/3 cup is about 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon, you can look at the markings and cut slightly past the 5-tablespoon line.
This is the easiest method if you are using a standard US butter stick. No special tools are needed.
Common Uses for 1/3 Cup Butter in Recipes
1/3 cup butter appears in many popular recipes. Understanding where it is used helps you appreciate why the exact amount matters.
Baking Recipes That Use 1/3 Cup Butter
Many cookie recipes call for 1/3 cup butter. Sugar cookies, shortbread, and butter cookies often use this amount. The butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is hard to achieve with other fats.
Brownies and bars also frequently use 1/3 cup butter. This amount provides enough fat to give the dessert a rich, fudgy texture without making it overly greasy.
Some cake recipes and frosting recipes also use this measurement. Buttercream frosting often starts with a specific amount of butter, and 1/3 cup is a common portion for a small batch.
Cooking Recipes That Use 1/3 Cup Butter
It is not just baking. Many savory recipes call for 1/3 cup butter as well. Garlic butter sauces, pan sauces for steaks, and sautéed vegetable dishes often use this amount.
When making a simple lemon butter sauce or a rich pasta sauce, 1/3 cup butter adds the right amount of creaminess and flavor. Too little and the sauce feels thin. Too much and it becomes heavy.
1/3 Cup Butter vs. Other Common Amounts
Here is how 1/3 cup butter compares to other common measurements:
- 1/4 cup butter is less than 1/3 cup by about 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon
- 1/2 cup butter is more than 1/3 cup by about 2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon
- 2/3 cup butter is double 1/3 cup
- 1 cup butter is three times 1/3 cup
These comparisons help you adjust recipes on the fly. If you only have 1/4 cup but need 1/3 cup, you know exactly how much more to add.
1/3 Cup Butter Substitutes and Alternatives
Sometimes you run out of butter or need a different option. There are several substitutes that work well in place of 1/3 cup butter.
Margarine as a Substitute
Margarine is the most common butter substitute. You can use the same amount, 1/3 cup margarine, in most recipes. Keep in mind that margarine has a different fat content than butter, which can slightly change the texture of your final product.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil works well as a butter substitute in baking. Use the same weight of coconut oil as butter. Since 1/3 cup butter is 75.5 grams, use 75.5 grams of coconut oil. Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor that works well in certain recipes.
Ghee or Clarified Butter
Ghee has a higher smoke point than regular butter, making it great for cooking. You can substitute ghee for 1/3 cup butter in most savory recipes. The flavor is slightly nutty and rich, which enhances many dishes.
Olive Oil
For cooking applications, olive oil can replace 1/3 cup butter. Use about 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil adds a fruity flavor that works well in savory dishes but may not be ideal for sweet baked goods.
Keep in mind that substitutes may change the flavor and texture slightly. For the best results, stick with butter when a recipe specifically calls for it.
Expert Tips for Working with 1/3 Cup Butter
Here are some practical tips from experienced bakers and cooks to help you get the most out of your 1/3 cup butter measurements:
- Soften butter to room temperature before measuring by volume. Cold butter is harder to pack into a measuring cup evenly, which leads to inaccurate measurements.
- Always spoon butter into the cup rather than scooping it. Scooping compresses the butter and can add extra weight.
- Level off the top with a straight edge for an accurate cup measurement.
- When in doubt, use a kitchen scale. Weight measurements are always more reliable than volume measurements for butter.
- Know your butter stick size. In the US, a standard stick is 1/2 cup or 113 grams. This makes it easy to eyeball 1/3 cup as about 2/3 of a stick.
- Convert once, measure once. Do not try to eyeball 1/3 cup without checking your measurements. Precision matters in baking.
Quick Tips for Everyday Cooking
Not every cooking situation requires perfect precision. For everyday sautéing or simple sauces, you can be a little more flexible with your 1/3 cup butter measurement. A slight variation will not ruin a pasta sauce or stir-fry. Save your precision for baking, where chemistry matters most.
If you are scaling a recipe up or down, remember that 1/3 cup butter is 75.5 grams. This makes it easy to multiply or divide for different batch sizes. Doubling the recipe? Use 151 grams. Halving it? Use 38 grams.
Conclusion
1/3 cup butter is a fundamental measurement that every home cook and baker should know. Whether you need it in grams, tablespoons, ounces, or milliliters, this guide has you covered. 1/3 cup butter equals 75.5 grams, 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon, 2.7 ounces, and about 79 milliliters.
Understanding these conversions gives you confidence in the kitchen. You can follow any recipe accurately, adjust portions easily, and substitute ingredients when needed. The key is to measure carefully and use the right tools for the job.
Next time a recipe calls for 1/3 cup butter, you will know exactly how much to use. Happy cooking and baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams is 1/3 cup of butter?
1/3 cup butter equals approximately 75.5 grams. This is the standard conversion used in most baking and cooking recipes. Using a kitchen scale to measure this amount gives you the most accurate results every time.
How many tablespoons are in 1/3 cup of butter?
1/3 cup butter equals 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon. This is a handy measurement to remember when you do not have a 1/3 cup measuring cup available. Simply use your tablespoon measure five times and add one more teaspoon for the perfect amount.
Can I substitute oil for 1/3 cup butter in a recipe?
Yes, you can substitute oil for 1/3 cup butter, but the results may vary slightly. Use about 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of oil as a replacement. Keep in mind that butter adds flavor and structure that oil may not fully replicate, especially in baked goods.
What is the weight of 1/3 cup butter in ounces?
1/3 cup butter weighs approximately 2.7 ounces. This conversion is useful when your kitchen scale measures in ounces rather than grams. Simply weigh out 2.7 ounces of butter for the equivalent of 1/3 cup.
How do I measure 1/3 cup butter without a measuring cup?
You can measure 1/3 cup butter using the markings on a standard butter wrapper. A US butter stick is 1/2 cup, so 1/3 cup is about 2/3 of one stick. Alternatively, use 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon, or weigh out 75.5 grams on a kitchen scale.
Is 1/3 cup butter the same as 1/3 cup margarine?
Volume-wise, 1/3 cup butter and 1/3 cup margarine are the same. However, they differ in fat content and water content, which can affect the texture of your final product. Butter has about 80% fat, while margarine varies by brand. For best results, use the ingredient the recipe specifies.
