Butter Converter

1 stick of butter (US) = 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons = 113 grams = 4 ounces. This is the most common butter measurement in American recipes. Two sticks equal 1 cup or 227 grams.

1 cup butter = 2 sticks = 16 tablespoons = 227 grams. Half cup = 1 stick, quarter cup = 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons). Most recipes use stick measurements for convenience since US butter is sold in sticks.

Unsalted butter is preferred for baking because it allows you to control the exact salt amount in your recipe. Salted butter contains about 1/4 teaspoon salt per stick. If using salted butter, reduce added salt by about 1/4 teaspoon per stick used.

US butter sticks have tablespoon markings on the wrapper. 1 stick = 8 tablespoons, so each marking represents 1 tablespoon (14g). For 1/3 cup, use about 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon. You can also use the water displacement method for odd amounts.

Margarine can replace butter in equal amounts by weight or volume, but results differ. Butter has better flavor and different water/fat content. Use stick margarine (not tub/spread) with at least 80% fat. For best results in baking, use real butter.

European recipes often use grams: 250g butter = about 2.2 sticks = 1.1 cups = 17.6 tablespoons. 100g butter = about 7 tablespoons = 0.88 sticks. 200g = about 1.75 sticks. A kitchen scale makes European recipe conversions easier.

Room temperature butter should be 65-68°F (18-20°C) - cool but soft enough to indent with a finger. It typically takes 30-60 minutes to soften butter. Don't microwave as it can melt unevenly. Proper temperature is crucial for creaming butter and sugar.