Some notes on recipe quantities and conversions

We've noticed that we get visitors from many different parts of the world and since different countries use slightly different methods of measuring, I thought it would be good to put a few notes about the equivalent quantities used in the recipes. That way, your recipes won't go all wrong.

In the UK, we use the metric system (also called the International System of Units) and Imperial pounds and ounces. Anyone who went to school in the UK during the 60s and 70s will have been taught both so they are often comfortable using either method. Many people use both, even when talking about one recipe, which can make things confusing. It makes things altogether easier if you use one or the other.

Most of the rest of the world also uses metric but, whilst some in the USA use metric, most people use pounds and ounces and they aren't always the same as Imperial pounds and ounces either. There isn't that much difference but, if you are baking, it can be important.

Some guidelines are needed.

Here are some approximate equivalents for Imperial and USA pounds and ounces and metric.

Metric unit	Imperial/USA unit
1 litre	1.76 pints (UK)
1 litre	2.11 pints (US)

1 millilitre	0.5 UK teaspoon/tsp
1 millilitre	1 US teaspoon/tsp

7-8 grams/gm	1/4 ounce/oz
30 grams/gm	1 ounce/oz
1 kilogram/kg	2.2 pounds/lb

Imperial/USA unit	Metric unit
1 fluid ounce/oz (UK)	28.41 millilitres/ml
1 fluid ounce/oz (US)	29.57 millilitres/ml
1 pint (UK)	0.57 litres/l
1 pint (US)	0.47 litres/l
1.76 pints (UK)	1 litre/l
2.11 pints (US)	1 litre/l
1 ounce/oz (UK/USA)	30 grams/gm
1 pound/lb	450gm
0.035 ounces/oz	1 gram/gm
2.2 pounds/lb	1 kilogram/kg

Lengths

Metric	Imperial
1cm	1/2 inch
2.5cm	1 inch
5cm	2 inches/ins
15cm	6 inches/ins
30cm	12 inches/ins

Oven temperatures - Centigrade to Fahrenheit

°C	°F
70	150
100	200
120	250
140	275
150	300
170	325
180	350
190	375
200	400
220	425