Kitchen Math

• English and Metric System

WEEK 8
Vocabulary
• Calculation is the process of performing mathematical operations to
determine a result or solve a problem. It involves manipulating
numerical or symbolic information according to predefined rules or
algorithms for a meaningful outcome.
• Conversion – refers to changing something from one form, use, or
state to another. This could include converting units of measurement,
transforming data from one format to another, or changing the
purpose or function of something.
• Dry ingredients – typically refer to solid, non-liquid components used
in cooking and baking. These ingredients are measured by volume or
weight and include various items commonly found in the kitchen.
• English System – the term "English system" can refer to various
systems, but one common interpretation is the system of units used in
the United States and some other countries.
• Food Material – generally refers to the raw or unprocessed
substances used to prepare food. These are the basic ingredients that
form the foundation of dishes and recipes. Food materials can be of
plant, animal, or mineral origin and are transformed into finished
meals through various cooking and culinary processes.
• Kitchen Mathematics – refers to applying mathematical principles
and concepts in cooking and food preparation. It involves using
mathematical skills to measure ingredients, adjust recipe quantities,
understand cooking times, and make conversions.
• Liquid ingredients – are substances that are in a fluid state and are commonly used in
cooking and food preparation. These ingredients contribute moisture, flavor, and
sometimes nutritional value to recipes.
• Measuring Techniques – refer to the methods and procedures used to quantify and
accurately determine the quantity of ingredients in cooking and baking. These techniques
are essential for achieving consistent and successful results in the kitchen. Different
ingredients, such as dry and liquid components, require specific measuring approaches.
• Metric System – is an international decimal measurement system widely used worldwide
for scientific, industrial, and everyday purposes. It provides a consistent and logical
framework for expressing measurements, and its units are based on powers of ten, making
conversions between different units straightforward. The metric system is also known as
the International System of Units (SI), the modern form of the metric system.
• Unit of Measurement – is a standardized quantity used to express a physical quantity. It
provides a reference for comparing and quantifying the magnitude of a particular attribute,
such as length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, and more.
The English and Metric System
The English system of kitchen measurement, also known as the Imperial system, is a set of
units used for measuring ingredients in cooking and baking. While many countries, including
the United Kingdom, have transitioned to the metric system, the Imperial system is still used in
some places, especially in traditional recipes and the United States.
Here are some common units in the English system of kitchen measurement:
a) Volume: b) Weight: c) Dry Measure:
• Teaspoon (tsp) • Ounce (oz) • Ounce (oz)
• Tablespoon (tbsp or T) • Pound (lb) • Pound (lb)
• Fluid ounce (fl oz)
• Cup (c)
• Pint (pt)
• Quart (qt)
• Gallon (gal)
The Metric system, also known as the International System of Units (SI), is a decimal-based
system of measurement used globally in most countries. It provides a straightforward and
consistent way to measure quantities. In the metric system, there are base units for different
types of measurements, and multiples or submultiples of these units are used for larger or
smaller quantities. Here are some common units in the metric system, particularly those
relevant to kitchen measurements:
a) Volume: b) Weight: c) Length:
• Milliliter (ml) • Gram (g) • Millimeter (mm)
• Liter (L) • Kilogram (kg) • Centimeter (cm)
• Meter (m)
In the metric system, conversions between units are based on powers of 10, which makes
calculations and conversions relatively easy. For example, there are 1,000 milliliters in a liter and
1,000 grams in a kilogram. When using the metric system in the kitchen, ingredients are
typically measured in grams or milliliters. For example, a recipe might call for 250 grams of flour
or 500 milliliters of water. The metric system is widely used in the culinary world because of its
precision and simplicity in scaling recipes.
It's important to note that the conversion factors between units are
not always straightforward (e.g., fluid ounces to ounces in weight), so
using the correct unit for the measured ingredient is essential.
Additionally, when following recipes, it's advisable to use the system of
measurement specified in the recipe to ensure accuracy.
English to Metric Volume Conversions
US Customary Quantity (English) Metric Equivalent
1 teaspoon 5 ml
1 tablespoon 15 ml
2 tablespoons 30 ml
1/4 cup or 2 fluid ounces 60 ml
1/3 cup 80 ml
English to Metric Volume Conversions
US Customary Quantity (English) Metric Equivalent
1/2 cup or 4 fluid ounces 125 ml
2/3 cup 160 ml
3/4 cup or 6 fluid ounces 180 ml
1 cup or 8 fluid ounces or 1/2 pint 250 ml
1 ½ cup or 12 fluid ounces 375 ml
2 cups or 1 pint or 16 fluid ounces 500 ml
3 cups or 1 ½ pints 700 ml
4 cups or 2 pints or 1 quart 950 ml
4 quarts or 1 gallon 3.8 L
1 ounce 28 grams
English to Metric Volume Conversions
US Customary Quantity (English) Metric Equivalent
1/4 lb. (4 ounces) 112 grams
1/2 lb. (8 ounces) 225 grams
3/4 lb. (12 ounces) 337 grams
1 lb. (16 ounces) 450 grams

When a high level of precision is not required, basic

equivalents may be used as follows: 1 cup ≈ 250 mL1 pint ≈
500 mL1 quart ≈ 1 L1 gallon ≈ 4 L
US to Metric Weight Conversions
US Customary Quantity (English) Metric Equivalent
1 ounce 28 grams
4 ounces or ½ lb. 113 grams
1/3 lb. 150 grams
8 ounces or ½ lb. 230 grams
2/3 lb. 300 grams
12 ounces or ¾ lb. 340 grams
16 ounces or 1 lb. 450 grams
32 ounces or 2 lbs. 900 grams
The ounces referred to in this weight conversion table are not
fluid ounces.
Measuring Food Materials
Using standard measuring equipment and standard
measuring techniques will help ensure successful
products. To achieve consistent results each time a
particular recipe is used, identical measuring procedures
must be followed. Every major ingredient, dry or liquid,
requires a special measuring technique. Liquids are
measured in standard glass or clear plastic cups with the
exact capacity specified in a recipe. If it is necessary to
weigh foods, use a weighing scale.
Measuring Techniques
(a) How to measure Liquids: Place a liquid measuring cup on a level surface.
Have the measuring line at eye level to ensure the exact measurement.
(b) Dry Ingredients or Powdered Materials: Gently spoon the ingredients
into the cup, piling high or filling the cup to overflowing; then level off with
a metal spatula or straight-edged knife. Powdered materials, such as baking
powder, baking soda, salt, etc., must be stirred first to break up any lump.
Dip a dry spoon in the powder and level off with the edge of the spatula or
the knife.
(c) Sugar: Sift granulated or refined sugar if lumpy. Spoon into the
measuring cup and level off. Do not pack or tap the sugar down. Brown
sugar is packed firmly into the cup with a finger until even with the rim.
When the cup is inverted, brown sugar will hold its shape.
(d) Solid shortening: With a rubber spatula, pack into the cup.
Run spatula through shortening to release air; fill again and level
off.
(e) Butter or margarine: Cut the desired amount when using a
bar or stick of butter. Use these equivalents: 1/2 lb. — 1 cup; 1/4
lb. — 1/2 cup.
(f) Shredded cheese: Lightly place the shreds in a dry measuring
cup until even with its rim. Do not pack the cheese into the cup.
(g) Spices: To measure less than 1/4 teaspoon, use your finger or
divide 1/4 teaspoon in half. This is usually referred to as a dash or
a pinch.
Abbreviations used in measuring
ingredients.
a) t or tsp. (teaspoon)
b) lb. (pound)
c) T or tbsp. (tablespoon)
d) oz. (ounce)
Measurements and Conversions
Heat Fahrenheit Centigrade/Celsius
Very Cool 230 110
Cool or Slow 275-300 135-150
Moderate 350 175
Hot 425 220
Very hot 450 230

Conversion of Temperature Measurement:

• CENTIGRADE = 5/9 (°F – 32) or (°F – 32) x 5 9
• FAHRENHEIT = (9 x °C)/5 + 32 or 1.8 x °C – 32
Weight and Measure Equivalent:

• Dash = less than 1/8 teaspoon

• 3 Teaspoons (tsp.) = 1 Tablespoon (Tbsp.)
• 2 Tbsp. = 1/8 cup (1 fl. oz)
• 4 Tbsp. = 1/4 cup (2 fl. oz)
• 8 Tbsp. = 1/2 cup (4 fl. oz)
• 16 Tbsp. = 1 cup (8 fl. oz)
Weight and Measure Equivalent:

• 1 gill = 1/2 cup

• 2 cups = 1 pint
• 2 pints = 1 quart
• 4 quarts = 1 gallon
• 8 quarts = 1 peck
• 4 pecks = 1 bushel
Approximate Mass and Measures
Ingredients Handy Measures (Rounded)
1 Teacup 1 Tablespoon
Flour 100 grams 25 grams
Raisins 100 grams 25 grams
Corn flour 100 grams 25 grams
(cornstarch)
Approximate Mass and Measures
Ingredients Handy Measures (Rounded)
1 Teacup 1 Tablespoon
Rice 100 grams 25 grams
Cheese (grated) 50 grams 25 grams
Liquid (milk, 150 grams 15 ml.
water)
A. Conversion Direction: Convert the following units of measurement from
English to Metric system and vice versa.
No. English System Metric System
1 1 tablespoon
2 30 ml
3 12 ounces or ¾ lb.
4 450 grams
5 1/2 cup or 4 fluid ounces
6 160 ml
7 3/4 cup or 6 fluid ounces
8 112 grams
9 1/2 lb. (8 ounces)
10 337 grams
B. Spell it Out Direction: Spell out the following abbreviations

1. lbs 2. oz 3. ml 4. t 5. T

6. c 7. 8. tsp 9. g 10. L
tbsp
1 stick of butter = ½ c
1 bar of butter = 1 c
1. Converting Milliliters to Cups
Problem:
Sarah is making a cake and needs
250 milliliters of milk. How many
cups is that? (1 cup = 240
milliliters)
2. Converting Grams to Ounces
Problem:
Jack needs 200 grams of sugar for his
cookies. How many ounces is that? (1
ounce = 28.35 grams)
3. Converting Kilograms to Pounds
Problem:
Lily is making a stew and needs 1.5
kilograms of beef. How many pounds is
that? (1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds)
4. Converting Liters to Gallons
Problem:
Tom is boiling 3 liters of water for pasta.
How many gallons is that? (1 liter =
0.264172 gallons)
5. Converting Centimeters to Inches
Problem:
Anna is cutting a piece of bread that is 30
centimeters long. How many inches is
that? (1 inch = 2.54 centimeters)
1. Converting Milliliters to
Teaspoons
Problem:
Maria needs to add 15 milliliters of
vanilla extract to her cake recipe. How
many teaspoons is that? (1 teaspoon
= 4.9 milliliters)
2. Converting Ounces to Grams
Problem:
A recipe calls for 8 ounces of
butter. How many grams is that?
(1 ounce = 28.35 grams)
3. Converting Pounds to Kilograms
Problem:
A recipe requires 4 pounds of
potatoes. How many kilograms is
that? (1 pound = 0.453592 kilograms)
4. Converting Cups to Milliliters
Problem:
Ben wants to make lemonade and
needs 2 cups of water. How many
milliliters is that? (1 cup = 240
milliliters)
5. Converting Gallons to Liters
Problem:
Sally is making soup and needs 1
gallon of broth. How many liters is
that? (1 gallon = 3.78541 liters)