Kitchen basics · Updated October 27, 2026
The numbers worth keeping nearby.
Conversions, oven temperatures, safe internal temperatures and swaps. Print it and tape it inside a cupboard.
Measurement conversions
| U.S. | Equals | Also |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 3 teaspoons | 1/2 fl oz |
| 1/4 cup | 4 tablespoons | 2 fl oz |
| 1/3 cup | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp | 2 2/3 fl oz |
| 1/2 cup | 8 tablespoons | 4 fl oz |
| 1 cup | 16 tablespoons | 8 fl oz |
| 1 pint | 2 cups | 16 fl oz |
| 1 quart | 4 cups | 32 fl oz |
| 1 stick butter | 8 tablespoons | 1/2 cup |
Oven temperatures
| Setting | °F | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 250 to 300 | Slow roasting |
| Moderate | 325 to 350 | Meatloaf, bars, casseroles |
| Hot | 375 to 400 | Cookies, frittatas |
| Very hot | 425 to 450 | Sheet-pan dinners, cornbread |
Many ovens run hot or cold. A cheap oven thermometer settles it.
Safe internal temperatures
| Food | Minimum °F |
|---|---|
| Poultry (whole, pieces, ground) | 165 |
| Ground beef, pork, lamb | 160 |
| Beef, pork, lamb steaks and roasts | 145, then rest 3 minutes |
| Fish and shellfish | 145 |
| Egg dishes | 160 |
| Leftovers and casseroles | 165 |
Figures follow U.S. government food-safety guidance. Chill leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Common swaps
| If you are out of | Try |
|---|---|
| 1 cup buttermilk | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, rested 5 minutes |
| 1 tsp baking powder | 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar |
| 1 cup brown sugar | 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses |
| Fresh herbs | 1/3 as much dried |
Swaps change texture and flavor a little. They are cooking ideas, not allergy advice.