How to convert litres to US cups
One litre equals 4.2268 US cups, so multiply the number of litres by 4.2268:
cup = L × 4.2268
L = cup ÷ 4.2268 (1 cup = 0.236588 L)
Example: 0.25 L → 0.25 × 4.2268 = 1.0567 cup.
Going the other way, divide by 4.2268, or multiply by 0.236588.
Everyday values
| Litres | US cups | For example |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 L | 1.0567 cup | a glass, roughly |
| 0.5 L | 2.1134 cup | a bottle of water |
| 1 L | 4.2268 cup | one litre |
| 1.5 L | 6.3401 cup | a large bottle |
| 2 L | 8.4535 cup | a large soda bottle |
When you need this conversion
One litre is about 4.23 US cups. Health advice about drinking water often uses litres in Europe and cups or ounces in the US; see the water intake calculator.
Litre to US cup conversion table
| L | cup | L | cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 L | 1.0567 cup | 2.75 L | 11.6236 cup |
| 0.5 L | 2.1134 cup | 3 L | 12.6803 cup |
| 0.75 L | 3.1701 cup | 3.25 L | 13.7369 cup |
| 1 L | 4.2268 cup | 3.5 L | 14.7936 cup |
| 1.25 L | 5.2834 cup | 3.75 L | 15.8503 cup |
| 1.5 L | 6.3401 cup | 4 L | 16.907 cup |
| 1.75 L | 7.3968 cup | 4.25 L | 17.9637 cup |
| 2 L | 8.4535 cup | 4.5 L | 19.0204 cup |
| 2.25 L | 9.5102 cup | 4.75 L | 20.0771 cup |
| 2.5 L | 10.5669 cup | 5 L | 21.1338 cup |
About the units
- Litre (L): one cubic decimetre (1,000 cm³).
- US cup (cup): 8 US fluid ounces, about 236.6 millilitres (legal nutrition-label cup: 240 ml).
Both are units of volume. The conversion factor comes from the exact definitions above, so the calculator is exact; results are only rounded for display (up to six significant digits).
Frequently asked questions
How many US cups are in one litre?
One litre is 4.2268 US cups. One US cup is 0.236588 litres.
How do I convert litres to US cups?
Multiply the value in litres by 4.2268. To go back, divide by 4.2268.
What is 0.25 L in US cups?
0.25 L = 1.0567 cup.
What is 0.5 L in US cups?
0.5 L = 2.1134 cup.
Sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 (2008), Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), Appendix B: conversion factors.
- NIST Handbook 44 (2024), Appendix C: General tables of units of measurement.
Last reviewed 5 October 2026. Results are estimates; see our disclaimer.