<P> Measuring cups usually have capacities from 250 ml (approx. 1 cup (volume) to 1000 ml (approx. 4 cups = 2 pints = 1 quart), though larger sizes are also available for commercial use . They usually have scale markings at different heights: the substance being measured is added to the cup until it reaches the wanted level . Dry measure cups without a scale are sometimes used, in sets typically of 1 / 4, 1 / 3, 1 / 2, and 1 cup . The units may be milliliters or fractions of a liter, or the cup (unit) with its fractions (typically 1 / 4, 1 / 3, 1 / 2, 2 / 3, and 3 / 4), pints, and often fluid ounces . Sometimes multiples of teaspoons and tablespoons are included . There may also be scales for the approximate weight for particular substances, such as flour and sugar . </P> <P> Many dry ingredients, such as granulated sugar, are not very compressible, so volume measures are consistent . Others, notably flour, are more variable . For example, 1 cup of all - purpose flour sifted into a cup and leveled weighs about 100 grams, whereas 1 cup of all - purpose flour scooped from its container and leveled weighs about 140 grams . </P> <P> Using a measuring cup to measure bulk foods which can be compressed to a variable degree such as chopped vegetables or shredded cheese leads to large measurement uncertainties . It is easier to chop down the units for a better measure . </P>

How much is a 1/2 cup of water