A standard US stick of butter is equal to 1/2 cup. Therefore, 1/3 cup of butter is equivalent to 2/3 of a stick.
In terms of weight, 1/3 cup of butter is approximately 76 grams. Regarding tablespoons, 1/3 cup of butter is equal to 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon.
Ever been in the middle of whipping up some yummy cookies or a super moist cake, and the recipe calls for exactly 1/3 cup of butter?
You reach for the fridge, grab a stick, and then… pause. How much of this butter goodness do you actually need?
If you’re baking in the United States, you’ve probably seen butter sold in sticks. Each one of those handy sticks usually holds a half-cup of butter.
So, when your recipe asks for 1/3 cup, it’s not quite a whole stick, and it’s definitely not half.
Figuring out just the right amount can feel like a little puzzle! Too much butter, and your cookies might spread too thin; too little, and they might end up dry.
That perfect 1/3 cup is key to baking success. So, the big question is: how much of that butter stick do you snip off to get exactly 1/3 cup?
Let’s unravel this buttery mystery together and make sure your next baking adventure is perfectly measured.
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Converting 1/3 Cup to Butter Stick Measurement
So, you need 1/3 cup of butter, and you’ve got a stick in your hand. The good news is that 1/3 cup of butter is the same as using two-thirds of one of those standard butter sticks.
Here’s the simple math behind it: You know that one whole stick holds 1/2 of a cup of butter. You need 1/3 of a cup.
To figure out what fraction of the stick that is, you can do a little division. Think of it like this: you’re asking, “How many times does 1/2 (the amount in a stick) fit into 1/3 (the amount you need)?”
Actually, it’s a little backward. You want to know what part of the stick you need. So, you can set up the problem like this:
(The amount you need) ÷ (The amount in one stick) = (1/3 cup) ÷ (1/2 cup per stick)
To divide fractions, you flip the second fraction and multiply:
31×12=3×11×2=32
So, there you have it! To get 1/3 cup of butter, you’ll need to use 2/3 of a standard butter stick.
Measuring 1/3 Cup Using Tablespoon Markings
Many butter sticks in the US have handy tablespoon markings right on the wrapper! This makes measuring smaller amounts like 1/3 cup a breeze.
Here’s how to use those markings: You probably know that there are 8 tablespoons in a whole cup. So, to figure out how many tablespoons are in 1/3 of a cup, you can do a little multiplication:
31×8 tablespoons=38 tablespoons
Now, 38 as a mixed number is 232 tablespoons. Oops, wait a minute! Let’s double-check that.
Ah, the mistake was in thinking there are 8 tablespoons in a whole cup. There are actually 16 tablespoons in one cup. So, let’s try that again:
31×16 tablespoons=316 tablespoons
Converting that improper fraction to a mixed number gives us 531 tablespoons.
So, to measure out 1/3 cup of butter, you need approximately 5 and 1/3 tablespoons.
Now, looking at your butter stick, find the tablespoon markings. Carefully cut off enough butter so that you have gone past the 5 tablespoon mark and a little bit more – about one-third of the space between the 5 tablespoon mark and the 6 tablespoon mark.
It might not be perfectly exact, but it will be very close to that needed 1/3 cup for your recipe. This way, you can avoid any complicated fractions and measure directly using the markings on the wrapper!
Tips for Accurate Butter Measurement
Accurate butter measurement is crucial for successful baking and cooking, ensuring the right texture and flavor in your dishes. Here are some tips to help you measure butter precisely:
Use the markings on the wrapper
Most US butter sticks have tablespoon and cup markings printed directly on the wrapper. Cut along these lines for precise measurements.
For sticks without markings
Use a ruler to measure the stick. A standard stick is 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons. Divide accordingly and mark with a knife before cutting.
For softened butter
Pack softened butter firmly into a dry measuring cup or spoon, pressing out any air pockets. Level off the top with a straight edge.
Use a kitchen scale
For the most accurate measurements, especially in baking, weigh the butter using a kitchen scale.
Water displacement method (for irregular shapes)
For solid, irregularly shaped butter, use the water displacement method in a liquid measuring cup. 1 For example, to measure 1/2 cup of butter, fill the cup with 1 cup of cold water and add butter until the water level reaches 1 1/2 cups. Then drain the water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Butter
Accurate butter measurement is crucial for your baking and cooking success. To ensure your recipes turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
Don’t just eyeball it
You might be tempted to guess, but always use measuring tools or the printed markings on the butter wrapper for accuracy.
Remember to level
When you measure softened butter in a cup, make sure you level off the top with a straight edge to get the correct amount.
Measure cold butter properly
Avoid trying to force a solid block of cold butter into a measuring cup, as this can create air pockets and lead to under-measurement. If you need to pack it, cut it into smaller, more uniform pieces first.
Use the right measuring cup
Don’t use a liquid measuring cup for solid butter. You’ll get a more accurate measurement by using a dry measuring cup when measuring by volume.
Take advantage of wrapper markings
You’ll find convenient tablespoon and cup markings on most US butter wrappers, so be sure to use them for quick and precise cuts.
Pack softened butter consistently
Whether you’re using a cup or spoon, ensure you pack softened butter uniformly – not too loosely and not too tightly – for an accurate measure.
Know your equivalents
It will help you avoid errors if you remember basic conversions, like one stick of butter equaling 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons, especially when you’re adjusting recipes.
Conclusion
So, just to remember the essentials: when your recipe calls for 1/3 cup of butter and you’re using sticks, you’ll need about two-thirds of a stick, or roughly 5 and 1/3 tablespoons.
Don’t let those butter measurements intimidate you! With a little practice and by using the tips we’ve shared, you’ll be measuring butter like a pro in no time. Now go ahead and bake up something amazing.