Quick Butter Stick Conversions
Use the calculator above for instant conversions, or check these common measurements:
Sticks to Grams:
| 1 stick | 113g |
| 2 sticks | 227g |
| 3 sticks | 340g |
| 4 sticks (1 lb) | 454g |
| 1/2 stick | 57g |
Sticks to Cups:
| 1 stick | 1/2 cup |
| 2 sticks | 1 cup |
| 3 sticks | 1 1/2 cups |
| 4 sticks | 2 cups |
| 1/2 stick | 1/4 cup |
📦 Bulk Baking Conversions:
6 sticks
680g (3 cups)
8 sticks
907g (4 cups)
12 sticks
1.36kg (6 cups)
16 sticks
1.81kg (8 cups)
Whether you're following an American recipe or converting to metric measurements, understanding butter stick conversions is essential for baking success. Each standard US butter stick weighs exactly 113 grams and equals 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons. For precise measurements, use the converter tool above or reference the charts below.
Grams to Sticks Conversion
Have a recipe in grams? Here's how to convert to butter sticks:
| Grams | Equals | Sticks |
|---|---|---|
| 113g | = | 1 stick |
| 170g | = | 1.5 sticks |
| 227g | = | 2 sticks |
| 250g | = | 2.2 sticks |
| 454g | = | 4 sticks (1 pound) |
Complete Conversion Chart
Save this comprehensive chart for all your baking needs. Try the calculator at the top for custom amounts.
| Sticks | Grams | Ounces | Cups | Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 stick | 28g | 1 oz | 1/8 cup | 2 |
| 1/2 stick | 57g | 2 oz | 1/4 cup | 4 |
| 1 stick | 113g | 4 oz | 1/2 cup | 8 |
| 1.5 sticks | 170g | 6 oz | 3/4 cup | 12 |
| 2 sticks | 227g | 8 oz | 1 cup | 16 |
| 3 sticks | 340g | 12 oz | 1 1/2 cups | 24 |
| 4 sticks | 454g | 16 oz (1 lb) | 2 cups | 32 |
Understanding US Butter Sticks
Standard Package Sizes
- • 4-stick box: 1 pound (454g) - Most common retail size
- • 8-stick box: 2 pounds (907g) - Bulk stores like Costco
- • Single stick: Rare, typically found in hotels or food service
Reading Wrapper Markings
- • Each line on the wrapper = 1 tablespoon (14g)
- • 8 lines per stick = 8 tablespoons total
- • Cut through the wrapper for accurate portions
📏 Related Butter Conversions
Many recipes use different butter measurements. Here are our most helpful converters:
Butter Grams to Cups
Convert metric butter measurements (grams) to US cups. Essential for international recipes.
General Butter Converter
Convert between all butter measurements: grams, ounces, tablespoons, and teaspoons.
Converting from other ingredients? Try our flour converter or sugar converter for accurate baking measurements.
Common Questions About Butter Sticks
How many sticks is half a cup of butter?
Half a cup equals exactly 1 stick of butter (113g or 4 ounces). This is the most common butter measurement in American baking recipes.
How much is 12 sticks of butter?
12 sticks equals 1.36kg (3 pounds) or 6 cups of butter. This amount is common for large-scale holiday baking, wedding cakes, or catering events. Many bulk recipes call for this quantity.
Do UK recipes use butter sticks?
No, UK and European recipes typically measure butter in grams or ounces. The stick format is unique to North America. When converting UK recipes, remember that 1 US stick = 113g. For more conversions, check our butter grams to cups converter.
How do I measure butter without a scale?
US butter wrappers have tablespoon markings printed on them. Each line represents 1 tablespoon (14g). Simply cut the butter at the appropriate marking. 8 tablespoons = 1 stick = 1/2 cup = 113g.
Can I substitute margarine for butter sticks?
Yes, margarine sticks have the same measurements as butter sticks (1 stick = 113g = 1/2 cup). However, note that margarine has different melting points and water content, which can affect baking results, especially in pastries and cookies.
Professional Baking Tips
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Room temperature matters: For most baking recipes, butter should be 65-68°F (18-20°C). Leave it out for 30-60 minutes, or cut into tablespoon pieces for faster softening (15-20 minutes).
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Buying in bulk: 1 pound = 4 sticks, so 3 pounds = 12 sticks. Bulk boxes typically come in 8-stick (2 lb) packages at stores like Costco or Sam's Club.
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Freezing butter sticks: Butter freezes well for up to 6 months. Keep it in the original wrapper, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
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Cold vs. soft butter: Pie crusts need cold butter (straight from fridge), while cakes need softened butter. For quick reference, use the converter above to measure exact amounts for any recipe.
Why Do US Butter Sticks Weigh 113 Grams?
The butter stick format became standardized in the United States during the 1920s. Each stick represents exactly 1/4 pound (4 ounces), which equals 113 grams in the metric system. This standardization made measuring butter much easier for home bakers who didn't own kitchen scales.
The stick format fits perfectly with the American cup-based measurement system: 1 stick = 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons. This mathematical simplicity has kept the format popular for over a century.
Regional Stick Variations
Interestingly, there are two butter stick shapes used in the United States:
- Elgin (East Coast): 4.75" × 1.25" × 1.25" - longer and thinner
- Western (West Coast): 3.25" × 1.5" × 1.5" - shorter and wider
Despite these different dimensions, both shapes contain exactly 113 grams of butter. The shape difference comes from different regional manufacturing traditions dating back to the early 1900s.
Need More Conversions?
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