Butter Math: Why 113g Solid and 113g Melted Give Different Cup Numbers

Here's something that trips up even experienced bakers: 113g of butter is exactly one stick. But how many cups that is depends entirely on whether the butter is solid, softened, or melted.

The Numbers

State	113g (1 stick) = cups	Density modifier
Solid (cold)	0.50 cups	1.00
Softened (room temp)	0.53 cups	0.95
Melted	0.57 cups	0.88

That's a 14% difference between solid and melted. If your recipe calls for "1/2 cup melted butter" and you measure solid butter instead, you're using about 13g less butter than the recipe expects.

Why Does This Happen?

When butter melts, the fat molecules spread out and the water content separates. The overall density drops from 0.959 g/ml (solid) to about 0.844 g/ml (melted). Less dense means the same weight takes up more volume.

What Your Recipe Actually Wants

"1/2 cup butter, melted" - Measure the butter solid first (113g / 1 stick), then melt it. Don't measure after melting.

"1/2 cup butter, softened" - Leave the butter at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until it gives slightly when pressed. Don't melt it.

"1/2 cup melted butter" - This is ambiguous. Most recipe developers mean "measure solid, then melt." But some mean "measure after melting." When in doubt, go with 113g.

Using Our Converter

If you need to convert grams of butter to cups, use our butter converter and select the right state. 113g of butter gives you different results for solid vs melted - and both are correct for their context.

The same principle applies to coconut oil, which is solid below 76°F and liquid above. 200g of solid coconut oil = 0.92 cups, but melted = 1.02 cups.

The Quick Rule

Always measure butter by weight when possible. 113g is always 113g, whether it's a cold stick from the fridge or a puddle in your saucepan. If you must use cups, measure in the state the recipe specifies.