How To Convert Gallons, Quarts, Pints And Cups

Unlike most of the world, which relies on the metric system, the United States uses a non-uniform system for measuring and dispensing most liquids. A holdover from the system of imperial units of the British Empire, the "U.S. customary system" measures liquid from gasoline to groceries based on a quantity of fluid ounces. To efficiently manage formulas, recipes and calculate cost, it is necessary to understand the system for converting gallons, quarts, pints and cups.

Step 1

Change cups into pints. Multiply the number of ounces in a cup, which is 8 ounces, by 2. With 1 pint holding 16 ounces, 1 pint is equal to 2 cups (2 x 8 = 16).

Step 2

Convert cups or pints to quarts. As there are 32 ounces in a quart, a quart will hold 4 cups (4 x 8 = 32) or 2 pints (2 x 16 = 32).

Step 3

Calculate the number of cup, pints or quarts in a gallon. With a gallon holding 128 ounces, a gallon is equal to 16 cups (16 x 8 = 128), 8 pints (8 x 16 = 128) or 4 quarts (4 x 32 = 128).