In the wild world of American butter, one standard stick is 8 tablespoons—or exactly ½ cup if you’re feeling fancy. So a half of a stick? That’s 4 tablespoons, or ¼ cup. See? You’re already a butter mathematician.
But wait—there’s more! If your butter comes in those little wrapped blocks, each one usually has tablespoon marks printed right on the wrapper. Yes, the butter gods knew we’d get confused, so they literally drew us a map. Look for the lines; cut right through the one that says “4 tablespoons.” Boom. Butter victory.
What If Your Butter Is a Giant Block?
Sometimes you buy butter in a big block from Costco or the bakery aisle. Don’t sweat it. A full stick weighs 4 ounces (or 113 grams, if you’re using a scale—fancy pants). So half a stick is 2 ounces (about 57 grams). Just cut off a piece that looks like a fat pat of butter, and you’re 90% there.
And if you’re really winging it, remember this: a half-stick is roughly the size of your thumb from base to tip. Unless you have giant thumbs, in which case, congratulations on your superior gripping ability.
