Onion Measurements – The Ultimate Guide
Common onion measurements to help you determine how many onions you need per recipe. Some recipes call for one large onion, others call for 1 cup diced onions and some may say one small onion. It can be confusing to know just how many onions to buy or to chop. Here’s the general rule of thumb and some detailed info on common onion measurements.
General Rule of Thumb: 1 medium onion = 1 cup of diced onions
This is the standard you’ll find in most recipes.
PRO TIP: The way onions are used in most recipes means there is a lot of leeway in how many onions to add. Usually, it’s okay to use whatever you have – small, medium or large onions. Often, it’s even okay to add that extra half onion hanging out in your fridge. This is true for recipes like soups, stews, casseroles, curries, chili, frittatas, etc.
Onion weights
- Large onion is 225-275 g or 8-9 oz
- Medium onion is 150-170g or 6 oz
- Small onion is 125 g or 4 oz
The Ultimate Guide to Onion Measurements
Need a more details? Check out this handy dandy infographic I made for you. It’s available in Imperial and Metric.
For those who prefer metric measurements.
More Info and Tips about Onions
- Onion Varieties – When to Use Which Onion
- Storing Onions
- Freezing Onions
- Dehydrating Onions
- Quick Pickled Onions
- French Onion Soup
- Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions
Have an onion question that’s not covered? I’m happy to help – just let me know via the comments below or share a photo on Instagram and tag #getgettys.
A unit of onion. What is that and how much?
Hmm, good question, you’re best off to ask wherever you found that measurement listed.
Could it mean 1 onion is 1 unit? That would be my guess, but depends on the recipe.
Often the exact measurement of onion is pretty forgiving. Look at other similar recipes and see what they’re standard is.