This unpopped popcorn to popped conversion calculator helps you estimate the volume of popped popcorn you’ll get from a given amount of unpopped kernels.

  • 1 oz (2 tablespoons) of unpopped kernels = 1 quart of popped corn (approximately 4 cups)
  • 2 oz (1/4 cup) of unpopped kernels = 2 quarts of popped corn (approximately 8 cups)
  • 4 oz (1/2 cup) of unpopped kernels = 4 quarts of popped corn (approximately 16 cups)

Unpopped Popcorn to Popped Calculator

Unpopped (Cups)Popped (Cups)Servings (Approx.)
1/841-2
1/482-3
1/2164-6
3/4246-8
1328-10
1 1/24812-15
26416-20
2 1/28020-25
39624-30
3 1/211228-35
412832-40
4 1/214436-45
516040-50
5 1/217644-55
619248-60

Unpopped to Popped Popcorn Conversion Formula

1 cup of unpopped kernels โ‰ˆ 32 cups of popped popcorn
  • Volume Expansion: Popcorn kernels expand dramatically when heated, increasing their volume by about 30-40 times.
  • Density Change: The popped corn is much less dense than the original kernels, which is why the volume increase is so significant.

If you start with 1/4 cup of unpopped kernels, you can expect approximately 8 cups of popped popcorn (1/4 * 32 = 8).

How Much Popped Popcorn Does 1/2 Cup Make?

The 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels will produce approximately 16 cups of popped popcorn.

This amount is perfect for a small gathering or a family movie night. It’s enough to fill a large serving bowl and satisfy 2-3 popcorn enthusiasts.

How Much Popped Popcorn Does 2 Tablespoons Make?

To answer this, let’s first convert tablespoons to cups:

  • 2 tablespoons = 1/8 cup

Now, applying our conversion formula: 1/8 cup of unpopped kernels โ‰ˆ 4 cups of popped popcorn

Should You Measure Popcorn Popped or Unpopped?

For consistency and accuracy, it’s best to measure popcorn when it’s unpopped.

Here’s why:

  • Consistent Volume: Unpopped kernels have a more consistent volume, making measurements more reliable.
  • Easier Portioning: It’s simpler to measure small amounts of dense kernels than large volumes of fluffy popped corn.
  • Recipe Standardization: Most popcorn recipes and nutritional information are based on unpopped measurements.

If a recipe calls for 1/4 cup of popcorn, it’s referring to unpopped kernels. Measuring 1/4 cup of popped popcorn would result in far less popcorn than intended.

How Many Kernels Make 8 Cups of Popcorn?

  • 32 cups popped = 1 cup unpopped
  • 8 cups popped = x cups unpopped
  • x = 8 รท 32 = 1/4 cup

Therefore, 1/4 cup of unpopped kernels will make approximately 8 cups of popped popcorn.

To estimate the number of kernels, consider that an average kernel weighs about 0.15 grams, and there are roughly 1,600 kernels in a cup. So, 1/4 cup would contain about 400 kernels.

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