Olive Oil vs Butter
Density, calorie, and weight differences — and whether they can substitute for each other.
Substitution Verdict
Density difference: 5.3%. Very similar — 1:1 substitution is usually safe.
Calories per 100 g: Olive Oil 884 kcal vs Butter 717 kcal. Difference: 167 kcal — Olive Oil is higher.
Weight Conversions (per Spoon and Cup)
| Measure | Olive Oil | Butter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 13.6 g | 14 g |
| 1 teaspoon | 4.5 g | 4.7 g |
| 1 cup | 216 g | 227 g |
| Density | 0.91 g/ml | 0.96 g/ml |
Measuring Tips
Use extra virgin for finishing, light olive oil for cooking — smoke points differ significantly.
1 stick (US) = 1/2 cup = 113 g. Use room-temperature butter for creaming, cold for pie crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Olive Oil be substituted for Butter?▾
Very similar — 1:1 substitution is usually safe. Density of Olive Oil is 0.91 g/ml; Butter is 0.96 g/ml — a 5.3% difference. But flavor, moisture, and chemistry can still differ — verify suitability for the specific recipe.
How many grams in 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil vs Butter?▾
1 tbsp Olive Oil ≈ 13.6 g. 1 tbsp Butter ≈ 14 g. By weight: 1 tbsp Olive Oil = 0.97 tbsp Butter.
Which has more calories, Olive Oil or Butter?▾
Per 100 g: Olive Oil 884 kcal, Butter 717 kcal. Olive Oil has 167 more kcal.
What is Olive Oil typically used for?▾
Olive Oil is commonly used in: salad dressing, Mediterranean cooking, bread dipping, marinades. Source: usda-fdc.
What is Butter typically used for?▾
Butter is commonly used in: baking, sautéing, spreading, pan sauces. Source: king-arthur, usda-fdc.