Black Bean Measures, Substitutions, and Equivalents

How many black beans do you need?

Black bean measurements and equivalents chart

The Spruce Eats / Alex Dos Diaz

Black beans are about the size of a pea, up to 1/2-inch long, with the slightly less-pronounced boat-shape common to kidney beans. They have a satiny black skin and a white center. When cooked, the beans have a creamy texture with a strong, slightly sweet flavor.

Black Bean Measures, Substitutions and Equivalents

• 1 cup dried black beans = 2 to 3 cups cooked black beans
• 1 pound dried beans = about 2 cups uncooked
• 1 pound dried beans = 5-1/2 to 6-1/2 cups cooked
• 1 cup dried black beans = 3 cups cooked
• 1 16-ounce can black beans = 2 cups with liquid
• 1 16-ounce can black beans = 1-1/2 cups drained
• 1/6 to 1/4 pound dried beans = 1 serving, cooked
• 3 cups cooked black beans = 6 servings