Onion vs Garlic

A side-by-side guide to substituting Garlic for Onion (or vice versa).

Quick answer

Use 0.25 clove of Garlic for every 1 cup of Onion.

Side-by-side

Onion

Base unit: cup

Read the full guide: Onion

Garlic

Conversion: Use 25% as much (0.25 clove per 1 cup)

Tags: common

Notes: Garlic is much more potent than onion; use sparingly and adjust to taste. Best in cooked dishes where its pungency mellows.

Read the full guide: Garlic

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When to use Garlic instead of Onion

Garlic is much more potent than onion; use sparingly and adjust to taste. Best in cooked dishes where its pungency mellows. The conversion is use 25% as much (0.25 clove per 1 cup).

Common questions

Can I substitute Garlic for Onion?

Yes — Garlic is much more potent than onion; use sparingly and adjust to taste. Best in cooked dishes where its pungency mellows. Ratio: Use 25% as much (0.25 clove per 1 cup).

What's the conversion ratio for Onion to Garlic?

Use 25% as much (0.25 clove per 1 cup). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.

Are Onion and Garlic interchangeable?

They are similar in most uses, but Garlic is much more potent than onion; use sparingly and adjust to taste..

Is Garlic a better substitute than other options for Onion?

Garlic is one of the options SubSwap lists for Onion. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Onion substitutes.

Looking for more Onion substitutes beyond Garlic?

See all Onion swaps →

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