Magic tricks using cups. Tricks you might want to try for entertainment or performances.
We’ve gathered ideas for magic tricks using cups and glasses that are perfect for beginners who want to try magic for the first time.
From the classic cups and balls to coin-through-glass tricks, quick and easy effects, and routines that require a bit of practice, there’s a wide range to choose from.
These tricks use props that are simple to prepare, so you can give them a try the same day you get inspired.
If you want to expand your magic repertoire or are planning to perform magic for an event or entertainment segment, be sure to use this article as a reference.
- How to Perform Coin Magic: Revealing the Secrets and Techniques of Simple Tricks
- Simple Magic! Fun Tricks Kids Can Do & Revealed Secrets!
- [Easy] A Beginner’s Guide to Card Magic: Tricks Even Elementary School Kids Can Do Right Away
- Hilarious magic! Crowd-pleasing tricks perfect for parties and performances
- With Explanations: Easy Magic Tricks for Lower-Grade Elementary School Children — How to Do Simple Tricks
- Magic tricks with plastic bottles: a roundup of penetration and vanishing illusions
- Magic tricks with a handkerchief: crowd-pleasing tricks for parties and performances
- [Coin, Cards, Pen, etc.] Compilation of Magic Tricks Where Objects Disappear
- [Magic] Crowd-Pleasers for Elementary Schools! A Collection of Magic Trick Ideas Perfect for Fun Parties
- Simple magic tricks using stationery: recommended tricks for parties and performances
- Magic tricks that liven up drinking parties and banquets: Recommended tricks for entertainment and performances
- Simple magic! Magic tricks recommended for entertainment and performances.
- Teleportation magic and its secrets: a roundup of tricks using coins, cards, and more
Magic tricks using cups. Tricks you’ll want to try for entertainment or performances (31–40)
Magic where water disappears from a paper cup

Here’s a fun magic trick where the audience gets to participate: making water disappear from a paper cup.
First, choose a spectator and have them hold a paper cup.
Pour water into it and have them place it on top of their head.
When you check the cup again, the water has vanished.
The trick is quite simple.
In fact, the paper cup had a gelling agent hidden inside.
So over time, the water solidified.
Since you pour the water right in front of them, it should really surprise the audience.
A glass that won’t spill water even when turned upside down

We’re introducing a glass that won’t spill even when turned upside down—sure to amaze everyone.
The trick is to place a sheet of kitchen paper over a glass filled with water and then flip it over.
You might think it would spill, but thanks to surface tension, it doesn’t.
This would be a real crowd-pleaser in places where you’re not supposed to get things wet.
Depending on the balance, you can swap the kitchen paper for tissue paper or use a larger container instead of a glass.
Since accidents can happen, be sure to rehearse before performing it in front of others.
Juice transforms into water

Like a wizard! Here’s an idea to make juice transform into water.
When colored juice suddenly turns into clear water, anyone would be amazed.
It’s a humorous magic trick perfect for school festivals and cultural fairs that attract both children and adults.
You’ll need three types of plastic bottles, water, mouthwash, and dechlorinating tablets.
When adding the mouthwash to the water, you can adjust the amount to vary the concentration—experiment to find what works best.
It’s a simple and fun trick, so give it a try!
Magic where sweets come out of a paper cup

This is a magic trick where you signal to a paper cup that seemed empty—even when turned upside down—and when you turn it over again, candy appears.
In fact, the paper cup has a slit, and when you first turn it over, you press on the slit to keep the candy from coming out.
Since the candy is inside from the start, when you first turn the cup over, present it as empty by tilting it at an angle that hides the contents.
Smooth hand movements that don’t reveal you’re operating the gimmick are also an important point.
A magic trick to make a 1-yen coin disappear using a glass, with no special techniques required

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a vanish trick you can perform naturally when you’re at a restaurant? Here’s one I’d like to share: a magic trick that makes a one-yen coin disappear using a glass.
All you need is an empty glass, a glass of water, and a one-yen coin.
First, place the one-yen coin on the table and cover it with the empty glass.
Next, pour water into the empty glass.
The one-yen coin will seem to vanish.
This trick uses light refraction.
Just be aware that the coin is visible from directly above, so cover the top with your hand.



