Welcome McGinnster!
I think that article says 4:1 ratio, 4 parts water to 1 part sugar.
A "part" can be any amount you choose; make all parts equal.
If you use 1/2 a cup as a part, then mix 4 half-cups of water to 1 half-cup of sugar.
It doesn't have to be any particular measurement. A part can be a yogurt cup, a juice glass, a coffee mug. Just keep the ratio, 4:1.
