How the conversion works
Converting volume to weight requires the ingredient’s density — how many grams fit into one cup. This converter uses reference weights for one U.S. cup (236.6 ml), with flours measured by the spoon-and-level method and brown sugar firmly packed.
Grams = Cups × Grams per cup
1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons = 236.6 ml
1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons = 236.6 ml
Example: A recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour. 2.25 × 120 g = 270 g. For 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar: 3 ÷ 16 = 0.1875 cups × 200 g = 37.5 g.
Cups to grams chart
| Ingredient | 1 cup | ½ cup | ¼ cup | 1 tbsp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 120 g | 60 g | 30 g | 7.5 g |
| Granulated (white) sugar | 200 g | 100 g | 50 g | 12.5 g |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 213 g | 107 g | 53 g | 13.3 g |
| Powdered (icing) sugar | 113 g | 57 g | 28 g | 7.1 g |
| Butter | 227 g | 114 g | 57 g | 14.2 g |
| Milk (whole) | 244 g | 122 g | 61 g | 15.3 g |
| Water | 237 g | 119 g | 59 g | 14.8 g |
| Rolled oats | 90 g | 45 g | 23 g | 5.6 g |
| Honey | 340 g | 170 g | 85 g | 21.3 g |
| Cocoa powder (unsweetened) | 86 g | 43 g | 22 g | 5.4 g |
Why bakers weigh ingredients
Weighing with a kitchen scale is faster, uses fewer dishes and gives consistent results. The same “cup” of flour can vary by 20% or more depending on how it is filled, which can turn a tender cake dry. If you must use cups, fluff the flour, spoon it into the cup and level it with a knife.
Converting oven settings too? Use the oven temperature converter.
Frequently asked questions
How many grams is 1 cup of flour?
One U.S. cup of all-purpose flour weighs about 120 g when spooned into the cup and leveled. Scooping directly from the bag packs the flour and can give 140–150 g, which is why weighing is more reliable.
Why does a cup of sugar weigh more than a cup of flour?
Cups measure volume, not weight. Granulated sugar is denser than flour, so a cup of sugar weighs about 200 g while a cup of flour weighs about 120 g.
Is a U.S. cup the same as a metric cup?
No. A U.S. customary cup is 236.6 ml, while a metric cup (used in Australia, New Zealand and Canada) is 250 ml — about 5.7% more. A UK recipe using “cups” usually means the 250 ml metric cup. This converter uses U.S. cups.
How many grams of butter are in a cup?
One cup of butter is 2 U.S. sticks, or 227 g (8 oz). One tablespoon is about 14 g.