Convert cups to grams with our free online calculator. Note that the conversion from cups to grams depends on the ingredient being measured, as different substances have different densities. This calculator uses water as the standard reference (1 US cup = 236.588 g). For common cooking ingredients, refer to the conversion table below.
Calculator
Introduction
The Cups to Grams Converter is an essential tool for accurately converting volume measurements (cups) to weight measurements (grams). This conversion is crucial because different ingredients have varying densities, meaning one cup of flour will weigh differently than one cup of sugar. Our converter ensures precision in your recipes, especially when following international standards or baking.
How It Works
This converter operates by using a specific density factor for the ingredient you select. Since a cup is a measure of volume and a gram is a measure of mass, a direct universal conversion isn’t possible without knowing the substance. Our tool applies the correct density value for common ingredients, multiplying the number of cups by the ingredient’s specific gram-per-cup equivalent to provide an accurate weight.
Common Uses
This conversion is frequently used in baking and cooking, particularly when adapting recipes from different regions or converting between metric and imperial systems. Bakers often prefer gram measurements for greater accuracy, as it eliminates inconsistencies caused by how ingredients are packed into measuring cups. It’s also invaluable for diet planning and portion control, ensuring precise intake of specific food items.
Quick Example
Let’s say you need to convert 2 cups of all-purpose flour to grams. You would select “all-purpose flour” from the ingredient list and enter “2” into the cups field. The converter would then display the equivalent weight, which is approximately 240 grams (based on 1 cup of flour being about 120 grams).
Cups to Grams — Common Cooking Ingredients
| Ingredient | 1 Cup (g) | ½ Cup (g) | ¼ Cup (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 236.6 g | 118.3 g | 59.1 g |
| All-purpose flour | 125 g | 62.5 g | 31.3 g |
| Bread flour | 130 g | 65 g | 32.5 g |
| Cake flour | 100 g | 50 g | 25 g |
| Granulated sugar | 200 g | 100 g | 50 g |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 220 g | 110 g | 55 g |
| Icing / powdered sugar | 120 g | 60 g | 30 g |
| Butter | 227 g | 113.5 g | 56.8 g |
| Milk | 245 g | 122.5 g | 61.3 g |
| Honey | 340 g | 170 g | 85 g |
| Rolled oats | 90 g | 45 g | 22.5 g |
| Rice (uncooked) | 185 g | 92.5 g | 46.3 g |
| Cocoa powder | 100 g | 50 g | 25 g |
| Desiccated coconut | 80 g | 40 g | 20 g |
| Breadcrumbs (dry) | 115 g | 57.5 g | 28.8 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams is 1 cup of flour?
1 cup of all-purpose flour is approximately 125 grams. Bread flour is slightly heavier at 130 g, and cake flour is lighter at 100 g.
How many grams is 1 cup of sugar?
1 cup of granulated white sugar is approximately 200 grams. Brown sugar (packed) is around 220 grams, and icing sugar is about 120 grams.
Why does the cups-to-grams conversion vary by ingredient?
Cups measure volume, while grams measure weight (mass). Different ingredients have different densities, so the same volume of flour, sugar, and butter will all weigh different amounts.
How many grams is 1 cup of butter?
1 cup of butter is approximately 227 grams, which is equivalent to 2 standard US sticks of butter.
Is it better to measure by cups or grams in baking?
Measuring by grams is generally more accurate for baking, as it accounts for differences in how ingredients are packed into a cup. Professional bakers almost always use weight measurements.
Formula
For water: 1 cup = 236.588 grams
For other ingredients, use the table above as each ingredient has a unique density.
How to Use This Converter
Enter a value in cups to get the equivalent in grams based on water density. For cooking ingredients such as flour, sugar, or butter, refer to the ingredient-specific table above for accurate results.
Common Searches
- 1 cup flour to grams = 125 g
- 1 cup sugar to grams = 200 g
- 1 cup butter to grams = 227 g
- ½ cup flour to grams = 62.5 g
- ¼ cup sugar to grams = 50 g
- 2 cups flour to grams = 250 g
- 1 cup milk to grams = 245 g
- 1 cup honey to grams = 340 g