Cups to Grams Converter
Convert cooking measurements between cups and grams for accurate baking
Why Cups to Grams Varies
Why Weight Matters in Baking
Professional bakers measure ingredients by weight, not volume, because it's far more accurate. A cup of flour can vary by 30% depending on how you scoop it—packed flour weighs much more than sifted flour. This inconsistency can ruin recipes, especially in baking where precision matters.
Different ingredients have different densities. A cup of flour weighs about 125 grams, while a cup of sugar weighs about 200 grams. Water and milk are closer to 240 grams per cup. Converting between cups and grams requires knowing the specific ingredient.
This converter provides accurate gram equivalents for common baking and cooking ingredients, helping you follow international recipes, scale recipes accurately, and achieve consistent results every time.
Common Ingredient Conversions
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup = 125g (spooned & leveled). Packed flour can be 150g+. Sifted is lighter.
Granulated Sugar
1 cup = 200g. Sugar is denser and more consistent than flour.
Butter
1 cup = 227g = 2 sticks. Each stick = 113g = 8 tbsp.
Liquids
Water/milk: 1 cup = 240g. Oil: 1 cup = 218g. Honey: 1 cup = 340g.
Ingredient Weight Reference Chart
| Ingredient | 1 Cup (g) | 1/2 Cup (g) | 1/4 Cup (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 125g | 63g | 31g |
| Bread Flour | 130g | 65g | 33g |
| Granulated Sugar | 200g | 100g | 50g |
| Brown Sugar (packed) | 220g | 110g | 55g |
| Powdered Sugar | 120g | 60g | 30g |
| Butter | 227g | 113g | 57g |
| Cocoa Powder | 85g | 43g | 21g |
| Rolled Oats | 90g | 45g | 23g |
Tips for Accurate Measuring
Use a Kitchen Scale
A digital scale ($10-20) is the best investment for baking. Measure in grams for precision.
Spoon & Level Method
If using cups for flour, spoon into the cup and level with a knife. Don't scoop directly—it packs the flour.
Consistent Technique
If you must use cups, use the same measuring technique every time for reproducible results.
Ingredient Temperature
Cold butter weighs the same as room temp, but volume can differ. Weight is always reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do European recipes use grams while American recipes use cups?
Europe adopted the metric system; the US didn't. Cups are convenient but imprecise—the same cup of flour can weigh 100-150g depending on how it's measured. Professional recipes worldwide use weight.
Can I use the same conversion for all types of flour?
No. All-purpose flour is about 125g/cup, but bread flour is denser (130g), cake flour is lighter (115g), and whole wheat is heavier (140g). Always use ingredient-specific conversions.
How do I convert a recipe from cups to grams?
Look up each ingredient's weight per cup (this converter helps), then multiply by the number of cups. A recipe calling for 2 cups flour = 2 × 125g = 250g. Write the gram amounts for future use.
Why does my baking fail even when I follow the recipe exactly?
Volume measurements are likely the culprit. Two people measuring '1 cup flour' can get amounts differing by 30%. Switch to weight measurements for consistent results.
Pro Tips
- Bookmark this calculator for quick access in the future
- Use the share button to send your results to others
- Try different scenarios to compare outcomes
- Check out our related calculators for more insights
Found this calculator helpful? Share it with others: