How to Convert Cups to Grams
Important: Cups measure volume. Grams measure weight. Different ingredients weigh different amounts per cup because of density differences. 1 cup of flour (125g) weighs much less than 1 cup of butter (227g) or honey (340g).
To convert cups to grams, use this formula:
Formula: Grams = Cups × Ingredient weight per cup
Example: 2 cups of all-purpose flour = 2 × 125g = 250 grams
1 Cup Flour in Grams
One cup of all-purpose flour equals 125 grams. The weight varies by flour type — cake flour is 120g, bread flour is 130g, and almond flour is only 96g per cup because it is less dense.
1 Cup Sugar in Grams
One cup of granulated white sugar equals 200 grams. Brown sugar (packed) is 220g, and powdered sugar is only 120g per cup when sifted.
1 Cup Butter in Grams
One cup of butter equals 227 grams — the same as 2 US sticks of butter or 8 ounces. Half a cup of butter is 113g (1 stick).
Frequently Asked Questions
Most common cups to grams questions answered by a professional baker
How many grams is 1 cup of all-purpose flour? +
1 cup of all-purpose flour equals 125 grams when measured correctly using the spoon-and-level method. If you scoop flour directly with the cup, you can accidentally pack in up to 165 grams — a 32% difference that can make your baked goods dense and dry. For best results, spoon flour into the measuring cup and level off with a knife, or weigh it on a scale.
How many grams is 1 cup of sugar? +
1 cup of granulated white sugar equals 200 grams. Brown sugar (firmly packed) is 220 grams per cup. Powdered or icing sugar is much lighter at 120 grams per cup when sifted. Raw or turbinado sugar is similar to granulated at 200 grams per cup. The difference in weight is because each type of sugar has a different crystal size and density.
How many grams is ½ cup of butter? +
Half a cup of butter equals 113 grams, which is the same as 1 standard US stick of butter or 4 ounces. A full cup of butter is 227 grams (2 sticks = 16 tablespoons). A quarter cup of butter is 57 grams (half a stick = 8 tablespoons). Two tablespoons of butter equals 28 grams.
How many grams is ¼ cup of flour? +
One quarter cup of all-purpose flour equals 31 grams. Easy way to remember: 1 cup = 125g, so ½ cup = 63g, ¼ cup = 31g, and ⅛ cup = 16g. For other flours: ¼ cup cake flour = 30g, ¼ cup bread flour = 33g, ¼ cup almond flour = 24g, and ¼ cup whole wheat flour = 30g.
How many grams is 1 cup of milk or buttermilk? +
1 cup of whole milk equals 244 grams. Buttermilk is 245 grams per cup. Sour cream is 245 grams per cup. Heavy cream is 238 grams per cup. Greek yogurt is 245 grams per cup. All dairy liquids are close to 240 grams per cup because they are mostly water with a density close to 1g/mL.
Why does 1 cup weigh different amounts for different ingredients? +
Cups measure volume — the amount of space an ingredient takes up. Grams measure weight. Because different ingredients have different densities (how tightly packed their molecules are), the same volume weighs different amounts. Honey (340g/cup) is extremely dense. Butter (227g/cup) is moderately dense. Flour (125g/cup) is much lighter. Cocoa powder (85g/cup) is the lightest because it is full of air pockets.
Is it better to measure in grams or cups for baking? +
Grams are always more accurate for baking. Professional bakers and pastry chefs always weigh ingredients because cup measurements are inconsistent — the way you scoop, pack, or settle ingredients changes the weight. A $10 digital kitchen scale is one of the best investments for consistent baking results. When grams are given in a recipe, always use them for the most accurate outcome.
How do I convert a recipe from cups to grams? +
Use the converter above — select the ingredient, enter the cup amount, and get the gram result. Or multiply the number of cups by the ingredient’s gram-per-cup value. For example: 2½ cups of all-purpose flour = 2.5 × 125g = 312.5g. Write down the gram amounts on your recipe card and use them every time for perfectly consistent results.
How many grams is 1¼ cups of flour? +
1¼ cups of all-purpose flour equals 156 grams (125g × 1.25 = 156.25g, rounded to 156g). This is a common measurement in cake and cookie recipes. For other flours: 1¼ cups cake flour = 150g, 1¼ cups bread flour = 163g, and 1¼ cups almond flour = 120g.
What is 1½ cups in grams of flour? +
1½ cups of all-purpose flour equals 188 grams (125g × 1.5 = 187.5g, rounded to 188g). This is one of the most common measurements in banana bread, muffin, and cake recipes. Using a scale to measure this precisely makes a noticeable difference in the final texture of your baked goods.
What is the difference between US cups and metric cups? +
A US cup equals 236.6 ml, while a metric cup (used in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand) equals 250 ml — about 5% larger. This difference matters in baking. If you follow an Australian recipe using a US measuring cup, you are using slightly less of every ingredient. Japan uses an even smaller 200ml cup. When in doubt, always convert to grams for accuracy across all countries.
How many grams is 1 cup of cocoa powder? +
1 cup of sifted unsweetened cocoa powder equals approximately 85 grams. Cocoa powder is very light and airy, so it varies widely depending on how it is measured — unsifted packed cocoa can weigh up to 128 grams per cup. Always sift cocoa powder before measuring and use the spoon-and-level method, or weigh it at 85-100 grams per cup.
How many grams is 1 cup of honey? +
1 cup of honey equals approximately 340 grams, making it one of the heaviest ingredients per cup in baking. Honey is very dense — about 1.4 times denser than water. When substituting honey for sugar in a recipe, use ¾ cup of honey for every 1 cup of sugar called for, since honey is sweeter and adds more moisture.
How many grams is 1 cup of peanut butter? +
1 cup of peanut butter equals approximately 258 grams. Peanut butter is quite dense because of its high fat and protein content. Natural peanut butter (the separated kind) may weigh slightly more or less depending on how well it is stirred. For baking, weigh peanut butter at 258 grams per cup for the most accurate results.
How many grams is 1 cup of baking soda or baking powder? +
1 cup of baking soda equals approximately 230 grams, and 1 cup of baking powder equals approximately 192 grams. However, baking soda and baking powder are almost never measured in cups in baking recipes — they are always measured in teaspoons or tablespoons because such small amounts are needed. 1 teaspoon of baking soda = 6g, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder = 4g.