How many grams is 1 cup usually? Your guide to kitchen measurements

December 17, 2025 •

2 min read

The weight of a cup varies depending on the ingredient. For example, a cup of water is approximately 240 grams. The density of an ingredient impacts how many grams are in a cup.

Quick Summary

The conversion of cups to grams is not fixed because cups measure volume and grams measure weight. The density of each ingredient influences how much it weighs per cup.

Key Points

No Fixed Conversion: The weight of a cup in grams depends on the ingredient's density.
Volume vs. Weight: Cups measure volume, while grams measure weight; different ingredients have different weights per volume.
Baking Requires Precision: Measuring by weight is more accurate than by volume, which is crucial for consistent baking results.
Packing Matters: How an ingredient is packed into a measuring cup can alter its weight, introducing error.
Use a Digital Scale: A digital kitchen scale is the most reliable tool for accurate measurements, eliminating inconsistencies.
Know Your Cup Standard: Be aware of the difference between US customary cups (approx. 237 mL) and metric cups (250 mL), as recipes from different regions may vary.

Understanding the Basics: Volume vs. Weight

Volume and weight are different measurements. A cup measures the space an ingredient takes up. A gram measures the mass of an ingredient. A cup of feathers weighs less than a cup of rocks. Fluffy flour has a lower density than sugar or butter, so they weigh different amounts per cup.

The Inconsistency of Measuring Cups

Measuring cups introduce variability. A cup of flour can weigh differently based on the method used. Examples include:

Dip-and-Sweep Method: This method can over-compress the flour, leading to a heavier measurement.
Spoon-and-Level Method: Spooning flour into the cup and leveling it results in a lighter, more accurate measurement.

Professionals often rely on grams. A gram is always a gram, leading to consistent results, which is key for baking.

Common Conversions: From Cups to Grams

Here are approximate gram weights for common ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup = 120 grams
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup = 200 grams
Packed Brown Sugar: 1 cup = 220 grams
Water: 1 cup = 240 grams
Butter: 1 cup = 227 grams
Honey: 1 cup = 340 grams

The Difference Between US Customary and Metric Cups

A US customary cup is about 236.59 mL, while a metric cup is 250 mL. This small difference can impact a recipe. It's wise to clarify the measurement system or convert everything to grams.

The Solution: A Digital Kitchen Scale

A digital kitchen scale is the best way to solve the issue of 'how many grams is 1 cup usually'. It offers accuracy and consistency. A scale allows users to:

Eliminate Guesswork: No need to wonder if the flour is packed too tightly.
Improve Consistency: Recipes will turn out perfectly every time, as the ingredient ratios will be exactly the same with each batch.
Reduce Cleanup: Zero out the scale and add each new ingredient to the same bowl, reducing the number of measuring cups and spoons to wash.

Cups to Grams Conversion Table

This table provides common conversions for US cup measurements.


Ingredient	1 cup (US)	1/2 cup (US)	1/4 cup (US)
All-Purpose Flour	120 g	60 g	30 g
Granulated Sugar	200 g	100 g	50 g
Brown Sugar (packed)	220 g	110 g	55 g
Water	240 g	120 g	60 g
Butter	227 g	113 g	57 g
Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)	85 g	43 g	21 g
Powdered Sugar (sifted)	120 g	60 g	30 g
Honey	340 g	170 g	85 g

Conclusion: Prioritize Weight for Precision

The weight of one cup in grams varies depending on the ingredient's density. Using volume measurements can cause inconsistencies. Using a digital kitchen scale and measuring by weight is the most reliable method for precise results. For more information, visit the King Arthur Baking ingredient weight chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cup of flour weighs less than a cup of sugar because flour is less dense. The fine particles of flour contain more air pockets, making it lighter by volume compared to the denser sugar crystals.

No, 100 grams is generally not equal to 1 cup. A cup of most common kitchen ingredients like flour or sugar will weigh either more or less than 100 grams, as the conversion is ingredient-dependent.

For accuracy and consistency, it is better to measure ingredients in grams. Weight measurements are not affected by how an ingredient is packed or its density, unlike volume measurements using cups.

One cup of butter typically weighs around 227 grams. This is a common conversion used in many recipes and is equivalent to two standard US sticks of butter.

A US customary cup is approximately 237 milliliters, while a standard metric cup is 250 milliliters. This difference can lead to variations in recipes, especially for international dishes.

Yes, sifting flour changes its volume and therefore its weight per cup. Sifting aerates the flour, making it lighter and less dense, so a cup of sifted flour will weigh less than a cup of unsifted flour.

To measure sticky ingredients like honey or syrup accurately by volume, you can first coat your measuring cup with a thin layer of cooking spray or oil. This will help the ingredient slide out cleanly and easily.