How much is a cup of dry lentils?

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

One cup of uncooked brown lentils weighs approximately 210 grams. While a standard measuring cup is a common kitchen tool, the exact weight of a cup of dry lentils can vary depending on the lentil variety, highlighting why weighing ingredients is often more precise. This guide provides detailed conversions to ensure your culinary creations are perfect every time.

Quick Summary

A cup of dry lentils weighs differently based on the variety, with brown lentils at about 210g, red lentils at 190g, and Puy lentils at 200g. This variation impacts recipes, making accurate measurement key. Using a kitchen scale is the most reliable method for precision.

Key Points

Weight Varies by Type: A cup of dry lentils doesn't have a universal weight; it depends on the variety, with brown, red, and green lentils weighing differently.
Accuracy Requires a Scale: For the most precise measurement, especially in sensitive recipes, a kitchen scale is superior to a volume-based measuring cup.
Average Weights Provided: One cup of brown lentils is approximately 210g, red lentils are about 190g, and Puy lentils are around 200g.
Lentils Expand Significantly: One cup of dry lentils will yield about 2 to 2.5 cups of cooked lentils, an important factor for meal planning.
Proper Volume Measurement: When using a cup, spooning the lentils into the cup and leveling the top with a knife is the best method to ensure consistent volume.
Correct Liquid Ratio: A standard liquid-to-lentil ratio for cooking is 3 cups of liquid per 1 cup of dry lentils for whole varieties.
Timing Affects Texture: Cooking time and liquid amount can be adjusted to achieve different textures, from pureed red lentils to firm, whole green lentils.

Why the Weight of a Cup of Lentils Varies

Unlike liquids, which have a consistent density, dry ingredients like lentils can have different weights for the same volume measurement. Factors like size, shape, and whether the lentil is whole or split all play a role. For example, brown lentils are generally larger and denser than smaller red split lentils, meaning one cup of each will have a different mass. For accurate cooking and consistent results, especially in baking or sensitive recipes, relying on weight is always the best practice.

Standard Weight Conversions for Dry Lentils

To ensure your cooking is consistent, here are the approximate weight conversions for one cup of common dry lentil varieties:

Brown Lentils: Approximately 210 grams (or about 7.4 ounces).
Red Split Lentils: Approximately 190 grams (or about 6.7 ounces).
Puy or French Green Lentils: Approximately 200 grams (or about 7.0 ounces).

These numbers are based on a standard US cup measure and can vary slightly depending on how densely the lentils are packed. Using a kitchen scale eliminates this variability completely.

How to Accurately Measure Lentils Without a Scale

If a kitchen scale isn't available, you can still get a reasonably accurate measurement using a standard measuring cup. Here’s a quick guide:

Use the proper measuring cup. A dry measuring cup is designed to be leveled off, unlike a liquid measuring cup with a spout.
Spoon the lentils into the cup. Avoid scooping them directly from the bag, as this can compact them.
Level the surface. Use the flat edge of a knife or spatula to scrape off any excess lentils from the top of the cup.

Following this method will give you a closer approximation to the target weight. While not as perfect as a scale, it’s far better than a loose, un-leveled scoop.

The Expansion Factor: Dry vs. Cooked Yield

It is important to remember that lentils expand significantly when cooked, absorbing water and increasing in volume. A good rule of thumb is that 1 cup of dry lentils will yield about 2 to 2.5 cups of cooked lentils. This is crucial for planning your meals, whether you're making a hearty stew or a simple side dish. The cooking method and time can influence the final texture and expansion, with some varieties breaking down more than others.

Comparison of Lentil Varieties


Lentil Variety	Appearance	Approximate Weight (1 cup)	Cooking Time	Best For	Cooking Yield (approx.)
Brown Lentils	Brown/green hue	210g (7.4 oz)	20–30 min	Soups, stews, hearty dishes	2.5 cups
Red Split Lentils	Orange/red	190g (6.7 oz)	5–10 min	Purees, curries, fast-cooking dal	2.5 cups
Puy/French Green	Dark green/mottled	200g (7.0 oz)	25–35 min	Salads, side dishes (holds shape)	2.5 cups
Beluga Lentils	Black	~200g (7.0 oz)	20–25 min	Salads, side dishes (retains shape)	2.5 cups

Cooking Ratios and Expansion

For consistent results, especially with non-split lentils like brown or green, a good starting point for the liquid-to-lentil ratio is 3 cups of water or broth for every 1 cup of dry lentils. Split red lentils cook faster and may require slightly less liquid, or more if a puréed consistency is desired. Salt should be added towards the end of the cooking process to avoid toughening the outer skin.

Conclusion

Ultimately, understanding how much is a cup of dry lentils is more nuanced than a single number, as the weight varies by type. For maximum accuracy and professional results, using a kitchen scale is recommended. However, for everyday cooking, relying on the average weight conversions for each variety is a reliable alternative. By knowing the approximate weight and expansion rate of your lentils, you can better plan your meals and ensure consistent outcomes, whether you're whipping up a quick dal or a robust lentil soup.

For more culinary resources and to explore other cooking conversions, visit The Reluctant Gourmet.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the weight of one cup of dry lentils varies depending on the type. Factors like density and size mean brown, red, or green lentils will each have a different weight per cup.

One cup of dry brown lentils is approximately 210 grams. This is the most common variety and a reliable benchmark for many recipes.

The most accurate way is to use a kitchen scale. For an approximation, use the average weights: for a cup, brown lentils are 210g, red lentils are 190g, and Puy lentils are 200g.

A cup of dry red split lentils is typically lighter than other varieties, weighing about 190 grams. This is due to their smaller size and the fact they are split.

Generally, one cup of dry lentils yields about 2 to 2.5 cups of cooked lentils. They absorb a significant amount of water and expand during the cooking process.

For most whole lentils, a good standard ratio is 3 cups of liquid (water or broth) for every 1 cup of dry lentils. Red split lentils may require less liquid for a firmer result.

Weighing is more accurate because it eliminates inconsistencies caused by varying lentil sizes and how tightly they are packed into the measuring cup. This leads to more reliable cooking results.