How Much is One Teaspoon of Brown Sugar?

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, one packed teaspoon of brown sugar contains approximately 17 calories and about 4.6 grams by weight. This might seem straightforward, but the exact answer to "how much is one teaspoon of brown sugar?" depends on how you measure it, its type, and whether you're focused on weight, volume, or calories. Understanding these differences is essential for consistent baking and accurate nutritional tracking.

Quick Summary

One packed teaspoon of brown sugar weighs approximately 4.6 grams and contains about 17 calories. The moist, dense texture from molasses makes it heavier than white sugar. For precise baking, packing the sugar into a measuring spoon is crucial, and a kitchen scale offers the most accuracy.

Key Points

Weight and Calories: One packed teaspoon of brown sugar weighs approximately 4.6 to 5 grams and contains about 17 calories.
Importance of Packing: Due to its moisture from molasses, brown sugar must be packed firmly into a measuring spoon or cup for an accurate volume measurement.
Weight Difference: The density and moistness from molasses make brown sugar slightly heavier than an equal volume of dry, free-flowing granulated white sugar.
Nutritional Value: While it contains trace minerals from molasses, the nutritional profile of brown sugar is very similar to white sugar, with both offering a similar calorie count per teaspoon.
Measurement Accuracy: For the most precise and consistent results in baking, a digital kitchen scale is more reliable than volume measurements like teaspoons and cups.
Baking Impact: Swapping brown and white sugar can change the texture of baked goods; brown sugar's moisture and acidity tend to produce moister, chewier results.

Understanding the Weight of Brown Sugar

The precise weight of a single teaspoon of brown sugar is not a fixed number and varies based on one key factor: how you measure it. Unlike free-flowing granulated white sugar, brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and causes the granules to clump together. This sticky, moist consistency means you must pack the sugar down firmly to get a consistent measurement. A packed teaspoon is denser and therefore heavier than a loose, scooped teaspoon. For baking, where precise ratios matter, using a packed measurement is standard practice.

The nutritional information on many products, including sugar packages, can also be a helpful guide. Many labels equate one teaspoon of sugar to approximately 4 grams, a rounded figure used for nutritional estimates. However, a precise weight for a packed teaspoon of brown sugar is closer to 4.6 to 5 grams, with variations depending on the type (light vs. dark).

The Molasses Factor: Why Brown Sugar is Heavier

The key to understanding the difference in weight and consistency between brown and white sugar lies in molasses. Brown sugar is essentially refined white sugar with a portion of molasses added back in. Light brown sugar has less molasses (around 3.5%) than dark brown sugar (around 6.5%), which directly affects its flavor, color, and moisture content. Dark brown sugar, with its higher molasses content, will be slightly moister and denser than its lighter counterpart, leading to minor variations in weight for the same volume measurement.

Beyond weight, molasses also affects baking chemistry. Its acidity interacts with leavening agents like baking soda, which can impact the rise and texture of baked goods. This is why substituting brown sugar for white sugar (or vice-versa) can alter the outcome, especially when large quantities are involved.

Caloric and Nutritional Breakdown

From a nutritional standpoint, the differences between brown and white sugar are minimal. The calories in brown sugar come almost entirely from its carbohydrate content.

A Look at the Calories

One packed teaspoon of brown sugar contains approximately 17 calories. For perspective, a teaspoon of white granulated sugar has about 16.3 calories. The slight difference is negligible for all practical purposes and is due to the small amount of molasses present in brown sugar. Molasses also provides a trace amount of minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, but the quantities are too insignificant to contribute substantially to your daily intake.

Comparing Brown and White Sugar


Feature	Packed Brown Sugar (1 tsp)	Granulated White Sugar (1 tsp)
Weight (approx)	4.6 - 5 grams	4.2 grams
Calories (approx)	17	16.3
Moisture	High, from molasses	None
Texture	Moist, clumpy	Dry, free-flowing
Flavor	Caramel, molasses	Pure sweetness
Acidity	Mildly acidic	Neutral
Impact on Baking	Adds moisture, can produce chewier goods	Produces lighter, crispier goods

The Art of Accurate Measurement

For consistent and repeatable baking results, measuring brown sugar accurately is crucial. The 'pack and level' method is the standard for volume-based measurements.

Scoop: Use a dry measuring cup or spoon to scoop the brown sugar from its container.
Pack: Press the sugar down firmly into the measuring tool using the back of a spoon. Continue adding and packing until the sugar is compact and level with the rim.
Level: Use the straight edge of a knife to scrape off any excess, creating a flat surface flush with the top of the measuring cup or spoon.

For the highest level of precision, a digital kitchen scale is the best tool. Weighing ingredients in grams eliminates any potential inconsistency that comes from variations in how firmly you pack the sugar. This is especially important for recipes that rely heavily on the correct ratio of wet and dry ingredients.

Conclusion

One teaspoon of brown sugar, when packed firmly, weighs approximately 4.6 to 5 grams and contains about 17 calories. The measurement, however, is not as simple as scooping and leveling like white sugar. The molasses content gives brown sugar its characteristic moist and dense texture, which means it must be packed for an accurate volume measurement. While nutritionally similar to white sugar, its molasses content adds a deeper flavor and affects baking outcomes differently. Whether you are counting calories, tracking macros, or simply baking a delicious batch of cookies, understanding these nuances will help you achieve better, more consistent results every time.

For more detailed nutritional information and daily recommended sugar limits, consult resources like the American Heart Association.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

To correctly measure one teaspoon of brown sugar, you must pack it firmly into the measuring spoon and then level it off with a straight edge. This method removes air pockets and provides a consistent, accurate volume measurement.

A packed teaspoon of dark brown sugar will weigh slightly more than a packed teaspoon of light brown sugar. This is because dark brown sugar has a higher molasses content, which increases its density and moisture.

No, brown sugar is not significantly healthier than white sugar. While it contains trace minerals from the molasses, the amounts are too insignificant to offer any real health benefit. The calorie count is also nearly identical.

You can substitute white sugar for brown sugar, but it may affect the outcome of your recipe. White sugar lacks moisture, so using it may result in a drier, crispier final product. For best results, you can make your own brown sugar substitute by mixing white sugar with molasses.

Brown sugar gets hard because the moisture from the molasses evaporates when exposed to air. To prevent this, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. To soften hard brown sugar, you can place a slice of bread or a dampened paper towel in the container overnight.

One packed teaspoon of brown sugar is approximately 4.6 grams. However, this can vary slightly depending on how firmly it is packed and whether it is light or dark brown sugar.

Brown sugar is typically refined white sugar with molasses added back in. Turbinado sugar, often called raw sugar, is minimally processed and has its natural molasses intact. Turbinado has larger, coarser crystals than brown sugar and a milder flavor.