Cups to Grams Converter (Ingredient-Aware Calculator)
Convert cups to grams accurately for flour, sugar, butter, and other baking ingredients. Our ingredient-aware calculator uses standard baking weights: 1 cup flour = 120g, 1 cup sugar = 200g, 1 cup butter = 227g. Get instant, accurate results for perfect baking every time.
Cups ⇄ Grams Calculator
Using standard US baking measurements. Results may vary ±5% based on measuring technique and ingredient brand.
How many grams in 1 cup of flour?
1 cup of all-purpose flour = 120 grams (using spoon-and-level method)
- Bread flour: 130g per cup
- Cake flour: 114g per cup
- Whole wheat flour: 120g per cup
Complete Cups to Grams Conversion Chart
Quick reference table for common baking ingredients. All measurements are based on standard US cup (236.6 mL) and spoon-and-level method unless noted.
Flour Conversions
| Ingredient | 1 Cup | 1/2 Cup | 1/4 Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 120g | 60g | 30g |
| Bread flour | 130g | 65g | 33g |
| Cake flour | 114g | 57g | 29g |
| Whole wheat flour | 120g | 60g | 30g |
Sugar Conversions
| Ingredient | 1 Cup | 1/2 Cup | 1/4 Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 200g | 100g | 50g |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 220g | 110g | 55g |
| Powdered sugar | 120g | 60g | 30g |
Fats & Liquids
| Ingredient | 1 Cup | 1/2 Cup | 1/4 Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butter (2 sticks) | 227g | 113g (1 stick) | 57g |
| Olive oil | 218g | 109g | 55g |
| Honey | 340g | 170g | 85g |
| Maple syrup | 322g | 161g | 81g |
| Water / milk | 237g | 118g | 59g |
Other Common Ingredients
| Ingredient | 1 Cup | 1/2 Cup | 1/4 Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoa powder | 100g | 50g | 25g |
| Rolled oats | 90g | 45g | 23g |
| Rice (uncooked) | 185g | 93g | 46g |
| Table salt | 288g | 144g | 72g |
How to Measure Flour Correctly (Spoon-and-Level Method)
The way you measure flour can affect the weight by up to 30%. Follow these steps for accurate measurements:
- Fluff the flour: Use a spoon to stir and aerate the flour in its container. Flour settles and compacts over time.
- Spoon into cup: Gently spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing or shaking. Let it pile up over the rim.
- Level off: Use a straight edge (like a knife or spatula) to sweep excess flour off the top, creating a level surface.
- Don't pack or tap: Never shake the cup or press the flour down — this packs in extra flour.
❌ Common mistake: Scooping flour directly from the bag packs in 30-50% more flour (up to 156g per cup instead of 120g), resulting in dry, dense, crumbly baked goods.
✓ Best practice: Use a kitchen scale and measure in grams for the most accurate, consistent results. Professional bakers always weigh ingredients.
Why Professional Bakers Use Grams (Not Cups)
Volume measurements (cups) are less accurate than weight measurements (grams) for several reasons:
⚖️ Consistency
100 grams of flour is always 100 grams, regardless of how you scoop it. 1 cup can vary from 120-156g depending on technique.
🎯 Precision
Scales measure to the gram (or even 0.1g). Cups have no fractional markings between measurements.
🌍 Universal
Grams are used worldwide. Only the US primarily uses cups. International recipes are in grams.
🧹 Less Mess
Put your bowl on the scale, add ingredients directly. No separate measuring cups to wash.
Pro tip: A good digital kitchen scale costs $10-20 and will dramatically improve your baking consistency. Look for one that measures in 1-gram increments and has a "tare" button to zero out the bowl weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams in 2 cups of flour?
2 cups of all-purpose flour equals 240 grams (120g × 2). For bread flour, 2 cups = 260g. For cake flour, 2 cups = 228g.
How many grams in 1/2 cup of butter?
113 grams, which is exactly 1 stick of butter. 1 full cup of butter = 227g = 2 sticks.
Can I use the same cup-to-gram conversion for all ingredients?
No! Different ingredients have different densities. 1 cup of flour (120g) weighs much less than 1 cup of sugar (200g) or honey (340g). Always use ingredient-specific conversions or our calculator above.
Does sifted flour weigh the same as unsifted?
No. Sifted flour is more aerated and weighs less per cup — typically 100-110g instead of 120g. If a recipe calls for "1 cup sifted flour," sift first, then measure. If it says "1 cup flour, sifted," measure first, then sift.
How accurate is your cups to grams converter?
Our converter uses USDA and industry-standard measurements, accurate within ±5% for properly measured ingredients. Actual weights can vary based on brand, humidity, and measuring technique. For critical recipes, use a kitchen scale.
Why do some recipes have different gram measurements?
Different sources use different standards. King Arthur Flour uses 120g per cup, while some sources use 125g or even 130g. The key is consistency — stick with one standard throughout a recipe.
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Disclaimer
All measurements are approximate and based on standard US measuring practices. Actual weights may vary by brand, humidity, altitude, and measuring technique. For professional baking or critical applications, verify measurements with a calibrated kitchen scale. Results shown are estimates — we recommend weighing ingredients for best accuracy.