How many grams are in 1 cup of all-purpose flour?

1 cup of all-purpose flour equals 120 grams when measured using the spoon-and-level method. This is the standard measurement for US baking. Scooping directly from the bag can pack in 30% more flour (up to 156g), leading to dry, dense baked goods.

How many grams in a cup of granulated sugar?

1 cup of granulated white sugar weighs 200 grams. Brown sugar (packed) weighs 220 grams per cup due to the added molasses. Powdered sugar is lighter at 120 grams per cup.

How many grams of butter in 1 cup?

1 cup of butter equals 227 grams or 2 sticks of butter. 1/2 cup (1 stick) = 113 grams. This is consistent across all butter brands and types.

Why do cups to grams conversions vary by ingredient?

Cups measure volume, while grams measure weight. Different ingredients have different densities. 1 cup of feathers weighs far less than 1 cup of lead. Similarly, 1 cup of sifted flour (lighter, more air) weighs less than 1 cup of packed flour. This is why ingredient-aware converters are essential for accurate baking.

What's the difference between bread flour and all-purpose flour in grams per cup?

Bread flour weighs 130 grams per cup, while all-purpose flour weighs 120 grams per cup. Bread flour is denser due to its higher protein content (12-14% vs 10-12%). Cake flour is even lighter at 114 grams per cup due to its lower protein content.

Should I use cups or grams for baking?

Professional bakers and most international recipes use grams because weight measurements are more accurate and consistent than volume. A kitchen scale eliminates variation from scooping technique, humidity, and settling. For best results, weigh ingredients in grams whenever possible.

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

Ingredient Amount From

To Result

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.

Related Converters

Cups to Milliliters

Convert volume measurements

Ounces to Grams

Convert weight measurements

Butter Sticks to Grams

Convert butter measurements

Tablespoons to Teaspoons

Convert small measurements

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.