conversions
How Many Grams in a Cup
Last updated: May 31, 2026
Written by Blake Boege
A grams-in-a-cup conversion is a kitchen measurement translation from volume to mass. Because different ingredients have different densities, a cup of flour weighs less (120 grams) than a cup of sugar (200 grams) or water (236.6 grams). Precise weighing in grams is standard for professional baking to ensure recipe consistency.
Calculate exact weight conversions for recipes. Switch between cups and grams for flour, sugar, butter, liquids, and other kitchen staples.
Quick Answer
Convert cups to grams for flour, sugar, butter, water, milk, and other common ingredients based on density.
How Many Grams in a Cup?
The weight depends on the ingredient density:
- Water / Milk: 236.6 grams
- All-Purpose Flour: 120 grams
- Granulated White Sugar: 200 grams
- Butter: 227 grams
Note: Cups measure volume, while grams measure weight. Conversions depend on ingredient density.
Common Baking Ingredients Conversion Chart
| Ingredient | 1/4 Cup | 1/2 Cup | 1 Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 59 g | 118 g | 237 g |
| Flour (AP) | 30 g | 60 g | 120 g |
| White Sugar | 50 g | 100 g | 200 g |
| Butter | 57 g | 113 g | 227 g |
| Milk | 60 g | 120 g | 240 g |
Examples
1 Cup of Water
236.6 grams
1 Cup of Flour (AP)
120 grams
1 Cup of Granulated Sugar
200 grams
How it works
Because cups measure volume and grams measure weight, you cannot use a single multiplier. The formula to convert cups to grams is:
Weight (grams) = Volume (cups) × Density (grams/cup)
Why Weighing Ingredients is Better for Baking
In baking, precision is everything. Flour is particularly notorious for packing. Depending on how you scoop flour, a cup can weigh anywhere from 120 grams to 150 grams. This 25% variation can ruin cookies, cakes, and bread.
Using a digital kitchen scale and measuring in grams ensures consistent results every time, matching professional baking standards worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Grams measure mass/weight, whereas cups measure volume. Different ingredients have different densities. For instance, a cup of lead would weigh much more than a cup of feathers. In baking, a cup of dense granulated sugar (200g) weighs much more than a cup of airy all-purpose flour (120g).
One cup of all-purpose flour weighs approximately 120 grams when scooped correctly (using the 'spoon and level' method). Scooping directly with the cup compresses the flour, adding up to 20-30% more weight.
One standard US Customary cup of water weighs exactly 236.59 grams. In the metric system, a metric cup of water is exactly 250 grams.
It depends on the ingredient. For water, a half cup is 118.3 grams. For flour, it is 60 grams. For granulated sugar, it is 100 grams.
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