Cups to Grams Calculator
Convert cups to grams using ingredient density.
Flour ~120, sugar ~200, water ~237
Results update as you type.
How it works
Recipes written in cups can be frustratingly imprecise, and this calculator converts cups to grams so you can weigh ingredients for consistent results. You enter the number of cups and the ingredient's density in grams per cup, and it returns the weight in grams and ounces. The conversion multiplies cups by grams per cup, but the key is that grams per cup differs greatly by ingredient: all-purpose flour is about 120 grams per cup, granulated sugar about 200, brown sugar packed about 220, butter about 227, and water about 237. Using the wrong density gives a wildly wrong weight, which is why the calculator lets you set the value for your specific ingredient. Weighing rather than scooping matters most in baking, where the ratio of flour to liquid and fat determines texture; a cup of flour can vary by 20 percent or more depending on how it is scooped and settled, but 120 grams is always 120 grams. Serious bakers keep a chart of common ingredient densities or use a kitchen scale with recipes given by weight. For everyday cooking the precision matters less, but for cakes, breads, and pastries it can make the difference between success and failure. Enter the cups and grams per cup to convert to grams.
Grams = cups × grams per cup
To convert a volume in cups to a weight in grams, multiply the number of cups by the ingredient's density in grams per cup. Because different ingredients have very different densities, the grams-per-cup value must match the specific ingredient for an accurate conversion.
Source:Volume-to-weight conversion
We review all our tools from time to time to ensure accuracy.
Worked example
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter your values
Enter cups.
- 2
Adjust the options
Adjust grams per cup if they apply — sensible defaults are already set.
- 3
Read your result
Weight updates instantly as you type — no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert cups to grams?
Multiply the number of cups by the ingredient's density in grams per cup. For example, 2 cups of all-purpose flour at 120 grams per cup is 240 grams. Because each ingredient has a different density, you must use the correct grams-per-cup value for the specific ingredient you are measuring to get an accurate weight.
Why isn't there one cups-to-grams conversion?
Because grams measure weight and cups measure volume, and different ingredients have very different densities. A cup of flour weighs about 120 grams, but a cup of sugar weighs around 200 grams and a cup of water about 237 grams. So the conversion depends entirely on the ingredient, which is why you enter its grams-per-cup value.
What are common grams-per-cup values?
Useful approximate densities are: all-purpose flour about 120 grams per cup, granulated sugar about 200, packed brown sugar about 220, butter about 227, and water about 237. These vary slightly by source and how the ingredient is packed, so a kitchen scale and a recipe given by weight are the most reliable for precise baking.
Why should I weigh baking ingredients?
Volume measuring is imprecise, especially for flour, which can vary by 20 percent or more per cup depending on scooping and settling. That variation changes the flour-to-liquid ratio and can ruin delicate baked goods. Weighing in grams removes this inconsistency, giving repeatable results, which is why professional and serious home bakers weigh their ingredients.
Does the conversion change for sifted flour?
Yes. Sifted flour is aerated and less dense, so a cup of sifted flour weighs less than a cup scooped straight from the bag, often around 100 grams versus 120 or more. If a recipe specifies sifted flour, use a lower grams-per-cup value, or better, follow a weight given in the recipe to avoid the ambiguity entirely.